A spinal surgical system (20) includes at least one extender (100) mounted to an anchor (22) engaged to the spinal column. The extender extends proximally away from the anchor to a proximal end outside the patient. The extender is configured to receive a connecting member (40) from an approach that is generally parallel or along the longitudinal axis of the extender so that the connecting member can be positioned from the proximal end (102) of the extender to the anchor at the distal end (104) of the extender without requiring an additional incision or puncture to accommodate the connecting member insertion.
