Extended tab separation apparatus and method

A tool for breaking tabs of a vertebral bone anchor, the tool comprising:

• a tip positionable over a housing of a vertebral bone anchor;
• a first rail pivotably coupled to the tip and extending proximally away from the tip, the first rail configured to receive a first extended tab therein, and the first rail pivotable with respect to the tip between a first upright position and a first outward position to break the first extended tab from the housing;
• and
• a second rail pivotably coupled to the tip and extending proximally away from the tip, the second rail configured to receive a second extended tab therein, and the second rail pivotable with respect to the tip to between a second upright position and a second outward position to break the second extended tab from the housing.