Patent ID: 8425559
Filing Date: 2013-04-23
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A device for stabilizing at least one spinal motion segment including a first vertebra having a first spinous process and a second vertebra having a second spinous process, wherein an interspinous space is defined therebetween, comprising: a. a body having a proximal end having a feature configured to be releasably attached to an insertion tool and a distal end; b. a superior U-shaped member having a proximal end rotatably coupled to the body proximate the distal end, a distal end having a first projection, a second projection, and a cross-member between the first and second projections, wherein the first and second projections are spaced apart from each other by a distance such that in a deployed position the first and second projections are configured to be adjacent opposite sides of the superior spinous process, and a tip at the proximal end; c. an inferior U-shaped member having a proximal end rotatably coupled to the body proximate the distal end, a distal end having a first projection, a second projection, and a cross-member between the first and second projections, wherein the first and second projections are spaced apart from each other by a distance such that in a deployed position the first and second projections are configured to be adjacent opposite sides of the inferior spinous process, and a tip at the proximal end; d. an actuator shaft disposed within the body, the actuator shaft having a distal end configured such that distal motion of the actuator shaft contacts the tips at the proximal ends of the superior and inferior U-shaped members and causes rotation of the superior and inferior U-shaped members toward the proximal end of the body into the deployed position, and wherein at least one of the cross-members configured to contact an adjacent spinous process in the deployed position.