Patent ID: 7306603
Filing Date: 2007-12-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of stabilizing the spine of a patient, comprising the steps of: identifying and marking landmarks each corresponding to an entry point to respective pedicles of at least two vertebra of the spine; guiding screws each through a respective entry point into the respective pedicles of the at least two vertebra; guiding a pin, provided on a leading end of a connecting rod and extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis thereof, through a pair of aligned recesses formed in a screw head of a first screw to mount the connecting rod on the first screw; coupling the leading end of the connecting rod to the first screw head with the pin in a first position of the connecting rod, in which the connecting rod is aligned with the first screw; and displacing the connecting rod about the pin at the leading end thereof so that a trailing end of the connecting rod engages a second screw of a second vertebrae in a final position of the connecting rod.