Rod reducer ratchet lock-out mechanism

A method, comprising:

• providing a rod reduction instrument, wherein the rod reduction instrument comprises:
• an inner sleeve including a plurality of engagement members operable to engage the pedicle screw;
• an outer housing;
• and
• a ratchet mechanism operable to cause the outer housing to actuate relative to the inner sleeve, wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a ratcheting mode of operation and a fixed mode of operation;
• reducing a connecting rod to a pedicle screw by actuating the outer housing between a first proximal position and a second distal position relative to the inner sleeve via the ratchet mechanism, wherein the plurality of engagement members engages the pedicle screw when the outer housing is in the second distal position;
• and
• disengaging the rod reduction instrument from the pedicle screw after reducing the connecting rod to the pedicle screw, wherein the plurality of engagement members disengages from the pedicle screw when the outer housing is in the first proximal position.