INSTRUMENT AND METHOD FOR REDUCING ELONGATE CONNECTING ELEMENTS

One non-limiting embodiment is directed to a reduction instrument releasably engageable with a bone anchor and structured to reduce a connecting element into a receiving member of the bone anchor. The reduction instrument includes a first member and a second member laterally movable relative to the first member between a first position for receiving a portion of the bone anchor and a second position for engaging the reduction instrument with the bone anchor. The reduction instrument also includes an actuating member axially displaceable relative to the first and second members. Additionally, the second member is moved between the first and second positions upon displacement of the actuating member relative to the first and second members, and the second member extends substantially parallel to the first member as it is moved between the first and second positions.