A transverse connector assembly for connecting a pair of longitudinal connecting members of a spinal implant system includes a bendable arm with a hook member on either end thereof. Each hook member includes a bore and a curved receiving surface or pair of surfaces. The assembly includes a set screw with a break-off portion with a driving feature, and an axis of rotation corresponding to the bore central axis when the screw is rotatingly received in the bore. The set screw body also has a removal head and a radially extending structure on the break-off portion prohibiting engagement of the removal head by a driving tool while engaged with the break-off portion. The receiving surface of each hook member is oriented with respect to the set screw bore central axis for on axis engagement with a longitudinal connecting member. The hook members may be oriented toward one another, in the same direction or opposite one another. The set screw includes a projection that may be a point, a rim or a knurled dome.