Patent ID: 8105362

Claim:
A spinal rod implantation system to be used with a plurality of pedicle screws to be secured to respective pedicles of a patient's spine, each pedicle screw having a spinal rod channel therethrough, the spinal rod implantation system comprising: a plurality of extenders, each comprising an inner member having a distal end, and an outer member surrounding said inner member and being slidable relative thereto to permit removable coupling of the distal end of said inner member to a respective pedicle screw, said inner member and said outer member comprising respective features defining a first joint permitting at least partial relative rotation to provide a first degree of rotational freedom; a plurality of extender heads, each pivotally coupled to a proximal end of a respective outer member to define a second joint providing a second degree of rotational freedom; and a spinal rod insertion assembly coupled to said plurality of extender heads for guiding the spinal rod through the spinal rod channels of the plurality of pedicle screws.