Dynamic spinal plating systems that can be placed on the anterior aspect of the spine to aid in spinal fusion and surgical methods for using the dynamic spinal plating systems are disclosed. The dynamic spinal plating systems including a plate and at least one bone attachment mechanism. The plate including a superior end with at least one screw hole, an inferior end, and two lateral sides forming an opening that is transverse by the bone attachment mechanism. The dynamic spinal plating systems also include at least one screw plate with a center screw hole and two passageways that mate with two transverse members of the bone attachment mechanism. When implanted the vertebral stabilization devices may provide a degree of movement in the superior-inferior direction providing for a minimal change in length as the patient moves and as vertebral body height decreases.
