Patent ID: 8690878
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for minimally invasive surgery, comprising: a connecting element including an elongated body extending between a leading end and an opposite trailing end; at least one bone anchor including a distal bone engaging portion and a proximal receiving portion comprising spaced apart arms defining a channel for receiving the trailing end of the connecting element; and at least one anchor extender with an elongated tubular body extending in a linear axial configuration along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion configured to releasably engage with said arms such that said distal end portion extends between said arms, said tubular body defining a passage between said proximal and distal end portions, wherein said tubular body defines a stiffness profile that allows said tubular body to bend to a non-linear axial configuration between said distal and proximal end portions in response to advancement of said connecting element into said passage along said longitudinal axis and in response to changes of orientations of said connecting element relative to said longitudinal axis while said connecting element is located in said passage.