A pedicle screw assembly, including: a bone screw having a head portion and a thread portion, wherein the thread portion includes an axial shaft and a triple lead thread disposed about the axial shaft; and a rod retention member selectively coupled to the head portion of the bone screw. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that originate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the triple lead thread includes leads that terminate at different points along the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a first tapering portion proximate a tip of the axial shaft. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a second tapering portion proximate the tip of the axial shaft. Preferably, the second tapering portion tapers more steeply than the first tapering portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes a reduced diameter portion proximate the head portion. Optionally, the axial shaft includes one or more tapering portions proximate the head portion.