SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING MINIMALLY-INVASIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURES

摘要

Systems and methods for performing surgical procedures on bone structures located within body tissue including an expandable conduit (22) comprising a wall portion (22) defining an internal passage therethrough and an initial configuration having a first cross-sectional area at a distal portion (24) thereof for percutaneous insertion into the body tissue. The wall portion (22) is movable against the body tissue to a second configuration having an enlarged cross-sectional area at the distal portion (22) thereof. An elongated member (650) and a first and second fastener (600) are configured for insertion into the internal passage. The first and second fasteners (600) are configured for fixation to the bone portion. The fastener (600) defines a recess for receiving the elongated member (650) therein. A driver member (660) is used to secure the clamping member (610) to the housing (604). The first and second bone portions are preferably first and second vertebrae.