Patent ID: 8685063
Filing Date: 2014-04-01
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for restricting relative motion between a plurality of vertebrae of a spine in a patient's body, the method comprising: anchoring a first connecting element on a first vertebra, the first connecting element being connected to a first passageway device such that the first passageway device extends through a first skin incision; anchoring a second connecting element on a second vertebra, the second connecting element being connected to a second passageway device such that the second passageway device extends through a second skin incision, the second passageway device being located on a first side of the first passageway device along the spine; inserting a leading end of a rod into the body through the first passageway device; moving the leading end underneath an unbroken portion of skin on the first side of the first passageway device while a trailing end of the rod is positioned above the skin on a second side of the first passageway device, the second side being on an opposite side of the first passageway device from the first side along the spine; and securing the rod to the first and second connecting elements.