In various embodiments, a spinal stabilization system (10) has a first and a secondvertebral anchor (14) each adapted to be coupled to one of a first and a second vertebrae(16). The system (10) also includes a flexible connecting element (12) coupledto each of the first and second vertebral anchors (14) and extending between thevertebral anchors (14). The connecting element (12) has a central member (36)and a brace (40) positioned about the central member (36) and the central member(36) is stiffer than the brace (40) to provide the needed combination of supportand stiffness to the construct while offering flexibility. These and other variousembodiments of this invention offer an improvement over known systems by providingstabilization of the vertebral column while allowing for flexibility and axialdampening.
