Patent ID: 7914558

Claim:
A method of implanting a spinal stabilization system, comprising the steps of: forming an incision at a desired site through skin of a patient; providing a first bone fastener assembly, the first bone fastener assembly comprising a first bone screw and a first collar, the first collar coupled to the first bone screw; providing a first sleeve, the first sleeve having a first proximal end region and a first distal end region with a first passage defined therebetween, the first sleeve defining a first channel in communication with the first passage along at least a portion of a length of the first sleeve; providing a second bone fastener assembly, the second bone fastener assembly comprising a second bone screw and a second collar, the second collar coupled to the second bone screw; detachably coupling the first distal end region of the first sleeve with the first collar of the first bone fastener assembly; anchoring the first bone fastener assembly to a first vertebral body at a first target location, the first distal end region of the first sleeve being disposed proximate the first bone fastener assembly; anchoring the second bone fastener assembly to a second vertebral body at a second target location; providing an elongate member, the elongate member having a first end and a second end; inserting the elongate member through the incision and along the first passage to a position proximate the first collar; positioning the elongate member to a position proximate the second collar; securing the first end of the elongate member to the first collar; and securing the second end of the elongate member to the second collar.