A percutaneous access device includes an inner tube and an outer tube
disposed about at least a portion of the inner tube. The outer tube may
be sized to span from a skin incision in a patient to a site proximate
the spine of the patient. The distal end of the outer tube may be adapted
to releasably engage a bone anchor. The inner tube may be adjustable
relative to the outer tube between a first position and a second position
in which the distal end of the inner tube contacts the bone anchor. A
bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor having a distal bone engaging
portion and a receiving member having a recess for receiving a spinal
fixation element. The proximal end of the receiving member may have an
arcuate groove formed on an exterior surface thereof to facilitate
connection of an instrument to the receiving member.