Non-linear anchor inserter device and bone anchors

A screw-type anchor inserter comprising:

• a) a handle;
• b) a rigid body connected to said handle, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being connected to said handle at said first end;
• c) a screw-holding adapter means secured to said body at said second end, said body and said handle together forming a non-linear shape such that said second end is substantially parallel to said handle;
• and,
• d) a power drive means connected to said screw-holding adapter means for providing rotational torque to said screw-holding adapter means.

A medical bone anchor inserter comprising:

• a) a handle;
• b) a rigid body having a first end and a second end, said body being connected to said handle at said first end;
• c) a staple-holding head secured to said body for holding a staple having a leading tip, said stable-holding head being secured at said second end, said handle and body forming a non-linear shape such that said handle is substantially parallel to said second end;
• and,
• d) a power drive means in said body for providing driving force to said staple holding head.

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising:

• a) a handle;
• b) a body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end, said body and said handle together forming a non-linear shape;
• (c) an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip;
• and,
• d) a retractable shield for protecting the leading tip of the bone anchor held in said anchor housing.

A medical device for installing a bone anchor into a patient, comprising:

• a) a handle, said handle being located at the proximal end of said medical device;
• b) a rigid body, said body having a first end and a second end, said body being attached to said handle at said first end;
• c) an anchor housing, said anchor housing being located at said second end of said body and at the distal end of said medical device, said anchor housing having means for holding a bone anchor having a leading tip;
• and,
• d) wherein said body and said handle together form a non-linear shape such that said handle is substantially parallel to said second end.