Modular pedicle screw system

A method for securing a rod to a pedicle screw assembly, the method comprising:

• positioning an insert portion of a single-piece bone screw within a chamber of a rod holding element, the rod holding element defining a screw hole, a bearing area, a chamber, a saddle area, a threading area, and s notch, the insert portion of the bone screw defining a bearing surface, an upper surface, a receiving area, and a tab, wherein the insert portion of the bone screw is positioned within the chamber of the rod holding element such that the bearing surface of the insert portion contacts the bearing area of the rod holding element and the tab fits within the notch of the rod holding element, and wherein the bone screw is disposed such that the shaft passes through the screw hole of the rod holding element;
• positioning a rod within the rod holding element, wherein the rod rests on the upper surface of the insert portion of the bone screw;
• joining a set screw to the threading area of the rod holding element;
• and
• joining the set screw to a rod adapter such that the set screw can rotate relative to the rod adapter, wherein the rod adapter comprises a tab and a cradling area;
• positioning the cradling area of the rod adapter around the rod;
• tightening the set screw against the rod to secure the rod against the upper surface of the insert portion of the bone screw,
• wherein the notch of the rod holding element has a dovetail configuration, wherein the tabs of the rod adapter and the insert portion of the bone screw have dovetail configurations that are reciprocally shaped relative to, and are received within, the notch, and wherein the notch and the reciprocally shaped tabs prevent the rod holding element from spreading apart laterally as the set screw is tightened against the rod.