Instruments and methods for stabilization of bony structures
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the conencting element in a position more proximate the anchors.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1-21. -21. (canceled)
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22. A minimally invasive surgical method, comprising:
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making an incision in a patient for accessing first and second bony elements;
placing through the incision first and second anchors coupled to first and second anchor extensions, respectively;
engaging the first and second anchors to the first and second bony elements, respectively;
mounting an inserter instrument on the first and second anchor extensions, the inserter instrument having a pivot axis relative to the anchors and further including a connecting element mounted thereon;
swinging the inserter instrument relative to the anchors about the pivot axis and thereby moving the connecting element through an arc centered on the pivot axis of the inserter instrument;
introducing an end of the connecting element into the patient from a location remote from the incision; and
positioning the connecting element proximate to the first and second anchors. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method of placing a connecting element in a patient, comprising:
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placing first and second anchors in first and second bony elements of the body through an incision in the patient;
mounting an installation instrument on the first and second anchors, the installation instrument having the connecting element secured thereto; and
moving the installation instrument to position the connecting element into the patient at a location remote from the incision. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36-49. -49. (canceled)
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50. A minimally invasive surgical method, comprising:
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making an incision in a patient for accessing first and second bony elements;
placing through the incision first and second anchors coupled to first and second anchor extensions, respectively;
engaging the first and second anchors to the first and second bony elements, respectively;
referencing a connecting element to proximal ends of the first and second anchor extensions extending through the incision;
moving the connecting element relative to the first and second anchor extensions from the proximal ends of the first and second anchor extensions to the first and second anchors;
introducing the connecting element into the first and second anchors; and
engaging the connecting element between the first and second anchors. - View Dependent Claims (51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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Specification