Methods and devices for expanding a spinal canal

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for expanding a spinal canal. An implantable device having a shaft with a first cross-sectional dimension distinct from a second cross-sectional dimension can be inserted into an opening in a lamina and rotated 90 degrees to hinge the lamina away from the spinal canal. The implant can have one or more radiused edges, a bulleted tip, one or more lateral extensions for fastening the implantable device to bone, one or more hinged lateral extensions, one or more arcuate protrusions for biting into adjacent bone, an enlarged proximal head to prevent over-insertion, and/or a sleeve disposed therearound to reduce friction. Various embodiments of an insertion apparatus that can be selectively coupled to the implantable device are also disclosed, along with methods of expanding a spinal canal in minimally-invasive procedures using an implantable device and/or an insertion apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for expanding a spinal canal, comprising:
 forming an opening in a first side of a lamina of a spine;   inserting an implant into the opening in a first orientation in which the implant fits within the opening in a clearance fit; and   rotating the implant to a second orientation in which the implant expands the size of the opening, thereby expanding the spinal canal.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising forming a relief in a second side of the lamina opposite the first side before inserting the implant to permit the lamina to hinge posteriorly away from the spinal canal. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vertebral body is accessed using at least one minimally invasive portal. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising securing the implant to the vertebral body to prevent post-operative movement of the implant. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein securing the implant includes unfolding at least one hinged lateral extension of the implant after inserting the implant into the opening and attaching the at least one hinged lateral extension to the vertebral body with at least one bone screw. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is inserted into the opening using an insertion apparatus selectively attached to the implant. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is inserted distally into the opening until a lip at the proximal end of the implant prevents further insertion. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is rotated 90 degrees. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein rotating the implant causes at least one arcuate protrusion formed thereon to engage a wall of the opening. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein rotating the implant causes the lamina to cam over at least one radiused corner of the implant. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein inserting the implant comprises first inserting a sleeve into the opening and then inserting the implant into the sleeve. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein inserting the implant comprises inserting the implant and a sleeve disposed therearound simultaneously.