摘要 |
A Spinous Process (SP) staple including a top claw, a bottom claw, a staple pin pivotally connecting the top claw and the bottom claw, a ratchet mechanism that limits an opening force of the top claw with respect to the bottom claw, a first hemi-spacer positioned on the top claw and a second hemi-spacer positioned on the bottom claw. Upon the stapling of two adjacent spinous processes, the SP staple claws approximate, and the first and second hemi-spacers interdigitate, interlock, and unite to become a single interspinous process spacer which can be wedged between two adjacent spinous processes. Adjacent spinous process separation and/or distraction leading to spinal canal decompression and alleviation of the symptoms of spinal stenosis are accomplished.
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