A fixation device expands the spinal canal through osteotomies of the dorsal spinal elements (e.g lamina). Fixation is established to the dorsal vertebral elements (e.g. spinous process or lamina), with connection to a fixation device on each side of respective osteotomies. A distracting mechanism dorsally translates the fixated dorsal vertebral elements to expand the spinal canal. The fixation device allows secure fixation of the vertebra in the expanded state to promote bony healing across the osteotomy site. The fixation device can include a dorsal vertebral device (e.g., a transosseous fixation member placed through the spinous process) connected to a vertebral fixation device (e.g., bone screw or rod) by a connecting device with distracting mechanism. The connecting device spans the respective osteotomy, includes the distracting mechanism, and translates (lifts) the dorsal vertebral device from the vertebral fixation device in a dorsal direction to promote spinal canal expansion.
