Multi-axial connection system

A spinal fixation system, comprising:

• at least one rod;
• at least one bone screw having a head at a first end, wherein the bone screw has a longitudinal axis associated therewith;
• at least one body to which the rod and the bone screw are attached;
• a first compression element which cooperates with the body to attach the rod to the body;
• and
• a second compression element which cooperates with the body to attach the bone screw to the body;
• wherein the body comprises a screw head receiving chamber which receives the bone screw along the longitudinal axis of the bone screw and which contains the head of the bone screw, wherein the screw head receiving chamber is tapered along a screw head receiving chamber axis which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bone screw received therein;
• wherein the body comprises a rod receiving channel which receives the rod;
• wherein the first compression element comprises a set screw which interfaces with threads associated with the rod receiving channel;
• wherein the second compression element comprises a set screw which interfaces with threads associated with the screw head receiving chamber and wherein the second compression element presses the head of the bone screw towards the tapered end of the screw head receiving chamber to fix an angular relationship of the bone screw relative to the body and to the rod received in the rod receiving channel;
• wherein the screw head receiving chamber and the rod receiving channel are laterally offset from one another;
• wherein the rod receiving channel is angled relative to the screw head receiving chamber;
• wherein the screw head receiving chamber and the rod receiving channel are laterally offset from one another by a distance of between about 8 mm to about 14 mm;
• wherein the bone screw is configured to be screwed into a pedicle portion of a spine;
• and
• wherein the head of the bone screw is at least partially spherical.