Patent ID: 8246660

Claim:
An apparatus placed by an implantation tool for spacing a first section of a divided lamina apart from a second section of the divided lamina in connection with a laminoplasty procedure, comprising: a first portion for attachment to the first section of the divided lamina, wherein the first portion includes at least one hole therethrough for receiving a first fastener driven into the first section of the divided lamina; a second portion for attachment to the second section of the divided lamina, wherein the second portion includes at least one hole therethrough for receiving a second fastener driven into the second section of the divided lamina; an intermediate portion connecting the first and second portions, wherein the intermediate portion connects the first and second portions such that the first and second portions are spaced apart from one another along a first axis and the first and second portions are offset from one another along a second axis which is generally perpendicular to the first axis; an extension connected to the intermediate portion for engaging the first section of the divided lamina; a receiving element for placement between the first and second section of the divided lamina, wherein the receiving element possesses a channel for receiving the extension; and wherein the extension and the first portion extend away from the intermediate portion and substantially toward the same direction.