A hook device for use with support rod implantation apparatus in the spine, having a rod receiving body polyaxially mounted to a blade portion such that the body may be polyaxially maneuvered relative to the placement of the blade, for easy rod coupling. The blade portion of the device has a semi-spherical head portion which sits above the lamina. The rod receiving portion is a separate coupling element having lower, intermediate, and upper portions. The lower portion is slotted and tapered, and has a semi-spherical interior chamber in which the semi-spherical head is polyaxially disposed. The intermediate portion has a side recess for receiving the rod. The top portion is threaded for a top locking nut. A locking ring is disposed about the coupling element, the top of the coupling element being initially positioned above the lower ledge of the side recess such that the rod initially seats against the top surface of the locking ring. A rod retaining sleeve is provided about the coupling element; the sleeve having a lower surface which seats against the top of the rod. When the rod is in place, the top locking nut is tightened to provides a downward force onto the sleeve. The sleeve, in turn, applies a force against the rod, which causes the locking ring to descend down the tapered lower portion, therein locking the semi-spherical head in the interior chamber of the coupling element, and locking it into position relative to the blade portion.