Patent ID: 7789898
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of decompressing a spinal joint, the method comprising: accessing an interlaminar space between adjacent upper and lower laminae of a single interlaminar level; inserting a spacer system having first and second connection devices into the interlaminar space; engaging the upper and lower laminae with the first and second connection devices respectively such that the first connection device engages an inferior surface of the upper lamina and the second connection device engages a superior surface of the lower lamina; wherein the first and second connection devices comprise first and second hooks, respectively, having first and second hook surfaces, respectively, facing in generally opposite directions; wherein the spacer system includes a central portion and the first and second hooks are connected to each other only through the central portion; wherein the central portion is laterally offset from a vertical axis defined by minimum points on the first and second hooks respectively such that after said inserting, the central portion is disposed posteriorly with respect to the laminae of the single interlaminar level.