Patent ID: 7533672

Claim:
A method for coupling an elongate guide proximate a motion segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc of a spine wherein the elongate body has a first end and a second end, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming an entry incision to access the motion segment; (b) performing a surgical procedure on the motion segment; (c) coupling the elongate guide proximate the first end to the first vertebral body with a first attachment mechanism; (d) extending the guide along and over the motion segment; (e) coupling the elongate guide proximate the first end the second attachment mechanism spaced from the first attachment mechanism; to the motion segment using a second attachment mechanism; (f) folding the guide at least partially over itself at a first intermediate fold, the first intermediate fold located between the second end and the second attachment mechanism, the first intermediate fold oriented generally parallel to a cranial-caudal direction of the spine; (g) extending the second end of the guide toward the first end and away from the first intermediate fold, at least a portion of the elongate guide between the first intermediate fold and the second end overlying the first attachment mechanism and at least a portion of the guide between the first end and the first intermediate fold; (h) extending the second end toward the entry incision; (i) positioning the second end at a structure of the patient spaced from the motion segment; (j) closing the entry incision; (k) forming a subsequent entry incision to re-access the guide proximate the second end; (l) dissecting along the guide through a scar tissue mass to the motion segment; and (m) performing a revision surgical procedure on the motion segment.