Method for improving pedicles screw placement in spinal surgery

1. An adjustable awl for forming a hole for the insertion of a screw or other device in a pedicle or other body part, said awl comprising an elongated housing having an open end, and an elongated awl member movably mounted in said housing and being extendable beyond said open end to vary the length of the awl, said awl comprising means for locking said awl member in a selected position relative to said housing, said awl member being provided with markings thereon to indicate its position relative to said housing;

wherein said housing has an enlarged solid head at the end thereof opposite to said open end, said head being constructed to be struck by a suitable tool to enable said awl member to form a hole in the pedicle or other body part; and

wherein said awl member has a central longitudinally extending opening therethrough, said housing has an opening in the end thereof opposite to said open end, said housing opening being longitudinally aligned with said awl member opening, and a guide wire extends through said awl member and housing openings to the outer end of said awl member, thereby enabling said guide wire to be left in the hole formed by the awl member after it is removed therefrom to facilitate the identification of the hole for insertion of a screw or other device therein.

2. The adjustable awl of claim 1 wherein said housing is radiolucent and said awl member is radiopaque.

3. The adjustable awl of claim 1 wherein said markings on said awl member are color banded for easy viewing.

4. The adjustable awl of claim 1 wherein said housing has a window to enable the viewing of said markings on said awl member.