Patent ID: 8888822
Filing Date: 2014-11-18
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for performing surgery, comprising: providing a pedicle screw apparatus having a first end portion of a pedicle screw extender engaged with a fixation rod receiving body of a pedicle screw assembly, wherein the pedicle screw extender is engaged in a manner allowing simultaneous transfer of rotational torque applied thereto to a screw portion of the pedicle screw assembly and maintaining a longitudinal axis of the fixation rod receiving body in substantially coincidental alignment with a longitudinal axis of the screw portion; positioning a blade body within a minimally invasive access opening in tissue at a surgery site of a patient; anchoring the pedicle screw assembly to a bony structure of the patient through the minimally invasive access opening, wherein said anchoring includes using the pedicle screw extender to apply rotational torque to the screw portion of the pedicle screw assembly engaging the blade body with the pedicle screw extender in a manner limiting relative movement of the blade body relative to the pedicle screw extender; and decoupling the blade body from the blade body surround in conjunction with engaging the retractor attachment structure at the second end portion of the blade body with the blade body mounting structure of the retractor.