Patent ID: 7875031
Filing Date: 2011-01-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for providing access to a spine of a patient, the system comprising a post-type access device insertable into a first location of the patient's spine said access device comprising: a cage comprising a bottom portion configured to receive a bone fixation element and prevent the bone fixation element from passing entirely therethrough and first and second side portions extending from said bottom portion parallel to each other and forming a channel configured to receive a spine stabilization element and a locking element, wherein receipt of the locking element by the side portions causes locking of the relative positions of the bone fixation element and the stabilization element; first and second elongated posts extending from said first side portion and third and fourth elongated posts extending from said second side portion and wherein said elongated posts are arranged to permit passage of said stabilization element along any direction transverse to a central axis of the access device; a support ring attached to proximal ends of said elongated posts; and a first semi-ring configured to be attached to and connect said first and second elongated posts along a direction transverse to said central axis, and a second semi-ring configured to be attached to and connect said third and fourth elongated posts along a direction transverse to said central axis.