Patent ID: 7708764

Claim:
A method for dynamically supporting the spine in the area of the facet joint, comprising the steps of: providing a spinal implant rod; providing at least a fixation connector assembly and a sliding connector assembly, each said connector assembly comprising a post and a connecting member having a rod connecting portion and a post connecting portion, said sliding connector assembly having a rod connecting portion with structure for slidable engagement of said rod, said fixation connector assembly having a rod connecting portion with structure for engaging said rod so as to prevent sliding movement of said rod relative to said connector assembly; positioning and securing said post of said sliding connector assembly or said fixation connector assembly in the area of the superior articular facet of a lower vertebrae, and positioning and securing said post of the other of said sliding connector assembly or said fixation connector assembly in the area of an inferior articular facet of an adjacent upper vertebrae; and, securing said rod to said sliding connector assembly so as to be slidable relative thereto postoperatively, and securing said rod to said fixation connector assembly so as to prevent slidable movement relative thereto postoperatively.