Patent ID: 7988712
Filing Date: 2011-08-02
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for providing articulating surfaces for facet joint articular facets comprising: creating a space between a superior articular facet of a selected vertebra and an inferior articular facet of a vertebra immediately above the selected vertebra; fixing an inferior implant having a generally flat fixation surface that forms the majority of the top surface of the inferior implant and a generally convex articulating surface that forms the majority of the bottom surface of the inferior implant on the inferior articular facet such that the fixation surface of the inferior implant interacts with an articulating surface of the inferior articular facet; fixing a superior implant having a fixation surface and a generally curved articulating surface on the superior articular facet such that the fixation surface of the superior implant interacts with an articulating surface of the superior articular facet; and wherein the articulating surface on the top of the superior implant and the articulating surface on the bottom of the inferior implant are positioned to directly contact and articulate with one another following the fixation of the superior implant to the superior articular facet and fixation of the inferior implant to the inferior articular facet.