Patent ID: 8075591
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for implanting a spinal fixation system, comprising: positioning a spinal fixation element within a patient's body to extend along a patient's spinal column adjacent to a plurality of vertebrae prior to implanting any spinal anchors; positioning at least one targeting member outside the patient's body and relative to a target implant site on a vertebra, the at least one targeting member being movably disposed on a support rod that is spaced a distance apart from and extends substantially parallel to the spinal fixation element; aligning the at least one targeting member relative to the target implant site using an imaging device to determine an implant site on at least one vertebra proximate to the spinal fixation element after positioning the spinal fixation element to extend along a patient's spinal column adjacent to a plurality of vertebrae; implanting at least one spinal anchor at the implant site on at least one vertebra; and coupling the spinal fixation element to the at least one spinal anchor wherein coupling the spinal fixation element to the at least one spinal anchor comprises approximating the spinal fixation element toward the spinal anchor; wherein approximating the spinal fixation element toward the at least one spinal anchor comprises engaging the spinal fixation element and the spinal anchor with a grasping tool to pull the spinal fixation element toward the spinal anchor.