Method for using retractable stylet and cannula combination to form an opening in bone
In one preferred aspect, a method is provided for forming an opening in bone for the sequential dilation of tissue.
1. A method for forming an opening in bone comprising:
providing a surgical instrument comprising:
an outer sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, a passage therethrough, and a mid-longitudinal axis;
a middle sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, a passage therethrough, and a mid-longitudinal axis, the middle sleeve being sized and configured to be inserted into the passage of the outer sleeve;
a trocar having a distal end, a proximal end, and a mid-longitudinal axis, the trocar being sized and configured to be inserted into the passage of the middle sleeve;
placing the middle sleeve into the outer sleeve with at least a portion of the distal end of the middle sleeve extending beyond the distal end of the outer sleeve;
placing the trocar into the middle sleeve with at least a portion of the distal end of the trocar extending beyond the distal end of the middle sleeve and the outer sleeve;
inserting the surgical instrument with the distal end of the trocar into the bone;
advancing into the bone the surgical instrument with the trocar, the middle sleeve, and the outer sleeve in fixed relationship to form an opening into the bone;
removing the trocar from the middle sleeve with the middle sleeve and outer sleeve remaining in the bone;
after removal of the trocar, further advancing into the bone the surgical instrument with the middle sleeve and outer sleeve in fixed relationship to enlarge the opening being formed into the bone;
removing the middle sleeve from the outer sleeve with the outer sleeve remaining in the bone; and
after removal of the middle sleeve, further advancing into the bone the surgical instrument to enlarge the opening being formed into the bone.