| 摘要 |
<p>A method for internal fixation of vertebra (10) of the spine to facilitate graft fusion includes steps for excising the nucleus of an affected disc, preparing a bone graft, instrumenting the vertebrae for fixation, and introducing the bone graft into the resected nuclear space. Disc resection is conducted through two portals (26a and 26b) through the annulus (15), with one portal supporting resection instruments and the other supporting a viewing device. The fixation hardware includes bone screws (30), fixation plates (40), engagement nuts (42), and linking members (44). In an important aspect of the method, the fixation plates, engagement nuts and linking members are supported suprafascially but subcutaneously so that the fascia (22) and muscle tissue (23) are not damaged. The bone screw (30) is configured to support the fixation hardware above the fascia (22). In a further aspect of the invention, a three component dilator system (50) is provided for use during the bone screw implantation steps of the method.</p> |
