Patent ID: 8562654

Claim:
A method of attaching an additional rod to an existing spinal construct implanted in a patient having at least two bone engaging implants engaged to corresponding spinal segments and interconnected by an existing spinal rod, comprising the steps of: providing a rod connector releasably attached to a hollow elongate extension having a lumen extending therethrough, the rod connector comprising a first portion for engagement with said existing spinal rod and a second portion rotatably attached to said first portion, said second portion being releasably secured to said elongate extension such that said lumen communicates with said first portion, said second portion including a connecting portion projecting therefrom; creating an access path through the tissue of said patient to said existing spinal rod; and introducing said rod connector through said access path by manipulating said elongate extension from outside said patient and attaching said rod connector to said existing spinal rod at a location spaced distally from the location where said elongate extension and said second portion are secured by rotating said first portion of said rod connector independently from said second portion through the lumen of said extension about an axis of engagement that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of said existing spinal rod.