A system for minimally invasive surgical procedures in a patient, comprising: a number of anchor extensions each including an elongated body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, said body having a length wherein when said distal end is mounted to at least one anchor engaged to bony structure of the patient said proximal end is located outside the patient; an inserter instrument including a proximal handle portion and an inserter arm extending distally from said proximal handle portion; and a connecting element for implantation in the body of the patient, said connecting element releasably engaged to and extending distally from said inserter arm, wherein said proximal handle portion and said connecting element extend generally parallel to one another when said connecting element is engaged to said inserter arm and said releasable engagement between said connecting element and said inserter is structured to permit said connecting element to be pushed through tissue of the patient with said inserter instrument while maintaining said generally parallel relationship with said proximal handle portion wherein said inserter arm includes a bore with a locking mechanism therein, said locking mechanism including a shaft portion extending between an engaging end adjacent a distal end of said inserter arm and an opposite end coupled to an actuating member adjacent a proximal end of said inserter arm, characterised in that said actuating member being pivotally mounted to said inserter instrument for movement between an unlocked position wherein said engaging end projects from said distal end of said inserter arm to receive said connecting element to a locked position wherein said actuating member moves said engaging end into said bore of said inserter arm, said inserter arm engaging said engaging end as said engaging end is moved therein to engage said connecting element to said engaging end. a number of anchor extensions each including an elongated body extending between a distal end and a proximal end, said body having a length wherein when said distal end is mounted to at least one anchor engaged to bony structure of the patient said proximal end is located outside the patient; an inserter instrument including a proximal handle portion and an inserter arm extending distally from said proximal handle portion; and a connecting element for implantation in the body of the patient, said connecting element releasably engaged to and extending distally from said inserter arm, wherein said proximal handle portion and said connecting element extend generally parallel to one another when said connecting element is engaged to said inserter arm and said releasable engagement between said connecting element and said inserter is structured to permit said connecting element to be pushed through tissue of the patient with said inserter instrument while maintaining said generally parallel relationship with said proximal handle portion wherein said inserter arm includes a bore with a locking mechanism therein, said locking mechanism including a shaft portion extending between an engaging end adjacent a distal end of said inserter arm and an opposite end coupled to an actuating member adjacent a proximal end of said inserter arm, characterised in that said actuating member being pivotally mounted to said inserter instrument for movement between an unlocked position wherein said engaging end projects from said distal end of said inserter arm to receive said connecting element to a locked position wherein said actuating member moves said engaging end into said bore of said inserter arm, said inserter arm engaging said engaging end as said engaging end is moved therein to engage said connecting element to said engaging end.