Patent ID: 8167912

Claim:
A pedicle screw assembly comprising: a bone screw having a threaded shaft and a head; a rod holding element wherein the rod holding element defines a screw hole, an insert bearing area, a chamber, a saddle area, and a threading area; an insert disposed within the chamber, wherein the insert defines a bearing surface, an upper surface, and a receiving area; wherein the insert is positioned within the chamber such that the insert bearing surface contacts the rod holding element insert bearing area; wherein the bone screw head is positioned within the receiving area of the insert; wherein the bone screw is disposed such that the shaft passes through the screw hole; a rod disposed to rest on the upper surface of the insert; and a set screw joined to the threading area of the rod holding element so as to secure the rod to the upper surface of the insert, wherein the rod holding element further comprises a notch, and wherein the insert comprises a monoaxial insert having tabs, and wherein the insert is positioned such that the tabs fit within the notches.