Patent ID: 7713291
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for stabilizing vertebrae using a vertebral stabilization assembly, the method comprising: inserting a vertebral screw into a vertebra from an anterior side of the vertebra, the vertebral screw comprising a shaft with a threaded portion configured to threadingly engage the vertebra such that a portion of the threaded portion of the shaft engages a vertebral body portion of the vertebra, the shaft of the vertebral screw comprising an engaging portion configured to receive a connecting screw, and the shaft of the vertebral screw comprising a coupling portion configured to couple with a guide member; locating the coupling portion of the shaft of the vertebral screw from an anterior side of the vertebra; coupling the guide member to the coupling portion of the shaft of the vertebral screw from the anterior side of the vertebra; and inserting a connecting screw through the anterior side of the vertebra using the guide member while the guide member is coupled to the coupling portion of the shaft of the vertebral screw, the connecting screw comprising a first end configured to be received by and terminated at the engaging portion of the vertebral screw within the vertebral body of the vertebra.