Abstract: An element with a shank (1) and a holding element (2; 21; 21?) connected to it for connecting to a rod (100) is provided, wherein the holding element (2; 21; 21?) has a recess having a U-shaped cross-section for receiving the rod with two legs (4, 5; 26, 27) open at one end (6, 28) and an inner thread (7; 29) on the open legs and with a locking element (8; 80) with an outer thread (9) in at least one section of its outer wall, wherein the outer thread (9) cooperates with the inner thread (7; 29) of the legs and wherein the locking element has a central bore, characterised in that the locking element (8, 80) has a slit (14) extending substantially in the axial direction through its outer wall.