Large shank polyaxial pedicle screw system

A pedicle screw system comprising:

• an anchoring member having a one piece threaded shank and a spherical ball connector member;
• a connecting assembly defined by a lower connector member having an aperture sized for receipt of said spherical ball connector member and an upper connector member having a U-shaped opening for receipt of a connecting rod member;
• a saddle biased against said upper connector member and engaging an upper surface of said spherical ball connector member;
• an attachment ring positioned stationary between said lower connector member and said upper connector member, said attachment ring having an inner surface interfacing with a bottom surface of said spherical ball connector member, and a split side wall outer surface constructed and arranged to engage an inner side wall of said lower connector member and said upper connector member to prevent upward movement of said attachment ring, said attachment ring preventing removal of said spherical ball connector member from said lower connector member;
• and
• a fastener element securable to said upper connector and shaped for engaging a rod member between an upper surface of said saddle and said U-shaped opening;
• wherein said shank has a first diameter and said spherical ball connector member has a second diameter, said second diameter being less than said first diameter, whereby said attachment ring is positioned along the bottom surface of said spherical ball connector before said lower connector member is welded to said upper connector member, said upper connector preventing upward movement of said attachment ring.