Connector transfer tool for internal structure stabilization systems

A tool for transferring an end of a connector from a first bone anchor assembly to a second bone anchor assembly, comprising:

• a handle
• an first arm connected to said handle;
• and
• a second arm including a connector capturing mechanism and connected to said first arm by a pivot, said pivot for allowing said second arm, including said connector engagement mechanism, to move between a first orientation inline with said first arm and a second orientation forming an angle between said first arm and said second arm;
• wherein said connector engagement mechanism is operable to engage said connector end when said second arm is in said first orientation and wherein the movement of said second arm causes said tool to move said connector end toward said second bone anchor assembly.

A method for transferring an end of a connector, said connector movably connected to a first bone anchor, to a second bone anchor assembly;

• comprising:
• engaging said end of said connector in a connector engagement mechanism of a tool, said tool also including an arm connected to said connector engagement mechanism by a pivot which allows said connector engagement mechanism to move between a first and second position;
• causing said connector engagement mechanism to move between said first and second position, thereby moving said end of said connector toward said second bone anchor assembly;
• and
• disengaging said end of said connector from said connector engagement mechanism.