An articulating rod inserter is configured for use in delivering a fixation rod to an orthopedic fixation system through a cannula or tower. The articulating rod inserter is releasably coupled to a rod and can move the rod from a generally aligned configuration, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rod and rod inserter are generally aligned, to an angled configuration, wherein the longitudinal axis of the rod is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rod inserter. The rod is inserted into the patient through a first tower and then articulated to a second tower such that the rod extends between two or more fixation devices.
