Patent ID: 7250052

Claim:
A method of implanting a spinal stabilization system, comprising: forming an incision at a desired site through skin of a patient; anchoring a first bone fastener assembly to a first vertebral body at a first target location, said first bone fastener assembly comprising a first bone screw and a first collar, said first collar coupled to the first bone screw; disposing a first sleeve between the incision and the first bone fastener assembly, the first sleeve having a first proximal end region and a first distal end region with a first passage defined therebetween, the first sleeve defining a first channel in communication with the first passage along at least portion of a length of the first sleeve the first distal end region being disposed proximate the first bone fastener assembly and the first proximal end region being disposed proximate the incision; anchoring a second bone fastener assembly to a second vertebral body at a second target location, said second bone fastener assembly comprising a second bone screw and a second collar, said second collar coupled to the second bone screw; disposing a second sleeve towards the second bone fastener assembly, the second sleeve having a second proximal end region and a second distal end region with a second passage defined therebetween, the second sleeve defining a second channel in communication with the second passage along at least a portion of a length of the second sleeve, the second distal end region being disposed proximate the second bone fastener assembly and the second proximal end region being disposed proximate the incision; inserting an elongate member through the incision and along the first passage to a position adjacent the first collar; and securing the elongate member to the first collar.