US Patent 7476240 Devices and methods for inserting a spinal fixation element

A method for introducing a spinal fixation element between two bone anchors includes engaging a spinal fixation element to a shaft of an instrument, positioning the shaft of the instrument through a sidewall opening of a first percutaneous access device connected to a first bone anchor and through a side wall opening of a second percutaneous access device connected to a second bone anchor, the spinal fixation element extending in an orientation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of at least one of the first percutaneous access device and the second percutaneous access device, and pivoting the instrument to change the orientation of the spinal fixation element and position the spinal fixation element in proximity to the first bone anchor and in proximity to the second bone anchor.