A method for installing a vertebral construct includes anchoring a first bone fixation apparatus having a receiver with a channel configured to receive the vertebral construct and a bone anchor configured for engaging a first vertebral body to the first vertebral body. The vertebral construct is positioned within the channel of the receiver of the first bone fixation apparatus. A second bone fixation apparatus having a receiver with a channel configured to receive the vertebral construct and a bone anchor configured for engaging a second vertebral body is anchored into the second vertebral body. The vertebral construct positioned within the channel of the receiver of the first bone fixation apparatus is then positioned within the channel of the receiver of the second bone fixation apparatus so as to secure the vertebral construct to the first and second bone fixation apparatuses.
