Patent ID: 8685065

Claim:
A method of using a single instrument to insert a spinous process fixation device to a position where opposite extensions of the spinous process fixation device are positioned on opposite sides of adjacent spinous processes and to compress the extensions such that they engage the adjacent spinous processes, the method comprising: providing a spinous process fixation device comprising at least two extensions, wherein at least one of the two extensions is movable relative to the other and wherein at least one of the two extensions comprises at least one fastener that is adapted to engage a spinous process; providing a single instrument having a first leg and a second leg, wherein each leg comprises a handle portion and an implant engaging portion such that compression of the handle portions causes compression of the implant engaging portion; preparing a surgical site for receipt of the spinous process fixation device; releasably coupling the spinous process fixation device to the single instrument prior to insertion of the spinous process fixation device to the surgical site; moving the spinous process fixation device and the instrument in a generally posterior to anterior direction relative to the surgical site to insert the spinous process fixation device to the surgical site; compressing the handle portions of the single instrument causing the implant engaging portion to compress the spinous process fixation device into the adjacent spinous processes such that the at least one fastener engages the spinous process; and releasing the instrument from the spinous process fixation device.