An anvil assembly for use with a surgical fastener applying apparatus. The anvil assembly includes an anvil center rod and anvil head that is secured to the distal end portion of the anvil center rod. The anvil center rod and the anvil head include corresponding mating structures that are configured and dimensioned to facilitate connection of the anvil center rod and the anvil head such that relative movement between the anvil center rod and the anvil head is substantially inhibited. The anvil center rod and the anvil head include corresponding mating structures that are non-circular in configuration. A method of assembling a surgical anvil assembly is also disclosed.
