SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM INSTRUMENTATION AND METHOD OF USING SAME

摘要

A method for performing spinal fixation and instrumentation for accomplishing the same is disclosed. The spinal fixation system and instruments may include an insertion guide operably connected to a screw or hook for insertion into a vertebrae. The insertion guide may have first and second longitudinal slots creating flexible arms for attachment to the screw. The slots are preferably sufficiently wide to permit the insertion of a spinal rod therethrough to be received in a channel in the screw. The insertion guide has a bore and preferably is sized to be inserted through a minimally sized passageway to the vertebrae. A sleeve may be positioned into one insertion guide in a first position to guide a rod through at least one other insertion guide. The sleeve may be rotated to a second position to allow the rod to move down the slots of the insertion guide(s) and into the head portion of the screw. Holding instruments to facilitate placement and angulation of the rod are also disclosed.