Patent ID: 7749233
Filing Date: 2010-07-06
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An assembly for use during minimally invasive spinal stabilization surgery comprising: a slotted inner sleeve that couples to a polyaxial screw, the coupling configured to prevent longitudinal motion and rotation of a head of the polyaxial screw with respect to the slotted inner sleeve, a slotted outer sleeve that slides over said inner sleeve and a portion of said polyaxial screw to prevent the coupling between said inner sleeve and said polyaxial screw from becoming disengaged during surgery, said outer sleeve comprising a lower section shorter than said inner sleeve, and an upper extension extending from said lower section, wherein said lower section is configured for insertion entirely within an incision with only said upper extension and said inner sleeve projecting outside the incision, and wherein said lower section includes a tapered trailing edge.