Patent ID: 8460308
Filing Date: 2013-06-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting and reducing a spinal rod into a fixation device assembly, comprising: assembling a fixation device assembly comprising a fixation device configured to be engaged with a bone and a rod receiver element having an outer surface comprising a pair of opposed longitudinal channels, each channel intersected cross-wise by a slot; coupling a cannula assembly to the receiver element, the cannula assembly comprising: sliding the prongs of the insertion cannula into the longitudinal channels of the receiver element, wherein the flexible projecting element temporarily splays outward and subsequently passively recoils into latched engagement with the slots intersecting the longitudinal channels as the prongs slide into the channels; inserting the connecting rod into the opening; and moving the reduction cannula distally toward the fixation device while the insertion cannula maintains the fixation device assembly in a desired position.