Patent ID: 9084639
Filing Date: 2015-07-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of implanting a spinal implant device for placement between adjacent spinous processes and adjacent a thecal sac, the spinous processes including a superior spinous process extending to a superior spinolaminar junction and an inferior spinous process extending to the inferior spinolaminar junction, the spinous processes disposed about a pair of opposing facet joints, the method comprising: a) removing a portion of the superior spinolaminar junction; b) removing a portion of each of the facet joints; c) providing the spinal implant device including a fusion cage, first and second fixation plates and a connector extending between the fusion cage and the first and second fusion plates, the fusion cage having a superior saddle portion, an inferior saddle portion and opposing cage ends; d) positioning the fusion cage between the spinous processes with the superior saddle portion being received in the superior spinolaminar junction where the portion of the superior spinolaminar junction having been removed, the inferior saddle portion receiving the inferior spinolaminar junction, and opposing cage ends respectively contacting the opposing facet joints adjacent to where the portion of each of the facet joints having been removed; and e) attaching the first and second fixation plates to the adjacent spinous processes with the spinous processes disposed between the fixation plates.