A spinal fixation system includes a plurality of segmental members each having a concave end and a convex end, and aligned end to end with the convex end of one of the segmental members disposed within the concave end of an adjacent segmental member to define a segmental rod. The rod is formed for attachment to a plurality of spinal segments, and then tensioned to generate a stiffness in the segmental rod sufficient to maintain the pre-formed shape. A locking mechanism secures a tensile connector to the segmental rod and maintains the tension of the tensile connector once secured and the shape of the preformed segmental rod. The locking mechanism includes a crimping device through which the tensile connector passes, and a guide device through which the tensile connector wraps around. The crimping device is compressed to grasp and secure the tensile connector in place relative to the segmental rod.
