Patent ID: 8608779
Filing Date: 2013-12-17
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for repairing a spinal facet joint, comprising: providing a superior component, said superior component including a first flat articulating portion and a first mounting portion, said first flat articulating portion being sized and configured for placement between the facets of a spinal facet joint; providing an inferior component, said inferior component including a second flat articulating portion and a second mounting portion, said second flat articulating portion being sized and configured for placement between the facets of the spinal facet joint in an overlapping arrangement with said first flat articulating portion; creating a space between the facets of the spinal facet joint for accommodating said first flat articulating portion and said second flat articulating portion in said overlapping arrangement; inserting said first flat articulating portion and said second flat articulating portion into said space; and attaching said first mounting portion and said second mounting portion to respective first and second lateral mass structures adjacent to the spinal facet joint such that said first flat articulating portion and said second flat articulating portion overlap and are able to slide against one another in more than one direction between the facets of the spinal facet joint, wherein said first flat articulating portion meets said first mounting portion at an angle of about 135 degrees, and said second flat articulating portion meets said second mounting portion at an angle of about 45 degrees.