Device for connecting a longitudinal support with a pedicle screw

A vertebral fixation system comprising:

• a longitudinal rod;
• a bone anchoring element;
• and
• a connector for connecting the rod to the bone anchoring element, said connector comprising:
• a connecting member having upper and lower ends, a bore hole through the lower end with a central axis, and a through hole running transversely to the central axis for receiving the longitudinal rod;
• a tensioning member configured and dimensioned for insertion in the upper end of the connecting member for securing a bone anchoring element having a head and a shaft to the connector at a surgeon selected angle;
• a radially compressible spring chuck arranged within the connecting member coaxial with the central axis and having an upper end and a lower end that includes a cavity for receiving the head of the bone anchoring element;
• and
• an insert slidable in the bore hole of the connecting member and having a recess complementary in shape to an outer surface of the radially compressible spring chuck, wherein the spring chuck is axially supported in the bore hole without impeding radial movement of the spring chuck therein.