Embodiments disclosed herein pertain to a process that enables potential fusion of adjacent vertebrae by a novel technique. The process disclosed substantially reduces the amount of hardware required for vertebral fusion, reduces potential soft tissue trauma, and minimizes potential for nerve contact. The novel process described herein leverages existing vertebral structural properties in such a way as to allow vertebral fusion to occur exclusively in the spinal column without external support to address spinal deformities. The novel, minimally invasive procedure makes it possible to both adjust vertebrae with respect to each other and makes it possible to provide structural support that allows vertebral bodies to potentially fuse.
