Adjustable spinal implant device and method

1 . A spinal implant comprising a first portion configured to be coupled to a first bony portion; and a second portion configured to be coupled to a second bony portion,

wherein the spinal implant permits movement between the first bony portion and the second bony portion and wherein the spinal implant is adjustable to change an amount of said movement between said first bony portion and said second bony portion after the implant is implanted.

2 . The spinal implant of claim 1 wherein the implant has a flexibility when implanted and wherein the implant is adjustable to change the flexibility after the implant is implanted.

3 . The spinal implant of claim 1 wherein the implant is adjustable to decrease the amount of movement after implanted to reduce laxity of a joint between the first bony portion and the second bony portion.

4 . The spinal implant of claim 1 wherein the implant comprises at least one cavity, and wherein the spinal implant is adjustable to change the amount of said movement by inserting a material in said cavity.

5 . The spinal implant of claim 4 wherein the implant is adjustable to change the amount of said movement by inserting a curable polymer in said cavity.

6 . The spinal implant of claim 4 wherein the implant comprises of plurality of cavities.

7 . The spinal implant of claim 1 further comprising at least one insertable support member, wherein the implant is configured to receive said at least one support member, and wherein the spinal implant is adjustable to change the amount of movement by inserting said at least one support member.

8 . The spinal implant of claim 7 wherein said at least one support member comprises a plurality of support members.

9 . The spinal implant of claim 8 wherein each of said support members has a different flexibility.

10 . The spinal implant of claim 7 wherein said support member comprises a spring.

11 . The spinal implant of claim 10 wherein said support member has shock absorbing properties.

12 . A spinal implant comprising:

a proximal portion configured to engage a spinous process of a first vertebra;

an elongate rod portion configured to extend adjacent a motion segment between the first vertebra and a second vertebra;

a distal portion configured to be fixed to a bony portion of a second vertebra; and

a motion portion configured to permit motion at the motion segment.

13 . The spinal implant of claim 12 wherein the motion portion comprises a flexible portion located with the elongate rod portion.

14 . The spinal implant of claim 12 wherein the flexible portion comprises a spring member.

15 . The spinal implant of claim 14 wherein the flexible portion comprises a coil.

16 . The spinal implant of claim 12 further comprising a spinous process reinforcement element.

17 . The spinal implant of claim 16 wherein the proximal portion is attached to the spinous process reinforcement element.

18 . The spinal implant of claim 12 wherein the distal portion is configured to be attached to a pedicle attachment device attached to the second bony portion.

19 . The spinal implant of claim 12 further comprising a securing member configured to secure the proximal portion to the spinous process.

20 . The spinal implant of claim 12 further comprising:

a second proximal portion configured to engage the spinous process of the first vertebra;

a second elongate rod portion configured to extend adjacent a second motion segment between the first vertebra and the second vertebra;

a second distal portion configured to be fixed to a bony portion of a second vertebra; and

a second motion portion configured to permit motion at the second motion segment.