Patent ID: 9055934
Filing Date: 2015-06-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for coupling a spinal fixation system to a patient's spine, the method comprising the steps of: securing a plurality of fasteners to the patient's vertebrae, each fastener comprising a shaft configured to be inserted into a vertebra and a head including a housing configured to receive a fixation element; engaging the housing of each fastener to a distal end of one of a plurality of multipurpose tools, each tool having a proximal end, the distal end, and a shaft defining a passage between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the distal end is configured to engage the housing of the fastener; inserting a fixation element through the passages of the multipurpose tools and into the housings of the fasteners; placing a link assembly over the multipurpose tools, the link assembly including a plurality of elongated bodies each having a first end and a second end and an inner surface defining a passage extending therethrough, the passages configured to receive the multipurpose tools, wherein the second ends of adjacent elongated bodies are pivotally connected, wherein placing the link assembly over the multipurpose tools includes extending the proximal end of each multipurpose tool into an elongated body of the link assembly; adjusting an alignment of the vertebrae by moving at least one of the elongated bodies relative to another elongated body while the link assembly is in place over the multipurpose tools; and maintaining alignment of the multipurpose tools, and with the link assembly in place, inserting a securing member through each multipurpose tool and into each housing to secure the fixation element to the fasteners.