Patent ID: 8523910

Claim:
A device for implantation in the vertebral column, comprising: a cannulated body comprising a support portion extending laterally along a lateral axis between first and second end portions, the body defining a cannula extending therethrough along the lateral axis; wherein at least a portion of the first end portion extends beyond the support portion in a direction perpendicular to the lateral axis; wherein the device is configured and dimensioned to be inserted between adjacent spinous processes of the vertebral column in a lateral direction along the lateral axis and is advanceable over a guidewire extending through the cannula; wherein the first end portion is configured and dimensioned to engage and separate the adjacent spinous processes when inserted and to advance the device in the lateral direction to position the support portion in a predetermined position between the spinous processes; wherein the first end portion comprises a generally wedge shape, the wedge shape defining a first cone angle in the lateral direction and a second cone angle in a vertical direction that is perpendicular or transverse to the lateral axis; and wherein the first cone angle is greater than the second cone angle.