8. A spinal fixation system, comprising: a first bone screw having a threaded shank and a receiver head polyaxially coupled to the threaded shank; a threaded set screw having a distal portion threadably mated to opposed arms of the receiver head, the threaded set screw being configured to lock a spinal fixation rod within the receiver head; a connecting plate having a first end with a first oblong opening formed therein, a second opposite end with a second oblong opening formed therein, and an arcuate-shaped spanning portion extending between the first and second ends, the first end of the connecting plate being disposed around a proximal portion of the threaded set screw such that the connecting plate is positioned proximal to a proximal-most end of the opposed arms of the receiver head; and a washer threadably matable with a proximal portion of the threaded set screw such that the first end of the connecting plate is positioned distal of the washer.
8. A spinal fixation system, comprising: a first bone screw having a threaded shank and a receiver head polyaxially coupled to the threaded shank; a threaded set screw having a distal portion threadably mated to opposed arms of the receiver head, the threaded set screw being configured to lock a spinal fixation rod within the receiver head; a connecting plate having a first end with a first oblong opening formed therein, a second opposite end with a second oblong opening formed therein, and an arcuate-shaped spanning portion extending between the first and second ends, the first end of the connecting plate being disposed around a proximal portion of the threaded set screw such that the connecting plate is positioned proximal to a proximal-most end of the opposed arms of the receiver head; and a washer threadably matable with a proximal portion of the threaded set screw such that the first end of the connecting plate is positioned distal of the washer. 9. The spinal fixation system of claim 8 , wherein the washer is configured to lock the connecting member to the first bone screw.