Patent ID: 8641739
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct implanted in a patient having at least two bone engaging implants engaged to corresponding spinal segments and interconnected ipsilaterally by an existing spinal rod, comprising the steps of: targeting the existing spinal rod to establish an attachment location of said existing rod in said patient at a location other than at the location of either of said at least two bone engaging implants; creating a percutaneous access path through the tissue of said patient to said existing spinal rod based on the attachment location of said existing rod position; and percutaneously attaching through said access path a rod connector to said existing spinal rod at said attachment location, said rod connector having a first portion for engagement with said existing spinal rod and a second portion articulatingly attached to said first portion, said first portion including thereon a projecting rod engagement member rotated together with said first portion about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said existing spinal rod when the rod connector is placed at the attachment location to place said rod engagement member in engagement with said existing spinal rod, said rod engagement member engaging a top side of said existing spinal rod upon placement of said rod connector at the attachment location and engaging an opposite underside of said existing spinal rod upon rotation of said rod engagement member together with said first portion, said second portion being releasably secured to an elongate extension, said rod connector being manipulated through said access path by said extension to engage said existing spinal rod.