A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The...http://www.google.com/patents/US7563264?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7563264 - Spinal stabilization systems and methods