Patent ID: 8192466
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of performing interspinous distraction, the method comprising: inserting a guide wire having a pointed tip between the two spinous processes; inserting a distractor having a conical insertion portion and a shaft between two spinous processes of vertebrae, the conical insertion portion configured such that a gradual distraction between the two spinous processes occurs; inserting an insertion driver while coupled to the distractor, the insertion driver being detachably coupled to a rear portion of the distractor, wherein the guide wire is configured to guide the inserting of the distractor and the inserting of the insertion driver between the two spinous processes while the insertion driver is coupled to the distractor, wherein the distractor and the insertion driver each have a guide channel disposed therein configured to accept the guide wire therein; implanting the distractor between the two spinous processes such that the two spinous processes rest on the shaft between a proximal end and a distal end of the shaft; tightening the clamp; and decoupling the insertion driver from the distractor and removing the insertion driver.