A spinal connection assembly for use with a posterior spinal connector having a head and a groove adjacent the head for providing a neck and a connector element to treat a spine of a mammalian body is provided. The assembly includes a housing having first and second side portions and a top and a bottom. The first side portion is provided with a bottom-facing first opening adapted for receiving the posterior spinal connector. A capture mechanism is carried by the first side portion for engaging the head of the posterior spinal connector and extends at least partially into the groove so as to capture the head within the first opening. The second side portion is provided with a second opening. A securement mechanism is carried by the second side portion for capturing the connector element within the second opening.
