There is disclosed a rod inserter tool for use with a hollow screw extender housing configured to be coupled to a screw assembly implanted into vertebrae, the tool comprising a handle, a main housing configured to include a rod holding mechanism adjacent to a distal end of the main housing for holding a rod, wherein the handle is coupled to the main housing adjacent to a proximal end of the main housing, a secondary housing configured to be slidably disposed along the main housing and further configured to secure the rod to the distal end of the main housing, a lateral housing configured to be slidably disposed along the main housing and further configured to change orientation of the rod upon being actuated by the handle. There is also disclosed a method of of inserting a rod using a rod inserter tool in combination with a hollow screw extender housing configured to be coupled to a screw assembly.
