Dynamic spinal stabilization system

A dynamic spinal stabilization system, comprising:

• a first metal pedicle screw and a second metal pedicle screw each installable in a vertebrae;
• a metal support rod;
• a first metal connector mountable to the first pedicle screw and fixedly disposed on the rod;
• a second metal connector mountable to the second pedicle screw and slidingly disposed on the rod at a location spaced apart from the first connector;
• a rigid metal member fixed to the rod and spaced apart from a side of the second connector opposite the first connector;
• a first elastomeric sleeve positioned on the rod and located between the first and second connectors, the first elastomeric sleeve having a stepped configuration and including a first section and a second section having a smaller exterior dimension than the corresponding dimension of the first section and sized to fit within a portion of the second connector so as to be situated between the second metal connector and the rod to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact between the second metal connector and the rod;
• a second elastomeric sleeve located between the second connector and the rigid member;
• wherein the sleeves are operative to substantially eliminate contact between the metal rod and the first and second metal connectors so as to substantially eliminate metal-to-metal contact of metal components of the system that are movable relative to one another, and
• wherein the sleeves deform to enable spinal movements throughout a range of motions from a neutral condition of the spine, to a flexion condition, and an extension condition.