A surgical self-retaining screwdriver for the temporary securing of a bone fastener, wherein the tip of the screwdriver includes at least one deflection member which provides a frictional fit when the fastener is coupled to the screwdriver. A bone fastener is also provided which includes an undercut that is capable of temporarily retaining the at least one deflection member of the screwdriver. The invention provides a reliable means for securely holding a fastener to a screwdriver during insertion or extraction, and for easy removal of the screwdriver from the fastener after insertion.
