Surgical devices and methods for vertebral shifting utilizing spinal fixation systems

Abstract

Multifunction surgical devices and methods that can be used for implanting a spinal fixation system. Surgical devices of the invention can be used for positioning a bone engaging element with respect to a component of a spinal fixation system and for attaching the bone engaging element to the component of the spinal fixation system. Generally, surgical devices of the invention include a translating member and an attachment device. The translating member can be attached to a bone engaging element implanted in a vertebra, such as a pedicle screw or hook or the like. The translating member can be driven with a driving device to translate the bone engaging element with respect to a component of a spinal fixation system such as a connector or the like. The bone engaging element can be translated to an attachment position with respect to the connector or other component. An attachment device can then be used to attach the bone engaging element to the connector with a fastener such as a nut or the like.