Lateral spinous process spacer

A device for implantation in a treated area of an intervertebral space between vertebral bodies of a spine, comprising:

• a spacer body comprising a central support portion extending along a lateral axis between first and second end portions,
• the central support portion comprising a superior support surface and an inferior support surface, wherein the superior and inferior support surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area and the superior and inferior surfaces are spaced apart a first distraction distance,
• the first end portion comprising a generally wedge shape, the wedge shape having a superior end surface and an inferior end surface, the superior and inferior end surfaces each have a contact area capable of engaging with anatomy in the treated area and the first and second surfaces are spaced apart a second distraction distance, the wedge shape further defining a first cone angle in a lateral direction along the lateral axis and a second cone angle in a vertical direction that is perpendicular or transverse to the lateral axis, wherein the first cone angle is greater than the second cone angle,
• wherein the first distraction distance is less than the second distraction distance,
• wherein the central support portion is configured and dimensioned to be positioned between adjacent vertebral bodies,
• wherein when the device is in a first implantation position the adjacent vertebral bodies are maintained substantially separated by at least the second distraction distance and when the device is in a second implantation position the adjacent vertebral bodies are maintained substantially separated by at least the first distraction distance, and
• wherein the spacer body support portion is laterally advanceable from the first implantation position to the second implantation position.

A device for implantation between adjacent spinous processes in the vertebral column, comprising:

• an elongate body comprising a first portion having a tapered width along a lateral axis and a second portion adjacent the first portion having a cylindrical shape extending along the lateral axis,
• wherein the widest part of the first portion is wider than the widest part of the second portion when measured in a direction perpendicular to the lateral axis, and
• wherein the first portion is configured and dimensioned to contact a portion of the spinous processes and is laterally advanceable with respect to the spinous processes to act or function as a cam to distract or separate the adjacent spinous processes,
• wherein the first end portion comprises a generally wedge shape, the wedge shape defining a first cone angle in a lateral direction along the lateral axis and a second cone angle in a vertical direction that is perpendicular or transverse to the lateral axis;
• and
• wherein the first cone angle is greater than the second cone angle.