A coupling assembly is provided for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, the coupling assembly (4, 4, 4") comprisinga receiving part (5, 5") having a first end (5a), a second end (5b) and a central axis (C) extending through the first end (5a) and second end (5b),a recess (52) for receiving a rod (100), andan accommodation space (54) for accommodating a head (3, 3) of an anchoring element (1), the accommodation space having an opening (55) at the second end (5b) sized so as to permit the insertion of the head (3, 3) and a bore (51) extending from the accommodation space to the first end (5a),a retainer element (6, 6, 6") configured to be positioned at least partially in the accommodation space (54) and sized so as to at least partially encompass an inserted head (3, 3)a spring element (7, 7"), separate from the retainer element (6, 6, 6"), configured to be arranged at least partially in the accommodation space (54),wherein the spring element (7, 7") is configured to be compressed in the axial directionand wherein the spring element (7, 7") has such a length in the axial direction that it can be engaged by an inserted rod when the retainer element (6, 6, 6") and the spring element are arranged in the accommodation space (54).
