Patent ID: 8551142

Claim:
A method, comprising: providing a system comprising: a seat having a first end and a second end, at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, at least one rod channel formed in the sidewall and a top opening at the first end; a coupler retained inside the seat; the coupler having a rod receiving portion and a screw receiving portion; and a bone screw retained inside the screw receiving portion of the coupler; delivering the system into a patient; inserting the bone screw into a bone of the patient; providing a rod having a first end and a second end; delivering the rod into the patient; pivotally connecting the first end of the rod to the rod receiving portion of the coupler following delivery of the rod into the patient; pivoting the rod into position; providing a closure mechanism; and delivering the closure mechanism into the patient to close the top opening of the seat.