Patent ID: 8231656

Claim:
An adjustable implant comprising: a central body configured to be inserted between adjacent first and second spinous processes, the central body having a longitudinal axis; and a first wedging member, the first wedging member configured to expand and retract relative to the central body in a first linear direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to engage the first spinous process; a first wing extending from the central body substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; wherein the first wedging member is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the central body when the first wedging member is in a retracted position; wherein a worm gear is operably connected to the first wedging member and adjusts the first wedging member; wherein the worm gear has a threaded portion which is operably connected to the first wedging member and a non-threaded portion which limits the amount of expansion to the first wedging member.