Patent ID: 7695496

Claim:
A spinal stabilization device, comprising: a compressible central spacer adapted to be positioned between posterior elements of first and second adjacent vertebrae, the central spacer being adapted to compress upon extension of the adjacent vertebrae to limit extension of the adjacent vertebrae; opposed arms coupled to opposed lateral sides of the central spacer, each arm having a first portion extending proximally from the central spacer and adapted to couple to a first vertebra, and a second portion extending distally from the central spacer and adapted to be positioned adjacent to a spinous process of a second adjacent vertebra such that the opposed arms are adapted to provide resistance to movement of first and second adjacent vertebrae, wherein a distal end of the second portion of the first arm is coupled to a distal end of the second portion of the second arm to form a U-shaped member that is adapted to be positioned around the spinous process of a second adjacent vertebra; and first and second fasteners configured to couple to the first and second vertebrae, each fastener having a receiving head for receiving a proximal end of the first portion of an opposed arm to couple the opposed arms to the vertebrae.