Patent ID: 8337532

Claim:
A method of percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct implanted in a patient having at least two bone engaging implants engaged to corresponding spinal segments and interconnected ipsilaterally by an existing spinal rod, comprising the steps of: making a first small incision through the skin of the patient; percutaneously passing a rod connector and an elongate first extension releasably attached to said rod connector through said first incision until said rod connector is adjacent said existing spinal rod in a top-loading position; without disturbing said existing spinal construct and from said top-loading position, percutaneously attaching said rod connector to said existing spinal rod by rotating a portion of said rod connector to engage said existing spinal rod, said portion of said rod connector being rotated upon rotation of said first elongate extension from outside the skin of said patient; percutaneously engaging an additional bone engaging implant to an additional bony segment by manipulating an elongate second extension releasably attached to said additional implant; and placing an additional spinal rod subcutaneously to said rod connector and said additional implant using said first and second extensions as guides.