PROCESS FOR INTRODUCING A STABILIZING ELEMENT INTO A VERTEBRAL COLUMN
A process for introducing a stabilizing element into a vertebral column, in which the stabilizing element is introduced in such a manner that the stabilizing element connects two adjacent vertebral bodies to one another.
1 .- 20 . (canceled)
21 . A method for accessing an intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a vertebral column, comprising:
providing an intervertebral disk prosthesis;
identifying a single extraforaminal access point proximate the intervertebral space; and
identifying an access path from the single extraforaminal access point to the intervertebral space without intersecting a pedicle or any space between pedicles of the two adjacent vertebral bodies; and
introducing the intervertebral disk prosthesis along the access path into the intervertebral space.
22 . The method as in claim 21 , wherein the access path is linear.
23 . The method as in claim 21 ,
wherein the single extraforaminal access point is located more than 4.5 cm laterally away from a sagittal plane.
24 . The method as in claim 21 , wherein the access path extends proximal to the pedicle or the space between pedicles.
25 . The method as in claim 21 , wherein the single extraforaminal access point is arranged on a left side of a sagittal plane.
26 . The method as in claim 21 , wherein the single extraforaminal access point is arranged on a right side of a sagittal plane.
27 . The method as in claim 21 , further comprising:
pressing nerve roots present along the access path in an inferior-medial direction.
28 . The method as in claim 21 , further comprising:
pressing nerve roots present along the access path in a superior-lateral direction.
29 . The method as in claim 21 , further comprising:
providing a first fixation screw;
introducing the first fixation screw through the single extraforaminal access point; and
attaching the first fixation screw to one of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
30 . The method as in claim 29 , further comprising:
providing a second fixation screw;
introducing the second fixation screw through the single extraforaminal access point; and
attaching the second fixation screw to a second of the two adjacent vertebral bodies.
31 . The method as in claim 30 , further comprising:
fastening a rod between the first fixation screw and the second fixation screw.