Patent ID: 7625381
Filing Date: 2009-12-01
Classification: A61B,A61F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for positioning a plate adjacent a spinal column of a patient, comprising: accessing at least two vertebrae of the spinal column; positioning a compression instrument adjacent the at least two vertebrae; providing the plate with a perimeter; extending a first engaging portion of the compression instrument through the plate, and penetrating one of the at least two vertebrae with the first engaging portion; positioning a second engaging portion of the compression instrument beyond the perimeter of the plate, and penetrating another of the at least two vertebrae with the second engaging portion; holding the plate along a longitudinal axis of the plate with the compression instrument; moving the first and second engaging portions toward one another from a first position wherein only one of the first and second engaging portions engages the plate to a second position wherein both of the first and second engaging portions engage the plate; moving the at least two vertebrae relative to one another using the compression instrument; and positioning the plate relative to the at least two vertebrae.