Patent ID: 8197513
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for facet joint stabilization, comprising: utilizing a spinal implant having a wedge body with opposed bone-contacting surfaces, a distal, leading end and a proximal, trailing end, an opening formed in each of the bone contacting surfaces, such that each opening communicates with a cavity formed in at least a portion of an interior of the wedge body, and at least one screw disposed within the cavity of the wedge body such that proximal and distal threads formed on at least a portion of the screw protrude from the openings formed in the bone contacting surfaces, wherein the proximal thread is separated from the distal thread by an unthreaded portion of the screw; surgically delivering the spinal implant to a facet joint in an intra-facet configuration; engaging the distal thread to opposing faces of the facet joint; and rotating the screw to advance the wedge body into the facet joint.