Patent ID: 7824429
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of providing spinal fixation, comprising the steps of: providing a fixation device that comprises a body having a first portion that forms a bone anchor and a second portion that forms a proximal end, the first and second portion of the body detachably coupled to each other at a junction; advancing the bone anchor of the fixation device through a facet of a first vertebra to position a distal tip of the bone anchor within a pedicle of a second vertebra; advancing a proximal anchor distally over retention structures on the body to reduce the distance between the bone anchor and the proximal anchor, thereby applying compression between the facet on the first vertebra and the second vertebra; and mechanically decoupling the second portion from the first portion after the proximal anchor is advanced distally along the fixation device.