Systems, instruments and methods are provided for bending an elongate spinal implant used in a medical procedure. In one form, an instrument for bending an elongate spinal implant includes a proximal handle portion and a bending mechanism having an implant engaging member movably coupled to the proximal handle portion. The bending mechanism is operable to articulate the implant engaging member relative to the proximal handle portion while a second implant engaging member associated with the articulating implant engaging member holding the elongate spinal implant in position. In another form, systems and methods are provided to bend in situ an elongate spinal implant associated with an orthopedic construct.
