Patent ID: 7833246

Claim:
An implant adapted to be placed between L5 and S1 vertebrae comprising: a brace with a first end adapted to contact an inferior surface of a spinous process of the L5 vertebra, and a second end; and a base with a central platform and first and second lateral sections, the base having an anterior surface that faces towards the S1 vertebra and an opposing posterior surface that faces away from the S1 vertebra when the base is attached to the S1 vertebra, the base having at least one hook that extends outward from the anterior surface to engage the S1 vertebra; an elongated connector that connects the brace to the platform; the brace including a first surface that faces towards the base and a second surface that faces away from the base, a thickness of the brace measured between the first and second surfaces being greater at the first end than the second end with the first end being enlarged relative to the second end; the brace and base being connected together by the connector with the brace positioned at the posterior surface of the base and the first end positioned to contact the inferior surface of the spinous process of the L5 vertebra during extension of the spine.