Patent ID: 8172882
Filing Date: 2012-05-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An implant comprising: a first hook adapted to be hooked onto a first lateral border of a first superior articular facet of a vertebra; a second hook adapted to be hooked onto a second lateral border of a second superior articular facet of said same vertebra; a connector coupled to the first and second hooks, the connector configured to be positioned between the first hook and the second hook and superior to a spinous process of said same vertebra; and a first lock associated with the first hook and a second lock associated with the second hook; whereby the first hook is adapted to be hooked around the first lateral border of the first superior articular facet, the second hook is adapted to be hooked around the second lateral border of the second superior articular facet; and whereby the first hook and second hook are configured to be moved along said connector towards said spinous process, such that the first hook and second hook can then be locked in place relative to said connector thereby securing the implant to said vertebra; and whereby the first and second hooks each comprise: