An implantable spacer for placement between adjacent spinous processes is
provided. The spacer includes a body and a wing rotatable connected to
the body. The wing includes two U-shaped configurations that together
define a substantially H-shaped configuration for retaining the spacer
between adjacent spinous processes. An actuator assembly is connected to
the body and to the wing with the proximal end of the spacer being
connectable to a removable driver that is configured to engage the
actuator assembly. While connected to the spacer, the driver is rotatable
in one direction to deploy the wing from an undeployed to a deployed
configuration and in an opposite direction to undeploy the wing. In the
deployed configuration, the spacer acts as a space holder opening up the
area of the spinal canal, maintaining foraminal height, reducing stress
on the facet joints and relieving pain for the patient.