A driver apparatus for a pedicle screw assembly includes a release shaft rotatably mounted in a driver housing. A lower end of the driver housing is configured to be received in a slot in the upper end of a connector housing of a pedicle screw assembly. The release shaft has a thread on its lower end which can be made up or unmade from threaded engagement with the internal threads of the connector housing of the pedicle screw assembly so as to connect or disconnect the driver apparatus from the pedicle screw assembly.
