Patent ID: 7914560
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for replacing a facet of a mammalian vertebra, the method comprising the steps of: resecting at least a portion of the facet; implanting a fixation element into a pedicle of the resected facet, the fixation element having a distal end with a bone engaging surface and a proximal end extending outward from the pedicle, after the implanting step, introducing a connecting element over the proximal end of the fixation element, the connecting element allowing polyaxial adjustment of a prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element; polyaxially rotating the prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element such that the prosthetic facet is positioned to articulate against a second facet; and fixedly attaching the prosthetic facet to the fixation element to inhibit polyaxial movement of the prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element.