A connecting system (10) includes a longitudinal connector (12) having two opposite ends and at least one fastener (30), configured to couple at least one of the ends of the longitudinal connector to a patients anatomy. At least one clamping assembly (20, 22) is operable to secure the longitudinal connector to the fastener. The clamping assembly allows adjustment of relative positions of the longitudinal connector and the fastener prior to fixing relative positions of the longitudinal connector and the fastener.
