US Patent 8002801 Adjustable spinal implant device and method

A spine implant, in particular a stabilization or distraction device, is provided with an adjustable length. The implant has first and second portions for coupling to a first bony portion of a first vertebra and a second bony portion of a second vertebra, respectively, where the second bony portion is located at an oblique angle to the first bony portion. The spinal implant permits movement between the first bony portion and the second bony portion and is adjustable to change an amount of said movement between said first bony portion and said second bony portion after the implant is implanted.