#$%^&*AU2014201149A120141002.pdf#####ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A spinal rod insertion instrument 100 is disclosed. The instrument 100 includes a hollow, monolithic body having a proximal end 10 and a distal end 12 and defines a passageway that extends along a first axis between the proximal 5 and distal ends 10 and 12. The distal end 12 includes first and second arms 30 and 40 defining a slot 20 between them. The first and second arms 30 and 40 are configured to releasably retain a spinal rod between them. A method of securing a spinal rod to a coupling element attached with a pedicle screw is also disclosed. The method includes releasably retaining a spinal rod within a slot defined 10 between first and second arms at a distal end of an insertion instrument. The method further includes contacting the insertion instrument with a coupling element of a pedicle screw to align the spinal rod with the coupling element. FIG 1 FOR PUBLICATION1/7 12 26 40 30 40 1110.4CO FIG I Fl 1.
