Patent ID: 8591515

Claim:
A spinal rod implantation tool assembly comprising: a) an elongate guide tool having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface, a channel with a lateral opening extending through the outer surface and along the longitudinal axis, and an end configured for releaseable attachment to a spinal implant bone screw; b) an elongate installation tool having a translation nut and attached sleeve, the translation nut being coaxial and freely rotatable with respect to the sleeve, the nut configured for rotatable attachment to the guide tool, the sleeve partially extending around the guide tool and coaxial therewith when the nut and guide tool are attached; and c) a driver having a handle, a guide tool attachment portion and a stem, the stem having an end configured for rotatable engagement with a spinal implant, the driver in coaxial relationship with both the guide tool and the installation tool when the stem is disposed within the guide tool and the guide tool is attached to the installation tool, the attachment portion being configured for rigid attachment to the guide tool.