Devices and Methods for Inserting a Vertebral Fixation Member

A minimally invasive vertebral stabilization system, comprising:

• a first anchor deliverable to a vertebral body of a patient through a first opening with an access sleeve connected thereto, the access sleeve including a central channel extending therethrough and defining a first longitudinal axis;
• an elongate stabilization member extending form a proximal end to a distal end and defining a second longitudinal axis, wherein the stabilization member is positionable through the first sleeve to engage the first anchor;
• and
• a stabilization member insertion device releasably and rotatably linked to the stabilization member, the stabilization member insertion device configured and dimensioned to be received within the central channel such that the insertion device and stabilization member are moveable in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis to position the stabilization member adjacent the first anchor,
• wherein the stabilization member is releasably clampable to the insertion device between first and second clamping members at a clamping location spaced from the midline and wherein no portion of the clamping members extend beyond the perimeter of the stabilization member in a direction transverse to the second longitudinal axis,
• wherein the stabilization member is deliverable through the central channel in the access sleeve in a first orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access sleeve;
• and, independent of movement along the longitudinal axis, the stabilization member is rotatably actuatable by the stabilization member insertion device to extend in a second orientation angled with respect to the first orientation to position the stabilization member in relation to the first anchor.