Patent ID: 8657825
Filing Date: 2014-02-25
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for stabilizing bony structures comprising: attaching a first bone anchor with a first extender extending therefrom and having a receiving portion to a first vertebra; providing a second extender comprising an actuation member, an inner member and an outer member around the inner member, the actuation member being coupled to the outer member and comprising an inner surface defining a through hole comprising a first thread form, the inner member comprising first and second arms that are biased away from one another and an external portion comprising a second thread form; attaching a second bone anchor having a receiving portion to a second vertebra; positioning the second bone anchor between the arms such that the arms are spaced apart from the second bone anchor; rotating the actuation member relative to the inner member such that the first thread form engages the second thread form to axially displace the inner member relative to the outer member in a first direction such that the arms engage the second bone anchor and a channel of the inner member is aligned with a channel of the receiving portion of the second bone anchor; positioning a connecting element into a desired position relative to the first bone anchor and the second bone anchor and into a pathway defined in the second extender; delivering a securing member through a passage in the first extender; securing the connecting element in the receiving portion of the first bone anchor with the securing member; manipulating the second extender so that the connecting element is positioned in the channel of the inner member; moving the second vertebra toward the connecting element until the connecting element is seated in the channel in the receiving portion of the second bone anchor; securing the connecting element in the receiving portion of the second bone anchor; and disengaging the first extender from the first bone anchor and the second extender from the second bone anchor.