The invention provides a rod assembly for implantation into the spine
which includes a bone anchor assembly providing two points of angulation
for the connection between the point of fixation and the rod. Further,
the distance of offset between the point of fixation and the rod can be
varied. The invention uses a bone screw having a pronged cage with a
recess that accommodates the head of a post member. The cage can be
tightened around the head by the camming surfaces of a locking cap that
is drawn down around the compressible cage as the head is screwed upward
in the recess by the engagement of the threads of the post by a locking
nut. Further, the locking cap has a slotted bushing that is positionable
in the elongated slot of a rod connector member. The locking nut includes
an external taper that expands the bushing outward to lock it into
position in the slot. In a further embodiment, the head has an internal
hollow that receives a spindle journaled in a cavity in the recess to
limit the amount of play in the assembly prior to tightening.