Patent ID: 6616663
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method of loading a bone anchor into a bone-anchor inserter, the bone anchor having a shank with a distal end, the method comprising the steps of:providing a bone-anchor loading device configured to releasably retain a bone anchor by the distal end of the shank; loading a bone anchor into the loading device and causing retention of the bone anchor therein; coupling the loading device with the inserter so as to seat the bone anchor within the inserter; and operating the loading device to release the seated bone anchor into the inserter. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the bone-anchor loading device comprises:a main body including a gripping portion and, projecting therefrom, an elongated bone-anchor receiving member having a receiver fitting at a distal end thereof an elongated sleeve coaxially disposed over the anchor-receiving member and configured for slidable translation thereover; and an interference fitting causing engagement between the sleeve and the anchor-receiving member when the sleeve is translated to an interference position with respect to the main body, the engagement further causing the receiver fitting to d1form to releasably secure a bone anchor.