A cross connector for connecting elongated fixation elements, such as spinal fixation rods, includes a central body and one or more actuators. The rod to rod connector may include a first lever and a second lever coupled to the central body. The first lever may include a free end separated from the central body by a first channel. The second lever may include a free end separated from the central body by a second channel. The one or more actuators may be operable to pivot the first and second levers into a relatively closed position. When the first and second levers are in the relatively closed position, the free ends of the first and second levers are moved toward one another and toward the central body to contract the first and second channels.
