Patent ID: 8906065

Claim:
An implantable device for fixation of spinous processes comprising: first and second spaced plates, the first plate having a surface facing a surface of the second plate; a post having a post length and a post diameter, the post being connected to each of the plates and extending substantially therefrom the facing surface of the first plate to at least the facing surface of the second plate, the connection of the post to the first plate being pivotable to enable changing the attitude of the first plate relative to the second plate, and the connection of the post to the second plate being adjustable to enable changing the spacing between the first plate and the second plate; and a cage configured for insertion between two adjacent spinous processes, the cage comprising: a leading end defining a substantially tapered nose; a trailing end defining a tool bore configured to engage a distal portion of an insertion tool; a top portion and a bottom portion each of which are substantially concave when viewed from the leading end or trailing end to substantially conform to the shape of the adjacent spinous processes; and two opposed side portions defining a post bore therethrough; wherein the cage is positionable between and spaced therefrom each of the first and second spaced plates and at least a portion of the post is configured to pass therethrough the post bore, wherein the post bore has a bore diameter that is larger than the post diameter and is sized to permit the post to move axially and radially within the post bore, thus permitting, the cage to mate with the two adjacent spinous processes substantially independent of the first and second spaced plates.