14. The method of claim 7 , 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.
14. The method of claim 7 , 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. 16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the second end of the second connecting plate comprises a buttress formed on an inferior, vertebra-facing surface of the second connecting plate, and the buttress contacts the posterior element when the second end of the second connecting plate is coupled to the posterior element.