Importance

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Abstract

A system for introducing an elongated spinal rod comprising a bone fastener having a head, the head including a top end, a bottom end, and a pair of side walls connected at the bottom end defining an elongated U-shaped channel having a first longitudinal axis and a top opening located at the top end. The top opening and the channel further define a passageway configured for receiving the spinal rod and each side wall further defining a first end face and a second end face, the second end face opposite the first end face. A bone engaging element extends from the bottom end of the head for anchoring the bone fastener to the bone. The system further comprises a tool for introducing the rod into the U-shaped channel. The tool includes a first member having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is configured for guiding the rod through the passageway to introduce the rod into the U-shaped channel through the top opening. A second member defines a second longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The second member has first and second ends, the second end having a pair of jaws for securing the tool to one of the side walls of the head of the bone fastener such that second member is disposed outside of the passageway of the spinal rod, and preferably so as not to interfere with or block access to the top opening. The first member is operably associated with the second member such that the first member is pivotable with respect to the second member and linearly translatable in a direction parallel to the second longitudinal axis between the first and second ends of the second member along the second longitudinal axis for introducing the spinal rod through the top opening into the passageway.

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First Claim