Patent ID: 8128662

Claim:
A method for implanting an interspinous spacer having a longitudinal dimension in an interspinous space between adjacent spinous processes of a patient, the method comprising: inserting a cannula having a working channel along a posterior, mid-line approach through the patient's supraspinous ligament, wherein the cannula comprises a rigid elongated tube with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough; placing a mounting bracket comprising a receiving tube and an attachment port over the cannula so that the cannula is received in the receiving tube; attaching the attachment port to a stabilizing device; orienting the cannula relative to the stabilizing device; and delivering the interspinous spacer through the cannula with the longitudinal dimension of the interspinous spacer extending along the working channel of the cannula to the interspinous process space between the spinous processes.