DEROTATION INSTRUMENT WITH REDUCTION FUNCTIONALITY

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/075,412, filed Mar. 10, 2008. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] In spinal deformity surgical procedures, the curvature of the spine (e.g., the coronal curvature of the spine and/or the sagittal curvature of the spine) can be corrected by the implantation of a construct of bone anchors and spinal fixation elements. Examples of bone anchors used in such a construct include hooks and bone screws. An example of spinal fixation elements used in such a construct is a rod

[0003] During one type of spinal surgery, a surgeon first exposes the posterior spine and attaches bone anchors to selected vertebrae of the spine. The surgeon then inserts a spinal fixation element into receiving portions of the bone anchors to connect the selected vertebrae, thereby fixing the relative positions of the vertebrae.

[0004] Generally, a controlled mechanical force is required to bring together the spinal fixation element and a bone anchor in a convenient manner. This procedure is typically referred to as “reduction.” To complete a reduction, a surgeon must insert a locking mechanism, such as a set screw, into the vertebral anchor to lock the spinal rod to the implant before the force for inserting the rod can be removed.

[0005] In addition to correcting the curvature of the spine, the angular rotation of one or more vertebrae relative to other vertebrae may also be corrected. Conventional surgical procedures for correcting the angular rotation of a vertebra involve rotating the spinal fixation element, for example, a spinal rod, connected to the vertebra by a bone anchor. In the case of constructs that include a spinal rod, this procedure is typically referred to as “vertebral rod derotation.” Vertebral body derotation can place significant stress on the interface between the bone anchors connected to the rotated spinal rod and the vertebra in which each bone anchor is implanted. This stress can cause a failure of one or more of the bone anchors or harm to the vertebra. Accordingly, there is a need for improved instruments and methods for manipulating a vertebra.

[0006] Conventional derotation instruments are designed to be used after reduction has been performed and the spinal fixation element has been secured to the bone anchor. However, the bone anchors often bind on the fixation element during the rotation, preventing the motion or requiring significant force to obtain it. Thus, in some instances it may be beneficial to perform derotation before reduction. In addition, reduction and derotation require different instruments. Thus, one instrument must be removed to allow the other to be used.

[0007] Disclosed herein are instruments and methods for manipulating a bone anchor and a spinal fixation element. The instruments and methods disclosed herein are particularly suited to facilitate rotation of a bone anchor relative to another bone to correct the angular rotation of the vertebrae attached to the bone anchor. The instrument does not require the spinal fixation element to be inserted into the bone anchor prior to manipulation. The instrument further may be used in the insertion of the spinal fixation element into the bone anchor in a reduction.

[0008] In accordance with one example embodiment, an instrument for manipulating a vertebra may comprise a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; one or more fingers disposed at the distal end of the shaft defining a slot, an outer sleeve disposed about the shaft and configured to slide over the distal end of the shaft, and a reduction element. The outer sleeve slides between a first position and a second position. When the outer sleeve is in the first position, the one or more fingers are unconstrained by the outer sleeve allowing the one or more fingers to receive the spinal fixation element in the slot and engage the spinal fixation element receiving member. When the outer sleeve is in the second position, the one or more fingers are constrained by the outer sleeve securing the spinal fixation element in the slot and the engagement of the spinal fixation element receiving member of the bone anchor by the one or more fingers to permit manipulation of the spinal fixation element and bone anchor by the instrument. The reduction element is configured to pass through the lumen of the shaft and engage the offset spinal fixation element to reduce the offset spinal fixation element into the spinal fixation element receiving member of the bone anchor.

[0009] In accordance with another example embodiment, a system for manipulating one or more vertebra may comprise a first instrument as described above, a second instrument as described above, and a connector connecting the first instrument and the second instrument. The connector, in the example embodiment, may include a first receiving element for receiving the first instrument and a second receiving element for receiving the second instrument. The first receiving element may be adjustable relative to the second receiving element.

[0010] In accordance with another example embodiment, a method of manipulating a bone anchor and spinal fixation element comprises connecting a bone anchor to a vertebra, positioning a spinal fixation element in proximity to a receiving member of the bone anchor; connecting an instrument as described above; and manipulating the first instrument to rotate first bone anchor and the spinal fixation element. The spinal fixation element may also be reduced into the bone anchor using the reduction element.

[0033] Certain example embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the instruments and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the instruments and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one example embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0034] The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

[0035] The terms “comprise,” “include,” and “have,” and the derivatives thereof, are used herein interchangeably as comprehensive, open-ended terms. For example, use of “comprising,” “including,” or “having” means that whatever element is comprised, had, or included, is not the only element encompassed by the subject of the clause that contains the verb.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of an instrument for manipulating a bone anchor and, in turn, a vertebral body to which the bone anchor is attached. The example instrument 10 includes a shaft 12, an anchor engagement mechanism 14, an outer sleeve 16 disposed about the shaft 12, and a reduction element 18. The example instrument 10 may be employed to manipulate a bone anchor 19 and spinal fixation element 20 for implantation or adjustment. The example instrument 10 may also be used to engage a bone anchor 19 implanted in a vertebra and maneuver the bone anchor 19 and the vertebra by manipulating the instrument 10. For example, the example instrument 10 may be employed to rotate the bone anchor 19, and the vertebra relative to other vertebrae and thereby correct the angular orientation of the vertebra. The instrument 10, when employed in the example manner, thus may be used to effect segmental correction of the angular orientation of the vertebrae of the spine as well as reduce the spinal fixation element 20 into the bone anchor 19 using the reduction element 18.

[0037] The example instrument 10 may be constructed of any biocompatible material including, for example, metals, such as stainless steel or titanium, polymers, ceramics, or composites thereof. The length and diameter of the instrument 10 may vary depending on the area of the spine being treated (e.g., lumbar, thoracic, or cervical) and the approach (e.g., posterior, anterior, or lateral). For example, the length of the instrument 10 may be selected to at least span from a skin incision to proximate a vertebra. The diameter of the instrument 10 may be selected to facilitate positioning of the instrument 10 through an open incision or a minimally invasive incision. In certain example embodiments, for example, the diameter of the instrument may be selected to facilitate delivery of the instrument 10 through a minimally invasive access device such as a cannula or expandable retractor.

[0038] For purposes of illustration, each of the elements of the example instrument 10 will be discussed independently and in conjunction with the other elements.

[0039] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the shaft 12 separate from the rest of the example instrument 10. The shaft 12 of the example instrument 10 may have a distal end 22, a proximal end 24, and a lumen 26 extending between the proximal end 24 and the distal end 22. In the example embodiment, the shaft 12 is generally tubular in shape having an approximately circular cross section. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the shaft 12 may have other cross sectional shapes including elliptical or rectilinear. The lumen 26 of the shaft 12 is sized to receive reduction element 18, reduction element. In other embodiments, the reduction element 18 or a portion of the reduction element may be removed and other instruments, such as a screwdriver or the like, may be passed through the shaft 12.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the shaft 12 may further include surface configurations configured to mate with the reduction element 18 to assist in the interoperation of the shaft with the reduction element 18. For example, the lumen 26 of the shaft 12 may include threads 30 for directing the insertion of the reduction element 18 thru the lumen 26. The proximal end 24 of the shaft may also have connection elements 32 for connecting the instrument 10 to a connecter. The connector may be used to connect multiple instruments. The interoperation of the shaft with other elements will be discussed in more detail below.

[0041] At the distal end 22 of the shaft 12 is the engagement mechanism 14. The engagement mechanism 14 is configured to engage a bone anchor 19, such as, for example, a hook, a monoaxial bone screw, or a polyaxial bone screw, and thereby connect the instrument 10 to the bone anchor 19 in a manner sufficient to permit manipulation of the bone anchor and the vertebra in which the bone anchor is implanted. The engagement mechanism 14 also serves to capture a spinal fixation element 20 such as a spinal rod that may or may not be inserted into the bone anchor 19. In the example embodiment, the anchor engagement mechanism 14 is one or more fingers 34A and 34B at the distal end 22 of the shaft 12 which define a slot 36 disposed between the fingers 34A and 34B

[0042] A magnified depiction of fingers 34A and 34B can be seen in FIG. 3. In certain example embodiments, fingers 34A and 34B may be flexible and resilient in the radial direction to facilitate connection to a bone anchor. For example, the fingers 34A and 34B may be flexed apart in the radial direction from a first, relaxed position to facilitate advancement of the fingers longitudinally over a portion of the bone anchor 19. Once positioned about a portion of the bone anchor 19, the fingers 34A and 34B may provide a radially compressive force on the bone anchor as the fingers 34A and 34B attempt to return to the first, relaxed position.

[0043] In the illustrated example embodiment, each finger 34A and 34B may include one or more radially inward facing projections 38A, 38B that are sized and shaped to seat within an opening provided in a portion of the bone anchor 19 to facilitate retention of the bone anchor 19 by the fingers 34A and 34B. The size, shape and number of projections can be varied depending on, for example, the opening(s) provided on the bone anchor and type of connection desired. Further examples of how the anchor engagement mechanism 14 interacts with a bone anchor 19 will be discussed below.

[0044] The slot 36 separates fingers 34A and 34B. The slot 36 is configured to receive a spinal fixation element 20 that may be offset from the bone anchor 19. The example instrument 10 allows for the manipulation of the bone anchor 19 without requiring the spinal fixation element 20 to be inserted into the bone anchor 19. The slot 36 may be of significant size to allow the spinal fixation element 20 to be offset from spinal fixation element receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19 while still allowing the fingers 34A and 34B to engage and retain the bone anchor 19. In certain embodiments, the slot 36 may extend approximately 20 mm from the distal end 22 of the shaft 12.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the engagement mechanism 14 may further serve to capture or otherwise retain the spinal fixation element 20 in proximity to the bone anchor 19 while the bone anchor is manipulated. The fingers 34A and 34B may also be used to guide the spinal fixation element 20 into the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19 during reduction.

[0046] While the example embodiment of the engagement mechanism 14 discussed herein has featured two fingers 34A and 34B, it should be understood that the present invention may also be implemented with only one finger or other finger configurations without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other implementations and configuration will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

[0047] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates the outer sleeve 16 separate from the rest of the example instrument 10. The outer sleeve 16 of the example instrument 10 is disposed about the shaft 12 and may have a distal end 42, a proximal end 44, and a lumen 46 extending between the proximal end 44 and the distal end 42. The outer sleeve 16 and the shaft 12 may have complementary shapes to facilitate positioning of the outer sleeve 16 over the inner shaft 12. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer sleeve is generally tubular in shape. The longitudinal axis of the outer sleeve 16 is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft 12. The shaft 12 may be disposed within the lumen 46 of the outer sleeve 16 allowing the outer sleeve 16 to be movable relative to the shaft 12. For example, the outer sleeve 16 may be movable along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12. In certain embodiments, the sleeve 16 and shaft 12 may have interlocking surface configuration 50A and 50B that maintain the orientation of the sleeve 16 on the shaft 12 as the sleeve 16 is moved along the shaft 12. For example, the surface configuration 50A on the sleeve 16 may be a tab and the surface configuration 50B may be a groove that receives the tab. In other embodiments, the sleeve 16 may include a locking feature that allows a user to lock the sleeve 16 in position along the shaft 12.

[0048] In the example embodiment, the sleeve 16 further includes a slot 48 corresponding to the slot 36 of the engagement mechanism 14. The slot 48, like the slot 36, is configured to receive a spinal fixation element 20 (See FIG. 1) that may be offset from the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19 that allows the bone anchor 19 to be engaged without requiring the spinal fixation element 20 to be inserted in the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19.

[0049] The outer sleeve 16 is slidable along the distal end 22 of the shaft 12 to interact with the engagement mechanism 14. Examples of this can be seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The outer sleeve 16 may be movable relative to the shaft 12 between a first, proximal position in which the fingers 34A and 34B of the engagement mechanism 14 are unconstrained and advanced beyond a distal end 42 of the outer sleeve 16, and a second, proximal position in which a substantial portion of the fingers 34A and 34B are disposed within and constrained by the sleeve 16. The fingers 34A and 34B, when the sleeve 16 is in the first position, may be configured to encapsulate and capture the bone anchor 19 and spinal fixation element 20 therebetween as seen In FIG. 5A. In the example embodiment, for example, fingers 34A and 34B may move apart from one another when the sleeve 16 is moved to the first position to facilitate positioning of the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19, between the fingers 34A and 34B.

[0050] When the sleeve 16 is moved in the direction of arrow 52 (FIG. 5B) to the second, distal position, fingers 34A and 34B may maintain capture of the bone anchor 19 to further retain the bone anchor 19 and spinal fixation element 20 between the fingers 34A and 34B as seen in FIG. 5B. The fingers 34A and 34B may be constrained and inhibited from separating by the outer sleeve 16 when in the second, distal position. As such, the interaction of the sleeve 16 and the engagement mechanism 14 act as a collet to retain the bone anchor 19. In the example embodiment, for example, the bone anchor 19 is retained between the fingers 34A and 34B in a manner sufficient to permit maneuvering of the spinal fixation device 20, bone anchor 19, and a vertebra in which the bone anchor 19 is implanted by manipulation of the instrument. For example, the spinal fixation device 20, bone anchor 19, and vertebra may be rotated, moved along the axis of the instrument 10, and/or moved in a direction perpendicular to the axis to the instrument 10 by the instrument 10.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the sleeve 16 may be further moved to a third distal position as seen In FIG. 5C. When the sleeve 16 is moved to the third position, the sleeve 16 may engage the spinal fixation element 20 received in slot 48 and serve to push the spinal fixation element 20 into the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19. Thus, the sleeve 16 may be used in the reduction, or partial reduction of the spinal fixation element 20.

[0052] While the sleeve 16 has been described as uniform piece, it should be understood that the sleeve 16 may be made of multiple parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the sleeve 16 may have one part used to constrain the fingers 34A and 34B and another part used to reduce the spinal fixation element 20. Other implementations and configuration will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

[0053] In some embodiments, the reduction element 18 is used to effect reduction of the spinal fixation element 20 into the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19. FIG. 6A depicts a cross sectional view of the distal end of the example instrument 10 which the reduction element 18 being used for reduction of the spinal fixation element 20. In this example, the finger 34A and 34B of the engagement mechanism 14 have engaged and captured the bone anchor 19. Protrusions 38A and 38B have engaged receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19. The sleeve 18 has also been moved to the second distal position constraining fingers 34A and 34B to secure the bone anchor 19. The reduction element 18 passes through the lumen 26 of the shaft 12 such that the distal end 60 of the instrument 18 engages and pushes the spinal fixation element 20 into the receiving member 40 of the bone anchor 19. In certain embodiment the reduction element 18 may have threads configured to engage threads 30 in the lumen 26 of the shaft 12 (See FIG. 2B). Thus, by rotating the reduction element 18, the threads 30 serve to advance the reduction element 18 to effect reduction.

[0054] The reduction element 18 may also be provided with a centering mechanism 62 that makes sure the reduction element 18 is centered in the lumen 26 of the shaft 12. In the example of FIG. 6A, the centering mechanism 62 is a housing. In this example, the housing 62 also includes a spring biasing mechanism 64 that engages a set of threads 66 when the distal end 60 of the instrument meets the spinal fixation element 20.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the reduction element 18 may also be used to insert a locking element 68, such as a set screw, to secure the spinal fixation element 20 after reduction. An example of this can be seen in FIG. 6B. Here the set screw 69 is place on the distal end 60 of the reduction element 18, which serves to reduce the spinal fixation element 20 as well at insert the set screw 68. The spring biasing mechanism 64 may provide some play between the threads 70 of the set screw 68 and the threads of the reduction element 18 in instances where the threading of the reduction element 18 and the threading of the set screw 68 are not synchronized with the thread of the receiving member 40.

[0056] In other embodiments, the reduction element 18 may include multiple parts. For example, one part may be used for reduction, while another part is used for inserting the set screw 68. An example of this can be seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0057] FIG. 7A is a side view of one embodiment of a reduction instrument 18 having two separate portions. FIG. 7B is a cross sectional view of the reduction element 18 in FIG. 7A. In this embodiment, the reduction element 18 includes a first portion for reduction and a second portion for inserting the set screw 68. The first portion includes a shaft 72 having a distal end 74, a proximal end 76, and lumen extending from the proximal end 76 to the distal end 74. The first portion further includes a handle 78 as the proximal end 76 of the shaft 72. The second portion also includes a shaft 80 having a distal end 82 and a proximal end 84. The shaft 80 of the second portion passes through the lumen of the shaft 72 of the first portion. The second portion also includes a handle 86 at the proximal end 84 of the shaft 80. Because the shaft 80 of the second portion passes through the shaft 72 of the first portion, each portion of the reduction element 18 can be operated independently of the other portion. Thus, to effect reduction, a user may use the handle 78 of the first portion to advance shaft 72 through the lumen 26 of the shaft 12 of the example instrument 10 to engage the spinal fixation element 20 Likewise, to insert the set screw 68, the user may use handle 86 to advance the shaft 80 of the second portion to insert a set screw 68 on the distal end 82 of shaft 80 into the receiving portion 40 of the bone anchor 19.

[0058] The ability to capture and retain a bone anchor 19 by the instrument 10 provides the ability to manipulate bone anchor 19 for adjustment. Accordingly, another example use of the instrument 10 is for de-rotation.

[0059] As previously discussed, the example instrument 10 may include a connection element 32 configured to engage a connector, such as the example connector 100 described below, for connecting the instrument 10 to another instrument, for example, another instrument for manipulating a vertebra. In the illustrated example embodiment, for example the shaft 14 includes a connection element 32 positioned at the proximal end 24 of the shaft 14. The connection element 32 may be configured to permit polyaxial motion of the instrument 10 relative to the connector. For example, the connection element 32 of the example embodiment may be at least partially spherical in shape to engage a complementary shaped receiving element of the connector. Other possible geometries and configurations will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

[0060] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate one example embodiment of a connector 100 for connecting two or more instruments and facilitating cooperative movement of the instruments. The example connector 100 is particularly suited to connecting one or more instruments for manipulating a vertebra, such as the instrument 10 described above. One skilled in the art will appreciate; however, the connector 100 may be used to connect any type of spinal or surgical instruments.

[0061] It should also be understood that the example connector 100 is but one possible example of any number of possible configurations. Other possible embodiments, implementations, and configurations of connectors, receiving elements, and latch mechanisms will be apparent to one skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

[0062] The example connector 100 may include a plurality of receiving elements 102A and 102B, each of which connects to an instrument. Any number of the receiving elements 102A and 102B may be provided. In the illustrated example embodiment, the connector 100 includes a first adjustable receiving element 102A for receiving a first instrument and a second receiving element 102B for receiving a second instrument. The first receiving element 102A and/or the second receiving element 102B may be adjustable relative to one another to facilitate connection to two spaced apart instruments. For example, in the illustrated example embodiment, the first receiving element 102A is adjustable relative to the second receiving element 102B and the connector 100 and the second receiving element 102B is fixed relative to the connector 100.

[0063] The example connector 100 may include a first arm 104 pivotably connected to second arm 106 at a pivot point defined by a hinge pin 108. The example connector 100 may be movable between an open position in which the first end 110 of the first arm 104 is separated from the first end 112 of the second arm 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, and a closed position in which the first end 110 of the first arm 104 is coupled to the first end 112 of the second arm 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The open position facilitates connection of the instruments to the receiving elements and adjustment of an adjustable receiving element, such as receiving element 102A. The example connector 100 may include a latch mechanism 114 for selective coupling the first end 110 of the first arm 104 to the first end 112 of the second arm 106. In the example embodiment, the latch mechanism 114 may include hook 120 positioned on the first arm 104 that may selectively engage a hook retaining element 122 positioned on the second arm 106. A cylindrically-shaped push button 126 is connected to the hook 122. Movement of the push button in a direction toward the hinge 108 causes the hook 120 to disengage from the hook retaining element 122 and, thus, releases the first arm 104 from the second arm 106. A spring 127 biases the push button 126 in a direction away from the hinge 108 and, thus, biases the hook 120 into an engagement position. The outer surface 128 of the hook 120 may be curved or angled to provide a camming surface that, when engaged by the bottom surface of the hook retaining element 122, causes the hook 120 to move from the engagement position toward the hinge 108, thus, allowing the hook 120 to engage the hook retaining element 122.

[0064] The first arm 104 and/or second arm 106 may include a retaining member for retaining the adjustable receiving elements 102 on the arms when the connector is in the open position. For example, the second arm 106 of the example connector 200 includes a retaining pin 125 for retaining the first receiving element 102A on the second arm 106. The retaining pin 125 may be adjusted along its axis between an extended position in which the pin 125 impedes motion of the receiving element along the arm 106 and retracted position that facilitates removal and placement of the receiving element 102 on the arm 106. A spring 127 may be provided to bias the pin 125 to the extended position.

[0065] The first receiving element 102A, in the example embodiment, includes a slot 132 for receiving the second arm 106 and permitting motion of the first receiving element 102A relative to the second arm 106 and other receiving elements, such as the second receiving element 102B. In the example embodiment, the first arm 104 includes a plurality of teeth 130 for engaging a plurality of teeth on one or more of the receiving elements, for example, the first receiving element 102A, when the connector 100 is in the closed position. The engagement of the teeth 130 with teeth provided on an adjustable receiving element, for example, the adjustable receiving element 102A, may inhibit motion of the adjustable receiving element, thereby fixing the adjustable receiving element in position relative to the first arm 104, the second arm 106, and the other receiving elements.

[0066] The first receiving element 102A is generally C-shaped having an opening 134 to facilitate positioning of an instrument within the receiving element 102A. The first arm 104 may be positioned across the opening 134 when the connector is in the closed position to retain the instrument in the first receiving element 102A. The first receiving element 102A may be configured to permit polyaxial motion of an instrument relative to the receiving element 102A and, thus, the connector 100. For example, the first receiving element 102A may include a generally spherically shaped surface 136 that defines a seat or engagement surface for the connection element of the instrument, for example, the connection element 32 of the example instrument 10, described above. The instrument 10, when connected to the first receiving element 102A of the connector 100, may be moved in a plurality of directions, for example, perpendicular to, parallel to, and about the axis of the instrument 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0067] The second receiving element 102B, in the example embodiment, may be defined by a first arcuate surface 140A provided on the first arm 104 and a second arcuate surface 140B provided on the second arm 106. The first arcuate surface 140A may be spaced apart from the second arcuate surface 140B when the connector 100 is in the open position, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, to facilitate positioning of an instrument within the second receiving element 102B. When the connector 100 is in the closed position, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first arcuate surface 140A and the second arcuate surface 140B are spaced apart a distance sufficient to retain the instrument within the second receiving element 102B. The second receiving element 102B, like the first receiving element 102A, may be configured to permit polyaxial motion of an instrument relative to the receiving element 102B and, thus, the connector 100. For example, the first arcuate surface 140A and the second arcuate surface 140B may each have a partially spherically shaped surface 142A, 142B that cooperatively define a seat or engagement surface for the connection element of the instrument, for example, the connection element 32 of the example instrument 10, described above. The instrument 10, when connected to the second receiving element 102B of the connector 100, may be moved in a plurality of directions, for example, perpendicular to, parallel to, and about the axis of the instrument 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0068] While the example embodiment of the connector 100 is described and illustrated as having two receiving elements, the number and type (i.e., fixed or adjustable) of receiving elements may be varied to accommodate the number of instruments desired to be connected. For example, the example connector 100, illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, includes three receiving elements—a fixed receiving element and two adjustable receiving elements.

[0069] The example instrument 10 may be employed to manipulate a bone anchor and the vertebra in which the bone anchor is implanted. In one example method of manipulating a vertebra, the instrument 10 may be coupled to the receiving member or other portion of a bone anchor. Referring to FIG. 12, for example, a first instrument 10A may be coupled to the receiving member 40 of a bone anchor 19.

[0070] In the example method, a spinal construct including a plurality of bone anchors implanted in a plurality of vertebra and a spinal rod connecting the bone anchors may be positioned in advance of using the first instrument to manipulate a vertebra. For example, a first bone anchor 19A may be connected to a first vertebra VB1, a second bone anchor 19B may be connected to a second vertebra VB2, a third bone anchor 19C may be connected to a third vertebra VB3, and a fourth vertebra 18D may be connected to a fourth vertebra VB4. In the example method, the first, second, third, and fourth vertebrae are adjacent one another. In other example methods, the bone anchors may be connected to non-adjacent vertebra to create the spinal construct. The bone anchors may be implanted into any suitable portion of the vertebrae. In the example method, for example, each bone anchor is implanted into a pedicle of the vertebra.

[0071] A spinal fixation element 20A may be positioned relative to the bone anchors. For example, the spinal fixation element may be positioned in or proximate to the receiving member 40 of each bone anchor 19.

[0072] In certain example embodiments, a second construct may be positioned on the contra-lateral side of the spine from the first construct. In the example method, a fifth bone anchor 19E is connected to the first vertebra VB1 opposite the first bone anchor 19A, a sixth bone anchor 19F is connected to the second vertebra VB2 opposite the second bone anchor 19B, a seventh bone anchor 19F is connected to the third vertebra VB3 opposite the third bone anchor 19C, and an eighth bone anchor 19G is connected to the fourth vertebra VB4 opposite the fourth bone anchor 19D. A second spinal fixation element 20B may be connected to the bone anchors 18E-G.

[0073] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the constructs illustrated in the FIGS. are example constructs for facilitating the description of the use of the instruments and methods described herein. Other constructs employing the same or different bone anchors and fixation elements may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] After connecting the first instrument 10A, the first instrument 10A may be manipulated to maneuver the second bone anchor 19B and the second vertebra VB2 relative to the first vertebra VB1, third vertebra VB3, and the fourth vertebra VB4. For example, the first instrument 10A may be moved a direction about the axis A of the spine, as indicated by arrow R in FIG. 12, to rotate the second vertebra VB2 about the axis A of the spine. Moreover, the instrument 10 may be used to maneuver the second bone anchor 19B and the second vertebra VB2 in any direction.

[0075] In the example method, a second instrument 10B may be connected to the fifth bone anchor 19E, which is connected to the first vertebra VB1. The second instrument 10B and the first instrument 10A may be manipulated to maneuver the first vertebra VB1 and the second vertebra VB2 relative to one another. For example, the first instrument 10A may be rotated about the axis A of the spine to rotate the second vertebra VB2 about the spine and the second instrument 10B may be rotated about the axis A of the spine to rotate the first vertebra VB1 about the axis A of the spine. The first instrument 10A and the second instrument 10B may provide counter-torque to one another to facilitate motion of the first and second vertebrae. For example, the first instrument 10A and the second instrument 10B may be rotated in opposite directions about the axis A of the spine to facilitate correction of the angular orientation of the second vertebra VB2 and the first vertebra VB1.

[0076] In the example method, a reduction element 18 may be inserted through the lumen 26 of the shaft 12 of the first instrument 10A to effect reduction or insertion of a closure mechanism 68 for the second bone anchor 19B.

[0077] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an example method for manipulating a plurality of vertebrae. In the example method, a first instrument 10A may be connected to a bone anchor 19B connected to a second vertebra. In addition, a second instrument 10B may be connected to a bone anchor 19E connected to a first vertebra and a third instrument 10C may be connected to a bone anchor 19H connected to a fourth vertebra VB4. The second and third instruments 10B, 10C may be connected by a connector, such as the connector 100 described above. After connecting the second and third instruments 10B, 10C to the respective bone anchor, the first receiving element 102A may be adjusted relative to the second receiving element 102B to facilitate connection of the second instrument 10B to the first receiving element 102A and the third instrument 10C to the second receiving element 102B. The connector 100 may be moved to manipulate the second instrument 10B and the third instrument 10C to rotate the first vertebra VB1 and the fourth vertebra VB4 relative to one another. For example, the connector 100 may be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow R about the axis A to rotate the first vertebra VB1 and the fourth vertebra VB2 about the axis A of the spine and relative to the second vertebra VB2 and the third vertebra VB3. Moreover, the first instrument 10A may be rotated in cooperation with the connector 100 to rotate the second vertebra VB2 about the axis A of the spine. The connector 100, and the second instrument 10B and third instrument 10C connected thereto, and the first instrument 10A may provide counter torque to one another. For example, the connector 100 and the first instrument 10A may be rotated in opposite directions about the axis A of the spine to facilitate correction of the angular orientation of the first vertebra VB1, the second vertebra VB2, and the fourth vertebra VB4.

[0078] FIG. 15 illustrates an example method for rotating a single vertebra by attaching instruments to bone anchor that inserted laterally into the same vertebra. In the example method, a first instrument 10A may be connected to a bone anchor 19A connected to a first vertebra VB1. In addition, a second instrument 10B may be connected to a bone anchor 19E connected to the first vertebra VB1 laterally from bone anchor 19A. The first and second instruments 10A and 10B may be connected by a connector, such as the connector 100 described above. After connecting the first and second instruments 10A, 10B to the respective bone anchor, the first receiving element 102A may be adjusted relative to the second receiving element 102B to facilitate connection of the first instrument 10A to the first receiving element 102A and the second instrument 10B to the second receiving element 102B. The connector 100 may be moved to manipulate the first instrument 10A and the second instrument 10B to rotate the first vertebra VB1. For example, the connector 100 may be rotated in a direction indicated by arrow R about the axis A to rotate the first vertebra VB1 about the axis A of the spine.

[0079] FIG. 16 illustrates an example method for manipulating a plurality of vertebrae connected using multiple connectors. In the example method, a first instrument 10A may be connected to a bone anchor 19E connected to a first vertebra VB1. In addition, a second instrument 10B may be connected to a bone anchor 19F connected to a second vertebra VB2 and a third instrument 10C may be connected to a bone anchor 19G connected to a third vertebra VB3. The first and second instruments 10A, 10B may be connected by a first connector 100A. The first receiving element 102A of the first connector 100A may be adjusted relative to the second receiving element 102B of the first connector 100A to facilitate connection of the first instrument 10A to the first receiving element 102A and the second instrument 10B to the second receiving element 102B.

[0080] The second and third instrument 10B, 10C may then be connected by a second connector 100B. The first receiving element 102A′ of the second connector 100B may be adjusted relative to the second receiving element 102B′ of the second connector 100B to facilitate connection of the second instrument 10B to the first receiving element 102A′ and the third instrument 10C to the second receiving element 102B′. This in turns connects the third instrument 10C to the first instrument 10A as the second instrument 10B is connected to both the first connector 100A and the second connector 100B. The connectors 100A and 100B may then be moved to manipulate the first instrument 10A, second instrument 10B, and the third instrument 10C to rotate the first vertebra VB1, second vertebra VB2 and the third vertebra VB3 relative to one another.

[0081] While the instruments and methods of the present invention have been particularly shown and described with reference to the example embodiments thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that various changes may be made in the form and details herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain many equivalents to the example embodiments described specifically herein by using no more than routine experimentation. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.