Abstract: A spinal implant includes two plates that are connected together by a post. The implant is configured for each plate to be positioned on outer lateral sides of spinous processes with the post extending through the interspinous space. One of the plates includes a channel that receives the post. The channel is configured so that the plate can be assembled over the post from a direction normal to the post's axis. This configuration allows the plate to be added in a posterior to anterior direction for the typical situation, without having to first locate the plate laterally outboard of the post's tip. As such, the spinal implant allows for a more compact surgical site to be used for the spinal implant implantation procedure.