Patent ID: 8460301

Claim:
A system for minimally invasive surgery, comprising: at least one bone anchor including a distal bone engaging portion and a proximal receiving portion; at least one extender including a body extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion configured to releasably engage with said at least one bone anchor; a mounting assembly releasably engageable with said proximal end of said at least one extender, said mounting assembly including a receiving portion; an inserter instrument including a guide member and a connecting element engaging member axially movable relative to said guide member, said connecting element engaging member including an elongated shaft portion and a coupling portion pivotally coupled with said elongated shaft portion, said coupling portion including a receptacle structured to releasably receive an end portion of said connecting element; and wherein said inserter instrument is positionable in said receiving portion of said mounting assembly with said guide member positioned adjacent to said at least one extender such that said guide member guides a connecting element toward said proximal receiving portion of said at least one bone anchor as said connecting element engaging member is moved distally.