25. A method for decompressing a spinal canal, comprising: moving a posterior element of a vertebra that is separated from a first portion of a lateral mass of the vertebra away from the first portion of the lateral mass to expand a spinal canal disposed between the posterior element and the first portion of the lateral mass; implanting a first bone anchor into the first portion of lateral mass, the bone anchor including ahead; coupling a first end of a first connecting plate to the first bone anchor by contacting the head to an opening formed in the first end with the opening being disposed between a distal end of the head and a first cap element coupled to a proximal end of the head when the first end is coupled to the first bone anchor; and coupling a second end of the first connecting plate to the posterior element to maintain the posterior element in a fixed position with respect to the first portion of the lateral mass.
25. A method for decompressing a spinal canal, comprising: moving a posterior element of a vertebra that is separated from a first portion of a lateral mass of the vertebra away from the first portion of the lateral mass to expand a spinal canal disposed between the posterior element and the first portion of the lateral mass; implanting a first bone anchor into the first portion of lateral mass, the bone anchor including ahead; coupling a first end of a first connecting plate to the first bone anchor by contacting the head to an opening formed in the first end with the opening being disposed between a distal end of the head and a first cap element coupled to a proximal end of the head when the first end is coupled to the first bone anchor; and coupling a second end of the first connecting plate to the posterior element to maintain the posterior element in a fixed position with respect to the first portion of the lateral mass. 26. The method of claim 25 , further comprising dissecting the posterior element from the first portion of the lateral mass of the vertebra.