Patent ID: 8206421

Claim:
A method of limiting relative movement of vertebrae, the method comprising: inserting a first pedicle screw into a first pedicle of a first vertebra, the first pedicle screw comprising a first U-shaped channel running perpendicular to a first central axis of the first pedicle screw defining a first concave bottom surface and a first engagement structure; inserting a second pedicle screw into a second pedicle of a second vertebra, the second pedicle screw comprising a second U-shaped channel running perpendicular to a second central axis of the second pedicle screw defining a second concave bottom surface and a second engagement structure; inserting a guidewire through the first and second channels; threading a tether attached to an end of the guidewire through the first and second U-shaped channels such that at least a portion of the tether engages the first and second concave bottom surfaces; inserting a first set screw to engage the first engagement structure and secure the tether to the first pedicle screw; applying tension to the tether; and inserting a second set screw to engage the second engagement structure and secure the tether to the second pedicle screw.