Abstract: A method of inserting a fastener includes positioning a portion of a stylet within a cannulated shaft of the fastener, advancing a tip of the stylet through a first bone and into a second bone, advancing a leading end of the fastener along the stylet through the first bone and into the second bone, and removing the stylet from the cannulated shaft of the fastener and the bone. In another embodiment, a method of inserting a fastener includes positioning a portion of a stylet within a cannulated shaft of the fastener, advancing a tip of the stylet into a bone to a first depth without advancing the fastener into the bone, advancing a leading end of the fastener along the stylet into the bone to a second depth without further advancing the stylet into the bone, and removing the stylet from the cannulated shaft of the fastener and the bone.

Abstract: A stylet control system for selectively advancing and retracting a stylet includes a stylet having a first end and a second end, the second end being threaded, a screwdriver defining a bore for receiving a portion of the stylet and having a screw-engaging end for engaging a screw, the stylet being rotationally fixed relative to the screwdriver. The system includes a control device having a passage for receiving the screwdriver and having an inner portion defining a lumen for receiving the portion of the stylet, the inner portion being threaded for engaging the threaded second end of the stylet, when the screwdriver is rotated in the first rotation direction and the control device is prevented from rotating, the screwdriver advances the screw in the first axial direction and the stylet retracts in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.

Abstract: A stylet control system for selectively advancing and retracting a stylet includes a stylet having a first end and a second end, the second end being threaded, a screwdriver defining a bore for receiving a portion of the stylet and having a screw-engaging end for engaging a screw, the stylet being rotationally fixed relative to the screwdriver. The system includes a control device having a passage for receiving the screwdriver and having an inner portion defining a lumen for receiving the portion of the stylet, the inner portion being threaded for engaging the threaded second end of the stylet, when the screwdriver is rotated in the first rotation direction and the control device is prevented from rotating, the screwdriver advances the screw in the first axial direction and the stylet retracts in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction.