Patent ID: 8267970

Claim:
A spinal augmentation device comprising: a connector element configured to support adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae, the connector element being formed of a continuously concave arced member having a superior portion and an inferior portion, wherein the arced member includes a closed posterior end and an open anterior end; a first superior seating member associated with the connector element, the first seating member being configured to receive a portion of a lamina of the superior vertebra; a second inferior seating member associated with the connector element, the second seating member being configured to receive a portion of the lamina of the inferior vertebra; a spring member coupled to the connector element between the adjacent arms of the arced member, the spring member being configured to move anteriorly and posteriorly relative to the posterior end of the connector element to selectively adjust the stiffness and distraction of the adjacent arms; wherein the spinal augmentation device is sized and configured to be fully implanted in a subject between adjacent vertebral bodies to apply a distraction force to the adjacent vertebral bodies, and wherein the spinal augmentation device has a maximum height between the superior and inferior portions of the connector element and a maximum width between the posterior end and the open anterior end, and wherein the maximum height is greater than or equal to the maximum width.