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 at least one extended tab connected thereto, the at least one extended tab defining an open central portion and a central longitudinal axis;
• an elongate stabilization member extending from a proximal end to a distal end;
• and
• a stabilization member insertion device releasably and rotatably linked to the elongate stabilization member, the stabilization member insertion device including an outer guide tube having a longitudinal axis and having an elongate body extending from a first end to a second end and having a central longitudinal opening extending therethrough, a pin assembly including a pin extending through the central longitudinal opening of the outer guide tube, the pin having a first end engaged with a thumb wheel and a second end configured to engage a clamping element, and a pusher member extending through the central longitudinal opening of the outer guide tube having a first end connected to a handle and a second end connected to the clamping element, wherein the stabilization member insertion device is configured and dimensioned to be received within the open central portion such that the insertion device is moveable along the central longitudinal axis;
• and
• a clamping element including first and second clamping members engaged with the pin, wherein the pusher member linearly moves to cause the clamping element to pivot,
• wherein rotation of the thumb wheel in a first direction moves the pin linearly along the direction of the longitudinal axis engaging a portion of the clamping element such that the clamping element is in a locked position, and when the thumb wheel is rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the pin is linearly retracted and disengages from the clamping element such that the clamping element is in an unlocked position,
• wherein the elongate stabilization member is deliverable in a first orientation substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the open central portion;
• and, independent of movement along the central longitudinal axis, the elongate 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.

A minimally invasive vertebral stabilization system, comprising:

• an anchor deliverable to a vertebral body of a patient with at least one extended tab connected thereto, the at least one extended tab including a first extension element connected to the first anchor at a break point and a second extension element connected to the first extension element, and the at least one extended tab defining an open central portion and a central longitudinal axis;
• an elongate stabilization member extending from a proximal end to a distal end;
• and
• a stabilization member insertion device releasably and rotatably linked to the proximal end of the elongate stabilization member, the stabilization member insertion device including an outer guide tube having a longitudinal axis and having an elongate body extending from a first end to a second end and having a central longitudinal opening extending therethrough, a pin assembly including a pin extending through the central longitudinal opening of the outer guide tube, the pin having a first end engaged with a thumb wheel and a second end configured to engage a clamping element, and a pusher member extending through the central longitudinal opening of the outer guide tube having a first end connected to a handle and a second end connected to the clamping element, wherein the stabilization member insertion device is configured and dimensioned to be received within the open central portion such that the insertion device is moveable along the central longitudinal axis;
• and
• a clamping element including first and second clamping members engaged with the pin, wherein the pusher member linearly moves to cause the clamping element to pivot,
• wherein rotation of the thumb wheel in a first direction moves the pin linearly along the direction of the longitudinal axis engaging a portion of the clamping element such that the clamping element is in a locked position, and when the thumb wheel is rotated in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, the pin is linearly retracted and disengages from the clamping element such that the clamping element is in an unlocked position,
• wherein the elongate stabilization member is cantilevered off the stabilization member insertion device such that at least a portion of the elongate stabilization member is positioned outside the second extension element of the at least one extended tab, and
• wherein the elongate stabilization member is deliverable in a first orientation substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the open central portion;
• and, independent of movement along the central longitudinal axis, the elongate 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 proximate to the anchor.