In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for use in a laminoplasty procedure, the system including an implant comprising a first body and a second body, the first and second bodies adapted to slide relative to one another and an implantation instrument including: a shaft having a longitudinal length, a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow throughbore along at least a portion of its length a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft an actuator rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the actuator rod being positioned within the hollow throughbore of the shaft a knob adapted to engage the proximal portion of the actuator rod a first connector adapted to engage the distal portion of the actuator rod and a second connector fixedly secured to the distal end of the shaft.
