Patent ID: 8419738

Claim:
A surgical instrument system for implanting an interspinous process spacing device, comprising a first arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion and a distal end, wherein the distal end has an interspinous process spacing device engagement element for posteriorly engaging a first attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device having a spacer tray extending inwardly therefrom, a second arm having a proximal end, an elongated central portion and a distal end, wherein the distal end has an interspinous process spacing device engagement element for posteriorly engaging a second attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device having a spacer tray slot therein for receiving the spacer tray, and an element for positioning the first arm and the second arm in alignment for securing the interspinous process spacing device onto spinal processes, wherein each engagement element comprises an engagement projection which releaseably engages an instrument receptacle on the engaged attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device, a mount for movably holding the engagement projection, and an implant guide extending distally past the engagement projection which engages an outer surface of the engaged attachment side of the interspinous process spacing device.