Patent ID: 8603146
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of inserting a spinal stabilization system into a patient, the method comprising: engaging a first anchor member to a first vertebra, the first anchor member including a housing having an open slot defined between opposing legs of the housing; engaging a second anchor member to a second vertebra, the second anchor member including a housing having an open slot defined between opposing legs of the housing; inserting a flexible element positioned within a sheath through a first incision at a first location on the patient's skin and along a path through the patient's body generally toward the second anchor member; moving an exposed first portion of the flexible element extending beyond a distal end of the sheath into the slot of the second anchor member and then securing the exposed first portion in the slot of the second anchor member; advancing a spacer over the flexible element such that the spacer is positioned between the first and second anchor members after the first portion of the flexible element is secured in the slot of the second anchor member; retracting the sheath proximally relative to the flexible element to expose a second portion of the flexible element after the first portion of the flexible element is secured in the slot of the second anchor member; and after advancing the spacer over the flexible element to a position between the first and second anchor members, moving the exposed second portion of the flexible element into the slot of the first anchor member and then securing the exposed second portion in the slot of the first anchor member.