Pedicle screw assembly

Abstract

A medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure (e.g., bone). A screw assembly is provided that is comprised of a base, an arm, and an interconnection means for coupling the base to the arm. The interconnection means allows the arm to be positionable in a first position that is parallel to a long axis of the base and positionable in a second position that is perpendicular to the long axis of the base. The base is configured for attachment to a structure and the arm configured for attachment to a support structure. A support structure is provided that includes one or more receivers having locking means, which can be configured as an open-ended saddle for attachment to a medical device (e.g., a screw assembly). The support structure is configured to receive one or more medical devices and lock the medical devices to the support structure after installation in a patient.

1 - 36 . (canceled) 
   
   
       37 . A method of supporting the spine, the method comprising the steps of:
 1) delivering to bone, two screw assemblies having arms, bases and interconnection means;   2) delivering to the vicinity of bone, a support structure having two receivers having locking means for the arms of the screw assemblies;   3) deploying the arms of the screw assemblies; and   4) engaging the locking means of the receivers to secure the arms of the screw assemblies to the support structure.   
   
   
       38 . A method of supporting the spine, the method comprising the steps of:
 1) delivering to bone, two screw assemblies having arms, bases and interconnection means;   2) delivering to bone, a support structure having a central aperture with a locking means and an anchor, and two receivers having locking means for the arms of the screw assemblies;   3) deploying the arms of the screw assemblies; and   4) engaging the locking means of the receivers to secure the arms of the screw assemblies to the support structure.   
   
   
       39 . A method of supporting the spine, the method comprising the steps of:
 1) delivering to bone, a screw assembly having an arm, base and interconnection means;   2) delivering to bone, a support structure having a central aperture with a locking means and an anchor, and a receiver having locking means for the arm of a screw assembly;   3) deploying the arm of the screw assembly; and   4) engaging the locking means of the receiver to secure the arm of the screw assembly to the support structure.   
   
   
       40 - 44 . (canceled)