Patent ID: 8900248

Claim:
A pedicle screw insertion assembly comprising: a first portion that is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape and includes an axial retaining structure, a pedicle screw drive structure, and a slot extending axially from a first end of the first portion to a second end of the first portion; a second portion that is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape and includes an axial retaining structure, a pedicle screw retaining structure, and a slot extending axially from a first end of the second portion to a second end of the second portion; and a third portion that is generally hollow and cylindrical in shape and includes an axial retaining structure and a slot extending axially from a first end of the third portion to a second end of the third portion; wherein the axial retaining structure of the first portion telescopically engages the axial retaining structure of the second portion so as to selectively retain the first portion in a desired axial position relative the second portion; and wherein the axial retaining structure of the second portion telescopically engages the axial retaining structure of the third portion so as to selectively retain the second portion in a desired axial position relative the third portion.