Patent ID: 7799058
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A spacer for maintaining separation between adjacent spinous processes, the spacer comprising: first and second end supports, the second end support having a hole therethrough and a first plurality of engaging teeth at least partially disposed along the hole; a connecting member having a first plurality of engaging teeth and; at least one expandable member at least partially surrounding a portion of the connecting member; and a central member with a hole therethrough positioned between the first and second end supports; wherein the connecting member is coupled to the first end support and extends through the hole in the central member and the hole in the second end support, the connecting member being slideably translatable through the central member and the second end support, wherein pulling the connecting member along its axis causes the connecting member to move the spacer between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration by bringing the first and second end supports closer together, wherein the engaging teeth of the connecting member are configured to contact the engaging teeth of the second end support thereby preventing the connecting member from translating toward the collapsed configuration and maintaining the spacer in the expanded configuration, wherein at least a portion of the expandable member expands into the expanded configuration to contact and support adjacent spinous processes.