An insertion instrument for inserting an orthopedic implant into a bone and guiding an implant attachment element into the bone comprising: a body having a first end and a second end and a bore extending along a central axis a fixed arm and a deflectable arm coupled to the body second end, the fixed arm spaced from the deflectable arm forming an attachment element receiving passageway therebetween extending along the central axis, the fixed arm having an implant engaging free end spaced a fixed distance from the central axis and an actuator mounted on the first end of the body for moving the deflectable arm away from the fixed arm while allowing the attachment element to traverse the passageway.
