Spinal anchor assemblies having extended receivers

There are provided systems (40) and methods for positioning a connecting member (100) adjacent the spinal column that include one or more anchor assemblies (45) having an anchor (120) engageable to bony structure and an extended receiver (50) having a guide portion (54) and an implantation portion (52). A connecting member (100) is movable along the guide portion (54) from a location outside the patient to the implantation portion (52) in the patient, where the connecting member (100) is secured to the anchor assembly (45) with an engaging member (90). The guide portion (54) is formed as a single unit with but separable from the implantation portion (52) to provide a modified low-profile anchor assembly (45) after implantation of the connecting member (100).