A surgical instrument assembly includes a support frame system, and a surgical tool engageable with the support frame system. The support frame system is adapted for providing a surgical tool attachment and articulation locus that is maintained during the course of a surgical procedure to direct a fixed and repeatable delivery path for introduction and manipulation of one or more surgical instruments and implants at a surgical site in or on the patient's anatomy. The delivery path can be substantially curvilinear along an arc that is defined by a radius of curvature and length defined by the surgical tool, and a predetermined range of articulation of the tool at the articulation locus.