Patent ID: 8333770
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: A61B,H04N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for performing spine stabilization through an opening in skin of a patient, comprising: a first screw having a screw head, the first screw configured to be implanted in a first vertebra; a first guiding element comprising an adjustable height component, wherein the first guiding element is configured to be detachably connected to the first screw, and wherein the adjustable height component is configured to adjust the height of the first guiding element before it is detached from the first screw; a second screw having a screw head, the second screw configured to be implanted in a second vertebra; a second guiding element configured to be detachably connected to the second screw; and a spinal implant sized and configured to be delivered down one or both of the first and second guiding elements, the spinal implant having a first portion that is configured to be fixed to the first screw head and a second portion that is configured to be fixed to the second screw head; wherein the first screw with the first guiding element and the second screw with the second guiding element are configured to be delivered into the first and second vertebra, respectively, and the adjustable height component of the first guiding element is adjustable to reduce a height of the first guiding element at or below a level of the skin opening to allow the second guiding element to extend through the skin opening when the second screw is implanted in the second vertebra.