US Patent 8465495 Surgical tool for tensioning a flexible member

A surgical tool for tensioning a flexible member of a vertebral device, the flexible member having at least one end portion to which tension is applied. The surgical tool includes a longitudinal member having a longitudinal axis, a first end provided with an element for securing in rotation at least one end portion of the flexible member with the first end of the longitudinal member, and a second end provided with a handling element. The surgical tool also includes a guiding structure comprising a first end adapted to be applied against the body of the vertebral device, and at least one guiding element for guiding in rotation the longitudinal member about the longitudinal axis. The guiding structure maintains the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member with respect to the body, whereby the rotation of the longitudinal member with the handling element produces the tensioning of the flexible member.