MINIMALLY INVASIVE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLACING FACET SCREWS AND FUSING ADJACENT VERTEBRAE

摘要

A minimally invasive apparatus for placing screws across a facet joint between first and second vertebrae comprises a first K-wire for inserting into a spinous process of the first vertebrae and a first fixation block removably connected to the first K-wire. The apparatus has a second K-wire for inserting into a transverse process of the second vertebrae and a second fixation block removably connected to the second K-wire. A first rod member is removably connected to both of the first and second fixation blocks. A support apparatus further secures the first and second K-wires to the first and second vertebrae. The apparatus has a cannula that enables implantation of the translaminar screws across a facet joint between the first and second vertebrae.