Systems and methods for positioning a connecting element adjacent an anatomical structure in minimally-invasive surgical procedures, including an electronic guidance system associated with the connecting element and at least one receiving portion of a tissue anchor that receives the connecting element in the patient. The electronic guidance system includes a processor subsystem to receive signals from the guidance system and provide relative positional data between the connecting element and the at least one receiving portion to aid the surgeon in guiding the connecting element to the receiving portion. In one embodiment, the systems and methods are used in association with positioning a connecting element adjacent the spinal column in minimally-invasive spinal stabilization procedures.