Patent ID: 9033988
Filing Date: 2015-05-19
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting a spinal rod into yokes of at least two pedicle screw assemblies, the method comprising: coaxially aligning a longitudinal axis of a distal portion of a spinal rod inserter shaft with a longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of an elongate spinal rod; connecting the distal portion of the spinal rod inserter shaft to the proximal portion of the spinal rod with the respective longitudinal axes generally coaxially aligned; keeping the connected spinal rod inserter shaft and spinal rod mechanically disconnected from first and second yoke manipulators connected to the yokes of the pedicle screw assemblies to allow the inserter shaft and spinal rod to be advanced along a mechanically unguided path outside of the first yoke manipulator toward the yoke of the pedicle screw assembly connected thereto; and passing a distal end portion of the spinal rod through entrance and exit openings of the first yoke manipulator and at least an entrance opening of the second yoke manipulator with the longitudinal axes of the spinal rod inserter shaft distal portion and the spinal rod proximal portion still generally coaxially aligned.