Patent ID: 7563264

Claim:
A system for performing spine surgery, said system comprising: a first bone screw configured to be screwed into a first vertebra; a first collar rotatably coupled to the first bone screw, said first collar comprising a first slot; a second bone screw configured to be screwed into a second vertebra; a second collar rotatably coupled to the second bone screw, said second collar comprising a second slot; a rod, said rod having a width necessary to fit within the first slot and the second slot; a first sleeve comprising a first passage, said first passage extending longitudinally from a first end of the first sleeve to a second end of the first sleeve; a first closure member configured to be secured to the first collar for securing the rod within the first slot; a second sleeve comprising a second passage, said second passage extending longitudinally from a first end of the second sleeve to a second end of the second sleeve; a second closure member configured to be secured to the second collar for securing the rod within the second slot, wherein the first sleeve and the first collar comprise a first coupling system for coupling the first collar to the first sleeve, said first coupling system configured to provide a detachable mechanical coupling between an outer surface of the first collar and an inner surface of the first sleeve, wherein when the first collar is detachably coupled to the first sleeve, the first coupling system inhibits translational movement of the first sleeve relative to the first collar, wherein the second sleeve and the second collar comprise a second coupling system for coupling the second collar to the second sleeve, said second coupling system configured to provide a detachable mechanical coupling between an outer surface of the second collar and an inner surface of the second sleeve, wherein when the second collar is detachably coupled to the second sleeve, the coupling system inhibits translational movement of the second sleeve relative to the second collar, wherein the first passage is sized to permit the passage of a tool for securing the first closure member to the first collar, and wherein the second passage is sized to permit the passage of a tool for securing the second closure member to the second collar.