Patent ID: 7909830
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for performing spinal fixation comprising: an elongated fixation member; a first screw including a threaded shaft portion and a head portion polyaxially coupled to the shaft portion, the head portion including a U-shaped channel for receiving the elongated fixation member; a first insertion guide having an elongated body, a proximal end, a distal end, a first longitudinal slot, a second longitudinal slot diametrically opposed to the first longitudinal slot, and a bore extending from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the first and second longitudinal slots extend from the distal end towards the proximal end of the first insertion guide; a first guide sleeve having an elongated body having a side wall, a proximal end, a distal end, a first longitudinal opening in the side wall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end of the first guide sleeve, a first opening in the side wall intersecting the first longitudinal opening at an angle, a second longitudinal opening in the side wall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end of the first guide sleeve, a second opening in the side wall intersecting the second longitudinal opening at an angle, and a passageway extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the first guide sleeve being sized and configured to fit within the bore of the first insertion guide, the first guide sleeve being rotatable with respect to the first insertion guide between a first position and a second position; a second screw including a threaded shaft portion and a head portion polyaxially coupled to the shaft portion, the head portion including a U-shaped channel for receiving the elongated fixation member; a second insertion guide having an elongated body, a proximal end, a distal end, a first longitudinal slot, a second longitudinal slot diametrically opposed to the first longitudinal slot, and a bore extending from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the first and second longitudinal slots extend from the distal end towards the proximal end of the second insertion guide; a second guide sleeve having an elongated body having a side wall, a proximal end, a distal end, a first longitudinal opening in the side wall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end of the second guide sleeve, a first opening in the side wall intersecting the first longitudinal opening at an angle, a second longitudinal opening in the side wall extending from the distal end towards the proximal end of the second guide sleeve, a second opening in the side wall intersecting the second longitudinal opening at an angle, and a passageway extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the second guide sleeve being sized and configured to fit within the bore of the second insertion guide, the second guide sleeve being rotatable with respect to the second insertion guide between a first position and a second position; wherein: