Interspinous Dynamic Stabilization Implant and Method of Implanting

Abstract

Devices and methods for treating spinal disorders and associated discomfort therefrom. In one embodiment, an interspinous implant device is configured for distracting an adjacent pair of spinous processes while permitting relative flexion, lateral bending and side rotation motions between the vertebrae joined to the adjacent pair of spinous processes. A method of treating spinal disorders and associated discomfort therefrom, includes inserting an interspinous device between a pair of adjacent spinous processes such that a superior portion of the device contacts an inferior surface of the relatively superior spinous process of the pair, and an inferior portion of the of the device contacts a superior surface of the relatively inferior spinous process of the pair; and distracting the superior and inferior portions, relative to one another, thereby distracting the spinous processes, whereby vertebrae integral with the spinous processes retain capability of flexion, lateral bending and side rotation motions, relative to one another, after the distraction has been performed.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . A method of treating spinal disorders and associated discomfort therefrom, said method comprising the steps of:
 inserting an interspinous device between a pair of adjacent spinous processes such that a superior portion of the device contacts an inferior surface of the relatively superior spinous process of the pair, and an inferior portion of the of the device contacts a superior surface of the relatively inferior spinous process of the pair; and   distracting the superior and inferior portions, relative to one another, thereby distracting the spinous processes, whereby vertebrae integral with the spinous processes retain capability of flexion, lateral bending and side rotation motions, relative to one another, after said distracting has been performed.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said inserting comprises advancing the device in an anterior direction through an incision aligned with the spinous processes. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising distracting the spinous processes with a distraction tool, prior to said inserting. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said distracting comprises inserting a spacer intermediate of said superior and inferior portions, thereby altering a distance between the superior and inferior portions. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising locking the spacer to a portion of the device, relative to the superior and inferior portions. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  performed as a minimally invasive procedure. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the device is inserted in a collapsed configuration where superior and inferior ends are in an undistracted state. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the pair of adjacent spinous processes comprises a first pair of adjacent spinous processes, said method further comprising inserting a second interspinous device between a second pair of adjacent spinous processes such that a superior portion of the device contacts an inferior surface of the relatively superior spinous process of the second pair, and an inferior portion of the device contacts a superior surface of the relatively inferior spinous process of the second pair, and wherein said second pair of spinous processes includes one spinous process in common with said first pair of spinous processes. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the pair of adjacent spinous processes comprises a first pair of adjacent spinous processes, and wherein a second pair of adjacent spinous processes extend from a pair of adjacent vertebrae having been fused, and wherein said second pair of spinous processes includes one spinous process in common with said first pair of spinous processes.