Patent ID: 8496660

Claim:
A method for forming a channel in one or more segments of a bony structure or adjacent vertebra of a spine, said method comprising the steps of: positioning a frame assembly proximal the treatment or surgical site, the frame assembly including a base member, a support arm extending proximally from the base member, an arcuate guide member slidably mounted to the support arm; and a drill assembly operatively coupled to the support arm and including a drill bit; securing the frame assembly to one segment of the bone or bony structure or adjacent vertebra; and rotating a drill bit in fixed relation to the support arm of the frame assembly; moving the drill assembly distally relative to the base member and support arm so that the arcuate guide member slides with respect to the support arm and forces the drill bit to traverse an arcuate path to form the channel in the surface or sub-surface of the bone, bony structure or vertebra, wherein the arcuate guide member includes at least one guide rail defining an arcuate channel dimensioned and configured for receiving a guide pin operatively associated with the support arm to slidably mount the arcuate guide member to the support arm.