Patent ID: 7731737

Claim:
A method of fixing adjoining vertebrae of the spine of a patient, comprising: inserting into said patient a single access device to a surgical location adjacent the spine with said access device in a first configuration having a first cross-sectional area at a distal portion thereof, said access device having a proximal portion pivotably attached to a distal portion; actuating said access device to a second configuration having an enlarged cross-sectional area at said distal portion thereof, such that said distal portion provides access to two or more facet joints; delivering a first fastener through the access device to the surgical location; advancing said first fastener through a first vertebra and into a second vertebra through a first facet joint; pivoting the proximal portion of said access device relative to the distal portion to change the angle of the access device to facilitate insertion of a second fastener; delivering said second fastener through said access device to the surgical location; and advancing said second fastener through said first vertebra and into said second vertebra through a second facet joint.