The present invention concerns a surgical instrument for securing vertebrae by posterior or posterolateral approach, consisting of: a tubular element formed from two members separated by a recessed longitudinal area, said members being linked at the distal end of same, each of said members having, on the inner surface of same, a guide groove with a dovetail section, an insert having two diametrically opposed longitudinal rails, having a dovetail section complementary to the section of said guide grooves. The proximal end of each of the members has an anchoring means capable of engaging with a complementary means, by transverse displacement of said legs. The invention also concerns a surgical instrument system for securing vertebrae by posterior or posterolateral approach, consisting of such an instrument.