Patent ID: 8221478

Claim:
A snap-off surgical screw configured for threading into a bone of a patient using a driver member, comprising: a shaft extension joined to a screw portion via a frangible connection, said frangible connection comprising at least one defect formed through an outer surface of said frangible connection, and said defect configured to promote selective separation of said shaft extension from said screw portion at said defect, a proximal end of said screw portion having a recess formed in said proximal end thereof, said recess being in the form of a distally recessed well having a sidewall spaced from said frangible connection, said frangible connection positioned in said recess to thereby configure said shaft extension to snap-off from said screw portion below said proximal end of said screw portion, said shaft extension including a driver engaging portion, said driver engaging portion comprising an enlarged portion adjacent and proximal to said proximal end of said screw portion, said enlarged portion including a plurality of slots therein, each of said slots extending from a proximal end to a distal end of said enlarged portion to thereby form a through slot, and said slots configured for engagement by a driver member.