Abstract: Apparatus and instruments for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

Abstract: Apparatus and instruments for percutaneously extending an existing spinal construct ipsilaterally with an additional spinal construct in a patient are disclosed. The additional spinal construct comprises a rod connector that includes an elongate additional rod integrally attached thereto. The additional rod is placed through an access port in a first orientation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the access port and rotated to a different second orientation generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the access port. During such rotation the additional rod is moved subcutaneously beneath the skin of the patient from the existing spinal rod to an additional bone engaging implant. In another arrangement, the extension of an existing spinal construct in a minimally invasive procedure comprises a rod connector having an offset support for receiving an additional spinal rod that may be placed laterally interiorly or exteriorly of the existing spinal construct.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of spinal fixation system connectors and related methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a connector body is provided which comprises a slot configured to allow a spinal fixation rod to extend therethrough. The connector may also include a cap configured to be connected with the connector body and thereby circumscribe a portion of the rod. The cap may comprise at least two interior groove portions that may be configured to receive top portions of two opposing sidewalls on the connector body when the cap is engaged with the connector body.

Abstract: A rod-to-rod coupler includes a body having first and second coupler portions. Each coupler portion defines a concavity configured to receive a portion of an elongated spinal rod. A screw and nut assembly which includes a screw and a flanged nut is positioned adjacent each concavity. Each flanged nut has a flange portion which extends at least partially over one concavity. After the rod-to-rod coupler has been positioned with the concavities located over adjacent spinal rods, the screw can be rotated to move the flanged nut into engagement with a spinal rod to secure the spinal rod within a concavity. In one embodiment, one coupler portion is formed with a blind bore and the other coupler portion is formed with an extension which is slidably received within the blind bore. The extension is slidable within the blind bore to selectively adjust the distance between the concavities of the first and second coupler portions. A set screw is provided to secure the extension at a fixed position within the blind bore.