# US 8,465,525 B2 · Posterior process dynamic spacer

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- Number: US 8,465,525 B2
- Document ID: US8465525B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 12/817,552
- Filed: 2010-06-17
- Published: 2011-01-20
- Granted: 2013-06-18
- Earliest claimed: 2006-03-09
- Assignees: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
- Applicants: John Riley Hawkins; Amie Borgstrom; William L. Dunbar; Seungkyu Daniel Kwak
- Inventors: John Riley Hawkins; Amie Borgstrom; William L. Dunbar; Seungkyu Daniel Kwak
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8465525B2

## CPC

- A61B 17/7062: {Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral processes, vertebral facets or ribs (rib fixation devices A61B17/8076); Tools for such devices}
- A61B 17/7065: {Devices with changeable shape, e.g. collapsible or having retractable arms to aid implantation; Tools therefor}
- A61B 17/7068: {Devices comprising separate rigid parts, assembled in situ, to bear on each side of spinous processes; Tools therefor}
- A61B 2017/00867: {shape memory effect}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

An interspinous spacer having a memory metal extension.

## Claims

### Claim 1

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.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The implant of claim 1 wherein the first upper and first lower extensions are adapted to superelastically extend in a substantially parallel manner in a martensitic phase.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2 wherein at least one of the first upper and first lower extensions has a chamfered end.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2 wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the central body define a body height HCB, wherein each of the first and second lower extensions have an end defining an extension height therebetween HE, and wherein the extension height HE is less than the central body height HCB.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2 wherein the first upper and first lower extensions are adapted to extend in a substantially parallel manner in an austenitic phase.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2 wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the central body have an anterior-posterior groove adapted to cradle the spinous processes.

### Claim 7 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2 wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the central body are parallel.

### Claim 8 (depends on 2)

The implant of claim 2 wherein the upper and lower surfaces of the central body are angled.