Patent ID: 6478796
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: A61B,A61K

Abstract:
A method of relieving pain associated with at least one of the spinal column and associated tissues and structures including the steps of:accessing first sides and second sides of adjacent first and second spinous processes of the spinal column with an incision; distracting the first and second spinous processes a sufficient amount in order to increase the volume of the spinal canal and/or neural foramen in the spinal column in order to relieve pain; and implanting a first portion of a device through said incision adjacent first sides of the spinous processes and a second portion of said device through said incision adjacent second sides of the spinous processes, until said portions can be mated; said device including a fastener, with the fastener used in a step of securing the first portion to the second portion in the mated configuration in order to maintain the amount of distraction required to relieve the pain; and using a tool having a first arm on to which is mounted the first portion of the device and a second arm on to which is mounted the second portion of the device in order to urge the first portion and the second portion through the incision and into the mating position.