1. A method for spinal stabilization, comprising: coupling a first end of a connecting member to a head of a bone anchor implanted in a first vertebra to anchor the first end of the connecting member to the first vertebra, the bone anchor having a rod receiving portion with opposed arms and a first spinal rod disposed in the rod receiving portion; threadably engaging a distal portion of a set screw with each of the opposed arms of the bone anchor, the threaded set screw extending through an opening in the first end of the connecting member; and threadably engaging a washer with a proximal portion of the set screw, the first end of the connecting member being located between the threaded washer and a proximal end of the opposed arms on the rod receiving portion of the bone anchor.
1. A method for spinal stabilization, comprising: coupling a first end of a connecting member to a head of a bone anchor implanted in a first vertebra to anchor the first end of the connecting member to the first vertebra, the bone anchor having a rod receiving portion with opposed arms and a first spinal rod disposed in the rod receiving portion; threadably engaging a distal portion of a set screw with each of the opposed arms of the bone anchor, the threaded set screw extending through an opening in the first end of the connecting member; and threadably engaging a washer with a proximal portion of the set screw, the first end of the connecting member being located between the threaded washer and a proximal end of the opposed arms on the rod receiving portion of the bone anchor. 2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising coupling a second end of the connecting member to a second spinal rod without anchoring the second end of the connecting member to the first vertebra.