Systems and methods for manipulating and/or installing a pedicle screw

A method for compressing at least two vertebrae together, comprising:

• securing a first spinal screw assembly to a first vertebrae;
• securing a second spinal screw assembly to a second vertebrae;
• receiving a portion of a fixation rod in each spinal screw assembly, wherein a first end of the fixation rod includes a first engagement portion for positioning adjacent the first spinal screw assembly and wherein a second end of the fixation rod is positioned adjacent the second spinal screw assembly;
• pulling, from the second end of the fixation rod, wherein the second end of the fixation rod moves relative to the second screw assembly moving in a direction away from both the first and second screw assemblies, and wherein the distance between the first screw assembly and the second screw assembly is decreased.

A spinal screw assembly system comprising:

• a nested dilation tube assembly for enabling implantation of a spinal screw assembly into a vertebrae, the dilation assembly comprising:
• a plurality of dilation tubes of increasing diameter, each comprising an elongated cylindrical shaft, wherein
• each dilation tube includes an outer diameter slightly larger than a preceding dilation tube;
• the plurality of dilation tubes after being inserted into a body form a nested, concentric assembly enabling an opening placed in the spinal area and/or vertebrae to be enlarged up to the outer diameter of a last dilation tube;
• and
• inner dilation tubes are capable of being removed from outer dilation tubes such that the inner diameter of an inner most remaining dilation tube forms a space for receiving a spinal screw assembly for implantation into a vertebrae;
• a spinal screw assembly adapted to be secured to a vertebrae, the assembly comprising:
• a pedicle screw having a head, a threaded shaft portion, and an engagement surface in the head portion for driving the screw into the vertebrae;
• a body member for receiving the head portion of the screw, the body member including:
• a base from which the threaded shaft portion projects;
• a tower portion;
• a pair of opposed slots therein adapted to receive a portion of a fixation rod therebetween;
• and
• a break-away section provided between the base and the tower portion allowing the tower portion to be removed from the base subsequent to installation;
• and
• a compressor tool for compressing together at least two vertebrae, the compressor tool comprising:
• a shaft having a first end for engaging the screw assembly, and
• a lever having a first end and a second end, wherein
• the first end being movably attached to the first end of the shaft and including an engagement portion for engaging an end of a fixation rod positioned within the screw assembly when the lever is in a first position prior to compression.

A method for implanting a spinal screw assembly comprising:

• forming an opening in the spine to implant a spinal screw assembly, the opening being formed using a nested dilation tube assembly, wherein the dilation assembly comprises:
• a plurality of dilation tubes of increasing diameter, each comprising an elongated cylindrical shaft, wherein
• each dilation tube includes an outer diameter slightly larger than a preceding dilation tube;
• the plurality of dilation tubes after being inserted into a body form a nested, concentric assembly enabling an opening placed in the spinal area and/or vertebrae to be enlarged up to the outer diameter of a last dilation tube;
• and
• inner dilation tubes are capable of being removed from outer dilation tubes such that the inner diameter of an inner most remaining dilation tube forms a space for receiving a spinal screw assembly for implantation into a vertebrae;
• inserting a first spinal screw assembly into the inner most remaining dilation tube, the assembly comprising:
• a pedicle screw having a head, a threaded shaft portion, and an engagement surface in the head portion for driving the screw into the vertebrae;
• a body member for receiving the head portion of the screw, the body member including:
• a base from which the threaded shaft portion projects;
• a tower portion;
• a pair of opposed slots therein adapted to receive a portion of a fixation rod therebetween;
• and
• a break-away section provided between the base and the tower portion allowing the tower portion to be removed from the base subsequent to installation.