Patent ID: 6419677
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: A61B,A61K

Abstract:
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of:accessing first sides and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with an incision; distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and implanting a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous processes and a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent second sides of the spinous processes, until said portions can be mated; said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain; and using a tool having a first arm on to which is mounted the first portion of the device and a second arm on to which is mounted the second portion of the device in order to urge the first portion and the second portion into the mating position.