29. A spinal implant adapted to be implanted in a patient comprising: a shield with a shield cavity; a mount extending from said shield; a deflection rod extending through the shield cavity and having a first end mounted in said shield cavity and a second end external to said shield cavity; the second end of the deflection rod including a connector configured for mounting a spinal rod; and wherein said deflection rod is able to be deflected in said shield cavity and wherein deflection of said deflection rod is limited by contact with the shield.
29. A spinal implant adapted to be implanted in a patient comprising: a shield with a shield cavity; a mount extending from said shield; a deflection rod extending through the shield cavity and having a first end mounted in said shield cavity and a second end external to said shield cavity; the second end of the deflection rod including a connector configured for mounting a spinal rod; and wherein said deflection rod is able to be deflected in said shield cavity and wherein deflection of said deflection rod is limited by contact with the shield. 32. The spinal implant of claim 29 , wherein said deflection rod includes an inner rod and an outer sleeve.