Devices and methods include an anchor assembly engageable to a vertebra and a connecting element positionable through a receiver of the anchor assembly. The receiver includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis that defines an axial bore extending longitudinally therein and opening at least distally and a trans-axial bore that opens in opposite sides of the receiver. The connecting element can be positioned through the trans-axial bore in an endwise manner through the receiver. The side openings of the trans-axial bore are encompassed by the body of the receiver on all sides of each opening.