Insertion of a spinal stabilization element into a patient generally includes positioning a cord within a sheath and inserting the sheath and cord through the patients body along a path generally toward an anchor member. An advancement member may be mounted on the leading end of the cord to further facilitate this insertion. The sheath is then retracted to expose a first portion of the cord within the patients body, and the first portion of the cord is moved into a desired position relative to the anchor member. After advancing a spacer over the sheath and cord, the sheath is retracted to expose a second portion of the cord. The second portion of the cord is then moved into a desired position relative to another anchor member such that the spacer is positioned between the two anchor members.
