Spinal distractor, compressor, and rod engaging system and method

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for distracting or compressing distance between a first and second honey structure and for engaging a connecting element.

1 . A device for engaging a bony structure connecting rod having a recess positioned at a proximal end, the device comprising:
 an elongated arm; and   a collet on a distal end of the elongated arm, the collet configured to be collapsed to a first outer diameter for insertion within the recess of the connecting rod and expanded to a second outer diameter within the recess of the connecting rod such that the collet is prevented from separating from the connecting rod.   
   
   
       2 . A device of  claim 1 , wherein the collet comprises a bushing and a flexible section including a plurality of flexible arms surrounding a central bore. 
   
   
       3 . A device of  claim 2 , wherein the distal end of the elongated arm is coupled to the bushing of the collet. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 2 , further comprising a locking pin configured to extend through the central bore to expand the plurality of flexible arms away from one another and maintain the flexible section in the expanded second outer diameter. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the locking pin is sized to prevent the flexible section of the collet from collapsing from the second outer diameter and maintain the collet in a locked association with the connecting rod. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the locking pin when inserted through the central bore of the collet couples the connecting rod to the elongated arm. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the elongated arm is coupled to a handle at a proximal end region. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 6 , further comprising a locking pin advancer having a proximal end coupled to the handle and a distal end coupled to the locking pin, wherein the locking pin advancer extends through an inner channel in the elongate arm. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , further comprising a locking pin actuator that slidably controls the locking pin advancer through the inner channel.