Patent ID: 9211152
Filing Date: 2015-12-15
Classification: A61B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of expanding the spinal canal of a vertebra comprising: cutting completely through the first lamina to create a space in the first lamina, cutting partially through a second, contra-lateral lamina of the vertebra to create a partial cut in the second lamina, connecting a first plate segment of a bone plate to a plate holding member of a plate holding instrument, manipulating the plate holding instrument to position the first lamina in a space between a second plate segment of the bone plate and a stabilizing member of the plate holding instrument to thereby stabilize the first lamina, pivoting the first lamina about the partial cut in the second lamina to increase the extent of the space in the first lamina, connecting the second plate segment to the first lamina, and connecting a third plate segment of the bone plate to a portion of the vertebra across the space from the second plate segment such that the first plate segment spans the increased space and the bone plate stabilizes the vertebra.