Stabilization system and method

Abstract

The disclosure relates to systems and methods of spinal stabilization. Embodiments include minimally invasive methods of delivering a rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile using a wire having an accommodating non-circular cross-sectional profile to inhibit movement of the rod relative to the wire. A rod or a segment of the rod having a non-circular cross-sectional profile may be aligned with the wire and advanced and coupled to bone fastener assemblies which are anchored in vertebrae. The rod is then securely seated in collars of the bone fastener assemblies to stabilize the spine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for stabilizing a portion of a spine, comprising:
 a connection member having a head, a base, and a neck connecting the head and base, the neck being narrower than the head and base; and   at least two bone fastener assemblies, each bone fastener assembly comprising a pedicle screw with a collar for coupling the connection member to adjacent vertebrae.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base of the connection member includes a curved portion. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the head of the connection member has a non-circular cross-section. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the head of the connection member has a flat upper surface. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the collar includes:
 two upwardly extending walls forming a passage having a profile for receiving a portion of the connection member; and   a threaded portion.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , further comprising a threaded closure member for engaging the threaded portion of the collar to couple the connection member in the passage. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the connection member includes more than one segment. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bone fastener assemblies are polyaxial. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the bone fastener assemblies are fixed angle. 
     
     
         10 . A system for stabilizing a portion of a spine, comprising:
 a connection member having a flat top, a curved base, and a neck connecting the flat top and curved base;   at least two bone fastener assemblies, each bone fastener assembly comprising:   a pedicle screw with a collar for coupling the connection member to a vertebra, the collar comprising:   two upwardly extending walls forming a passage having a profile for receiving a portion of the connection member; and   a threaded portion; and   a threaded closure member for engaging the threaded portion of the collar to couple the connection member in the passage.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the neck of the connection member is narrower than the flat top and curved base. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the connection member includes more than one segment. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the bone fastener assemblies are polyaxial. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the bone fastener assemblies are fixed angle.