Patent ID: 8632572

Claim:
A method of installing a spinal stabilization construct, comprising: installing first and second vertebral anchors onto first and second vertebrae, respectively, each vertebral anchor having an upwardly open channel adapted to receive a flexible connecting element extending between the first and second vertebrae; mounting first and second access members onto the first and second vertebral anchors, respectively, each access member having a cannula to provide access to the channel of the respective vertebral anchor; inserting the connecting element through a slot in the first access member; advancing the flexible connecting element from the slot in the first access member into the channel of the first vertebral anchor; securing the flexible connecting element to the channel of the first vertebral anchor with a first fastener; positioning a spacer on the connecting element adjacent the first vertebral anchor; inserting the flexible connecting element through a slot in the second access member; translating a tool along an exterior of the second access member without rotation to advance the flexible connecting element along the slot in the second access member into the channel in the second vertebral anchor; positioning the spacer between the vertebral anchors; and securing the flexible connecting element to the channel of the second vertebral anchor with a second fastener.