A spinal stabilization system includes a connecting rod and a bone screw. The connecting rod includes an elongate rounded section, a pair of elongate rail portions, and a pair of neck portions connecting the elongate rounded section with the respective pair of elongate rail portions. Each elongate rail portion extends radially outward from the elongate rounded section and is diametrically opposed to the other elongate rail portion. The bone screw includes a head portion defining a slot, a shank extending longitudinally from the head portion, and a set screw configured to secure the connecting rod in the slot. The slot includes a leading end portion configured to receive one of the pair of elongate rail portions and a trailing end portion configured to engage the set screw, wherein the connecting rod is pivotable about the elongate rounded section in the slot.