Patent ID: 8672975
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61B,A61K,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: an implant having a support member and a retention member, at least a portion of the support member sized to define a minimum space between first and second adjacent spinous processes of a human spine when placed between the spinous processes; the support member having a proximal end and a distal end and wherein the support member continuously narrows in cross-section in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end; the retention member movably coupled to the support member at a location between the proximal and distal ends; the retention member configured to move relative to the support member between a first position and a second position, the retention member configured to limit lateral movement of the support member relative to the pair of adjacent spinous processes when in the second position; wherein the retention member is rotatably coupled to the support member at a pivot point longitudinally spaced away from both the distal and proximal ends of the support member in both the first and second positions; wherein the retention member is longitudinally located between the proximal end and the distal end of the support member in the second position; wherein the support member has a triangular cross-sectional configuration; wherein the retention member has a teardrop-shaped cross-sectional configuration; and wherein a second retention member identical to the retention member is rotatably coupled to the support member such that each retention member along with a sloping surface of the triangular configuration form a recess for reception of a spinous process.