Interspinous implants and methods

摘要

The present invention provides spinous process implant and associated methods. In one aspect of the invention the implant limits the maximum spacing between the spinous processes. In another aspect of the invention, a spacer has at least one transverse opening to facilitate tissue in-growth. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and separate extensions engageable with the spacer. The spacer is provided in a variety of lengths and superior to inferior surface spacings. In another aspect of the invention, an implant includes a spacer and a cerclage element offset from the midline of the spacer in use so that the spacer defines a fulcrum and the cerclage element is operative to impart a moment to the vertebrae about the spacer. In another aspect of the invention, instrumentation for inserting the implant is provided. In other aspects of the invention, methods for treating spine disease are provided.

主权项

1. An implant for placement between spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of a spine, the implant comprising:
a spacer having a longitudinal axis operable to abut the spinous processes and maintain the spinous processes in a spaced apart relationship corresponding to a predetermined minimum spacing between the spinous processes, the spacer comprising first and second members having a gap therebetween, the first and second members each having a total surface area, the total surface area of the first member greater than the total surface area of the second member; a first extension forming a plane projecting from the spacer transverse to the longitudinal axis to lie generally alongside first lateral sides of the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae; first and second fasteners moveably coupled to the first extension and adapted to engage the first lateral sides of the spinous processes to limit the maximum spacing between the spinous processes, wherein the movement of the first and second fasteners allows angular adjustment between the first extension and the first and second fasteners over a plurality of angles; a second extension forming a second plane projecting from the spacer transverse to the longitudinal axis to lie generally alongside second lateral sides of the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae, the second extension translatably coupled to the spacer for translation along the longitudinal axis; and at least a third fastener coupled to the second extension and adapted to engage at least one of the second lateral sides of the spinous processes to limit the maximum spacing between the spinous processes.