Importance

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Abstract

A bone anchor installation tool is provided comprising a body having a distal end surface and a proximal end surface. An axial passageway extends between the distal end surface and the proximal end surface, with the distal end of the axial passageway being sized to receive at least a portion of a bone anchor. A shaft is slidably disposed within the axial passageway. The shaft is adapted to move between (i) a first retracted position wherein the shaft's distal end surface is withdrawn sufficiently far into the interior of the axial passageway so as to allow at least a portion of a bone anchor to be received therein, and (ii) a second extended position wherein the shaft's distal end surface projects out of the distal end of the axial passageway. A peripheral rib is formed on the exterior surface of the body so as to be yieldably engaged by a rib engaging element connected to the shaft as the shaft moves from its first retracted position to its second extended position. In use, when the shaft is in its first retracted position, the interaction of the peripheral rib and the rib engaging element will prevent the shaft from moving into its second extended position until a sufficient distally-directed force is applied to the shaft so as to cause the rib engaging element to yield out of engagement with the peripheral rib.

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First Claim