US Patent 8096995 Percutaneous spinal implants and methods

An apparatus includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a connector. The second elongate member is movably disposed within a distal end portion of the first elongate member. The second elongate member is configured to engage an inner member of an implant disposed within an outer member of the implant. The connector is disposed at the distal end portion of the first elongate member and is configured to releasably connect the distal end portion of the first elongate member to the outer member of the implant.