In order to simplify the construction and handling capability of a surgical retaining screw comprising a shaft which has an external thread, a head part which is connected to the shaft securely or movably and has an interior space open towards the upper side located opposite the shaft as well as two openings which are arranged on oppositely located sides of the head part, are open towards the upper side and form a receptacle for a bar-like connecting part, and a clamping screw which can be screwed into the interior space from the upper side in such a manner that it clamps a connecting part placed in the receptacle in this receptacle, it is suggested that the clamping screw be screwed into a screw sleeve which abuts with a conical outer surface tapering towards the upper side of the head part on the complementary conical inner surface of a bearing sleeve surrounding the screw sleeve and that the bearing sleeve be held on the head part to as to be secured against any displacement in the direction towards the upper side.