31. The method of claim 29 , further comprising: moving the posterior element of a vertebra that is separated from a second portion of the lateral mass of the vertebra away from the second portion of the lateral mass to expand a spinal canal disposed between the posterior element and the second portion of the lateral mass, the second portion of the lateral mass being on a contralateral side of the vertebra than the first portion of the lateral mass; implanting a second bone anchor into the second portion of the lateral mass; coupling a first end of a second connecting plate to the second bone anchor; and coupling a second end of the second connecting plate to the posterior element to maintain the posterior element in a fixed position with respect to the second portion of the lateral mass.
31. The method of claim 29 , further comprising: moving the posterior element of a vertebra that is separated from a second portion of the lateral mass of the vertebra away from the second portion of the lateral mass to expand a spinal canal disposed between the posterior element and the second portion of the lateral mass, the second portion of the lateral mass being on a contralateral side of the vertebra than the first portion of the lateral mass; implanting a second bone anchor into the second portion of the lateral mass; coupling a first end of a second connecting plate to the second bone anchor; and coupling a second end of the second connecting plate to the posterior element to maintain the posterior element in a fixed position with respect to the second portion of the lateral mass. 32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising: dissecting the posterior element from the first portion of the lateral mass of the vertebra; and dissecting the posterior element from the second portion of the lateral mass of the vertebra, the location of the two dissections being at different locations of the posterior element.