Abstract: A screw placement guide tool for use in minimally invasive surgery has a proximal handle portion, an extension member extending distally from the handle portion, and an alignment element connected transversely to a distal portion of the extension member and having a screw placement guide located thereon. In this aspect of the invention, the tool is configured so that a surgeon may operate the tool using the handle portion external to a patient's body to align the alignment element with implanted screws so that the screw placement guide indicates a desired position for implantation of an additional screw. Systems and methods for placing a rod receiving screw are also provided.

Abstract: A screw placement guide tool for use in minimally invasive surgery has a proximal handle portion, an extension member extending distally from the handle portion, and an alignment element connected transversely to a distal portion of the extension member and having a screw placement guide located thereon. In this aspect of the invention, the tool is configured so that a surgeon may operate the tool using the handle portion external to a patient's body to align the alignment element with implanted screws so that the screw placement guide indicates a desired position for implantation of an additional screw. Systems and methods for placing a rod receiving screw are also provided.

Abstract: A compressor tool for use in minimally invasive surgery is provided having first and second elongate elements where each elongate element is connected to the other at a pivot point within a pivot region of each element for rotating articulation in an articulation plane with respect to each other. The first and second elongate elements are configured to provide a tool pivot region including the pivot point, a tool handle proximal to the tool pivot region, and a tool working portion distal to the too pivot region so that pressure applied to the tool handle portion results in a compressive force being applied by the tool working portion. The tool has a first closed position for insertion of the tool through an incision or portal so that the pivot region is located within the incision or portal, and a second working position where the tool working portion is arranged to provide a compressive force to spaced apart elements within a patient's body.

Abstract: A screw placement guide tool for use in minimally invasive surgery has a proximal handle portion, an extension member extending distally from the handle portion, and an alignment element connected transversely to a distal portion of the extension member and having a screw placement guide located thereon. In this aspect of the invention, the tool is configured so that a surgeon may operate the tool using the handle portion external to a patient's body to align the alignment element with implanted screws so that the screw placement guide indicates a desired position for implantation of an additional screw. Systems and methods for placing a rod receiving screw are also provided.

Abstract: A compressor tool for use in minimally invasive surgery is provided having first and second elongate elements where each elongate element is connected to the other at a pivot point within a pivot region of each element for rotating articulation in an articulation plane with respect to each other. The first and second elongate elements are configured to provide a tool pivot region including the pivot point, a tool handle proximal to the tool pivot region, and a tool working portion distal to the too pivot region so that pressure applied to the tool handle portion results in a compressive force being applied by the tool working portion. The tool has a first closed position for insertion of the tool through an incision or portal so that the pivot region is located within the incision or portal, and a second working position where the tool working portion is arranged to provide a compressive force to spaced apart elements within a patient's body.