Patent attributes
Spinal implants and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine are describe herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method includes percutaneously inserting into a body an expandable member having a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration. The expandable member includes a support portion and a retention portion. The support portion has a longitudinal axis and is configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. The retention portion is configured to limit movement of the support portion along the longitudinal axis. When the expandable member is in the first configuration, it is disposed in a first location between the adjacent spinous processes. The expandable member is then expanded from the first configuration to the second configuration. The expandable member is then contracted from the second configuration to the third configuration and disposed in a second location, the second location being different from the first location.
