Patent ID: 8034080
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: moving a spinal implant such that a distal end of the implant is disposed on a first lateral side of adjacent spinous processes, a central exterior portion of the spinal implant is disposed between adjacent spinous processes and extends through a sagittal plane defined by the adjacent spinous processes, and a proximal end of the implant is disposed on a second lateral side of adjacent spinous processes; the first lateral side being opposite the second lateral side; radially extending a first portion of the spinal implant on the first side of the adjacent spinous processes, wherein the first portion is disposed more proximally than the distal end of the implant; radially extending a second portion of the spinal implant on the second side of the adjacent spinous processes, wherein the second portion is disposed more distally than the proximal end of the implant; wherein the central exterior portion longitudinally separates the first and second portions; and wherein a height of the central exterior portion does not substantially increase as the first and second portions are radially extended; the height being measured in a direction from a superior surface of one of the spinous processes to an inferior surface of the other of the spinous processes in the sagittal plane; wherein, when the first and second portions are radially extended, the first and second portions are disposed on opposing lateral sides of the spinous processes such that neither the first portion nor the second portion extends through the sagittal plane defined by the adjacent spinous processes.