Process for introducing a stabilizing element into a vertebral column

Abstract

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.