Patent ID: 8016832
Filing Date: 2011-09-13
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A system for implantation of a spinal stabilization system comprising: a vertebral anchor adapted to receive a connecting element and having a threaded shaft adapted to be screwed into a vertebrae, the threaded shaft having a central longitudinal axis, the vertebral anchor including a top portion defining a channel extending therethrough, the top portion having a perimeter and a first engaging element; and an installation tool having an elongate shaft and a handle extending at an angle from the elongate shaft, the installation tool including a second engaging element extending from a distal end surface of a straight distal portion of the elongate shaft which is configured to engage with said first engaging element, the second engaging element extending along a first longitudinal axis and the straight distal portion of the elongate shaft extending along a second longitudinal axis non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis; wherein the elongate shaft includes an elongate slot aligned with the second longitudinal axis which extends from the distal end surface of the elongate shaft through the straight distal portion of the elongate shaft to a location proximate the handle, the elongate slot having a length sufficient to extend exterior of a patient when the installation tool is coupled to the vertebral anchor, the elongate slot being in communication with the channel of the top portion of the vertebral anchor when the second engaging element is engaged with the first engaging element; wherein said first engaging element is configured to slidably receive said second engaging element in a direction along said first longitudinal axis; and wherein the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft and the second longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft.