Interspinous process distraction system and method with positionable wing and method

Abstract

An implant that is implanted between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The device has a spacer to distract apart the adjacent spinous processes. To minimize trauma to the patient, the device has a tapered tissue expander to distract a previously created opening between the adjacent spinous processes. The device also has two wings. The position of one wing is adjustable to allow for ease of assembly in a patent.

1 . An implant for maintaining a space between adjacent anatomical structures, the implant comprising: 
 a spacer;    a wing; and    ramp device that positions the wing relative to the spacer.    
     
     
         2 . An implant for maintaining a space between adjacent anatomical structures, the implant comprising: 
 a spacer;    a wing;    means for fastening the wing relative to the spacer; and    said fastening means including a ramp means for causing the wing to move relative to the spacer.