Patent ID: 8002801

Claim:
A spinal implant for stabilizing vertebrae of a spine, comprising: a first connector configured to be coupled to a spinous process of a first vertebra, the first connector including a penetrating structure for penetrating the spinous process, wherein the first connector comprises a single plate that is shaped to wrap around a spinous process from a first side to a second side thereof, wherein the single plate has a first aperture on a first side thereof and a second aperture on a second side thereof, wherein the first and second apertures are aligned; a second connector spaced apart from the first connector a sufficient distance to allow it to be coupled to a pedicle of a second vertebra that is adjacent to or next adjacent to the first vertebra, the second connector being located at an oblique angle to the first connector, and including a pedicle-penetrating structure suitable for attaching the second connector to a pedicle of a spine; and a first generally rod-shaped member extending at an oblique angle from the first connector to the second connector and interconnecting the first connector and the second connector to limit relative motion therebetween, the first generally rod-shaped member extending into the first aperture and out of the second side of the plate, wherein the length of the first generally rod-shaped member between the first and second connectors is adjustable after the implant is implanted.