Abstract: A bone screw and method of using the same for immobilizing a joint, the bone screw including a screw head, an elongate shaft having a threaded outer wall and a helically-shaped slot extending through the outer wall and longitudinally along the shaft. The slot extends longitudinally along a middle section of the threaded outer wall, terminating short of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft, or the slot extends through the distal end and/or to the proximal end of the shaft immediately adjacent to the screw head. The slot includes a cutting edge that is arranged to engage bone when the screw advances therethrough for cutting away a portion of the bone. A reservoir is located within the elongate shaft for collecting bone that is cut away or removed by the cutting edge.

Abstract: A pedicle screw system and methods of using same, the system including a pedicle screw with a screw head and a rod support housing with a head capture opening surrounded by relief slots. The rod support housing has an interior gripping ridge and an exterior locking groove. Pressing the screw head into the head capture opening results in regions of the rod support housing between the relief slots flexing outwardly to allow the screw head to pass over the gripping ridge, and the regions to cease flexing outwardly after the screw head is seated within the rod support housing. Pressing a locking ring over the head capture opening causes regions of the rod support housing between the relief slots to flex inwardly and allow a locking tab of the locking ring to pass into the locking groove, after which the regions cease flexing inwardly.