Patent ID: 7776040

Claim:
A system for use in spinal stabilization, comprising: an anchoring member comprising: a bone-engaging portion, and a head, said head comprising a first recess and an external surface; a rod; and a rod persuader comprising: a body with a first end and a second end, said second end being releasably attached to said anchoring member, a pusher member at said second end capable of urging said rod into said first recess of said anchoring member, said pusher member including a sleeve at least partially surrounding said second end, a pistol grip attached to said body, and a trigger coupling said pusher member to said body, wherein actuation of said trigger translates said pusher member toward said anchoring member, wherein said pusher member further includes a slide slidingly coupled to said body via said trigger and attached to said sleeve and at least one pusher bar integral with said sleeve and defining a second recess for accommodating said rod upon contact therewith.