Patent ID: 8568460

Claim:
A method, comprising: inserting a cannula from a lateral side of adjacent spinous processes such that at least a first portion of the cannula fits directly between adjacent spinous processes; inserting an implant through the cannula from the lateral side while the first portion of the cannula is disposed directly between the adjacent spinous processes such that at least a portion of the implant is disposed between the adjacent spinous processes; wherein the inserting includes pushing the implant through the cannula via an insertion tool while a distal end face of the insertion tool abuts a proximal end portion of the implant; removing the cannula after the inserting the implant such that at least a portion of the implant remains disposed between the adjacent spinous processes; and wherein the implant is configured to limit extension of a spinal column including the adjacent spinous processes and configured to allow flexion of the spinal column.