Low profile connectors

A method for affixing a coupling device to adjacent vertebrae, said method comprising:

• securing a bone fastener to a pedicle of a first vertebra;
• attaching a coupling device to the bone fastener, wherein the coupling device comprises:
• a first bone fastener having a head and a shaft extending therefrom, the shaft configured to engage the first vertebra;
• a first coupling element having a first body portion housing a first locking assembly and an extension portion extending transversely from the first body portion, the first locking assembly comprising a rotatable locking member, a clamp portion, and a ring portion configured to at least partially surround a portion of the clamp portion, and the head of the first bone fastener is received in the clamp portion;
• and
• wherein, when unlocked, the first bone fastener is moveable in the clamp portion to allow for polyaxial movement of the bone fastener relative to the first coupling element, and when locked, the position of the bone fastener is fixed relative to the first coupling element.