Posterior process dynamic spacer

An interspinous implant for insertion into an interspinous space between adjacent spinous processes, comprising:

• a) a central body having an upper surface for bearing against an upper spinous process, a lower surface for bearing against a lower spinous process, and first and second side portions,
• b) a first upper extension extending upward from the first side portions,
• c) a second upper extension extending upward from the second side portion, the upper extensions collectively defining an upper bracket, and
• d) a first lower extension extending downward from the first side portion,
• e) a second lower extension extending downward from the second side portion, the lower extensions collectively defining a lower bracket,
• wherein each of the first upper and first lower extensions comprises a shape memory metal,
• wherein the implant is a unitary body,
• wherein the first upper and first lower extensions are adapted to superelastically extend sideways in a martensitic phase, and
• wherein the first upper and first lower extensions are adapted to extend upwards and downwards in an austenitic phase.