Patent ID: 7204838

Claim:
A nested fastener and set screw combination for securing a structural element within a receiver of a medical implant, the receiver having an opening, the combination comprising: a) a fastener adapted to be interferingly positioned within the opening of the receiver so as to close the opening when in an installed configuration, the fastener having a through bore extending from a first end to a second end, the bore defined in part by a first guide and advancement structure; b) a set screw having a second guide and advancement structure rotatingly mateable with the first guide and advancement structure, the set screw loadable and receivable in the bore of the fastener through the first end, the set screw having a setting configuration wherein the set screw is in engagement with the structural element; and c) an abutment shoulder located on said fastener and extending into said bore so as to interferingly prohibit advancement of the set screw out of the second end.