Patent ID: 9717540
Date: 2017-08-01
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. A method of positioning a spinous process fixation system between first and second spaced spinous processes using a lateral approach, the method comprising: accessing an area substantially near the first and second spaced spinous processes; providing an implant comprising: providing an inserter having a head and an elongate shaft extending therefrom a proximal end of the head, wherein the head tapers toward its distal end; positioning the cage onto the inserter by positioning the elongate shaft through the post bore: grasping the elongate shaft and urging the distal end of the head of the inserter laterally between the first and second spaced spinous processes until the cage is positioned therebetween the first and second spaced spinous processes; removing the inserter; positioning the first plate adjacent one side of the first and second spaced spinous processes, whereby the post is positioned therethrough the post bore; positioning the second plate adjacent an opposite side of the first and second spaced spinous processes; and compressing the first and second plates and affixing the second plate to the post, thereby maintaining the relationship between the first and second plates.