of sleeve inserter 12 once withdrawal handle 30 is attached to sleeve inserter 12 plunger stylet 38 is inserted telescopically into the proximal end 16 of sleeve inserter 12 until the distal end 40 of plunger stylet 38 rests against rod 10 the system 39 s user then withdraws sleeve inserter 12 using withdrawal handle 30 to apply the withdrawing force to inserter 12 while applying a suitable opposing force to rod 10 through plunger stylet 38 to maintain rod 10 in the desired longitudinal position in the bone despite the longitudinal movement of the sleeve inserter 12 around it obviously plunger stylet 38 must be of sufficient length to allow complete withdrawal of sleeve inserter 12 from the bone with plunger stylet 38 still in contact with rod 10 once sleeve inserter 12 has been withdrawn from the patient plunger stylet 38 may also be removed and appropriate closure or other orthopedic procedures may follow also the sleeve inserter 12 can be inserted with a steel or plastic stylet then once in place the stylet can be withdrawn and the bioabsorbable rod 10 inserted the sleeve inserter 12 is then withdrawn with the bioabsorbable rod 10 remaining in the bone through action of.