A spinal implant with two plates that are connected together by a post, with the plates configured to be positioned on outer lateral sides of spinous processes with the post extending through the interspinous space. The second of the two plates includes a bore that receives the post, and that plate is movable along the length of the post, and selectively lockable in position. A gear nut is threadable on a distal section of the post and includes external gear teeth that are used to drive the gear nut so as to move the second plate toward the first plate. When the plates are in their desired locations, the second plate is locked in position. The gear nut may or may not then be removed. The use of the gear nut facilitates one or more of assembly, insertion, and affixation of the spinal implant. Related methods are also disclosed.
