A method for treating a spine, comprises the steps of fastening a first fastener to a first portion of vertebrae, a second fastener to a second portion of vertebra, and a third fastener to a third portion of vertebrae, wherein the second portion of vertebra is between the first and third vertebra providing a longitudinal element having a first portion and a second portion passing the first portion of the longitudinal element through the second and third fasteners such that the second portion of the longitudinal element extends from the second fastener through the third fastener bending the first portion of the longitudinal element to a selected curvature and moving the second portion of the longitudinal element through the second fastener to the first fastener after the first portion of the longitudinal element has been passed through the second and third fasteners. Systems and instruments are disclosed.
