Percutaneous rod insertion system and method

A kit for guiding the insertion of a spinal fixation rod, the kit comprising:

• a rod guidance instrument comprising:
• a sleeve having a handle end and a rod engagement end opposite the handle end, the sleeve comprising a midsection between the handle end and the spinal rod engagement end;
• and
• an elongated guide member attached to the midsection of the sleeve;
• and a spinal fixation rod pivotally mounted to the rod engagement end of the sleeve,
• wherein the rod guidance instrument comprises a slide actuator that is axially displaceable over the sleeve between a first position, which pivots the spinal fixation rod to a raised position, and a second position, which pivots the spinal fixation rod to a lowered position;
• a plurality of extension tubes;
• and
• a first tube connector and a second tube connector, wherein each tube connector includes a ring surrounding a corresponding extension tube, and wherein the first tube connector further comprises a connector sleeve extending away from the ring of the first tube connector and the second tube connector further comprises a connector arm extending away from the ring of the second tube connector, wherein the connector arm of the second tube connector is inserted in and encompassed by the connector sleeve of the first tube connector, and wherein the connector arm is pivotable relative to the ring of the second tube connector.