A surgical screw container includes at least one recess which is adapted to receive therein a screw with a head and a threaded shank. The recess has an opening at one end to allow the screw to pass into or out of the recess. The recess is arranged so that the screw lies within the recess with the head of the screw facing the opening. The recess includes a detent device for retaining the screw within the container. The insertion of a screwdriver shaft into the recess releases the screw.