Bone-anchor loading devices and methods of use therefor

A method of loading a bone anchor into a bone-anchor inserter, the bone anchor having a shank with a distal end, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a bone-anchor loading device configured to releasably retain a bone anchor by the distal end of the shank;
• loading a bone anchor into the loading device and causing retention of the bone anchor therein;
• coupling the loading device with the inserter so as to seat the bone anchor within the inserter;
• and
• operating the loading device to release the seated bone anchor into the inserter.
• 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the bone-anchor loading device comprises:
• a main body including a gripping portion and, projecting therefrom, an elongated bone-anchor receiving member having a receiver fitting at a distal end thereof an elongated sleeve coaxially disposed over the anchor-receiving member and configured for slidable translation thereover;
• and an interference fitting causing engagement between the sleeve and the anchor-receiving member when the sleeve is translated to an interference position with respect to the main body, the engagement further causing the receiver fitting to d1form to releasably secure a bone anchor.