Patent ID: 7588590
Filing Date: 2009-09-15
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An implant for replacing at least a portion of a facet of a mammalian vertebra, the implant comprising: a fixation element implantable into the vertebra; a coupling portion shaped to be coupled to the vertebra, the coupling portion having a curved bone engaging surface shaped to engage a resection in the vertebra in such a way as to selectively allow polyaxial rotation of the coupling portion against the resection prior to fixation of the coupling portion with respect to the resection, the curved bone engaging surface having a curvature which intersects an aperture shaped to receive the fixation element; a fastener for coupling the coupling portion to the resection, the fastener having a connection feature to connect the fastener directly to the fixation element, the fastener further having an implant engaging end to thrust against the coupling portion, the implant engaging end having a shape generally conforming to a fastener engaging surface of the coupling portion proximate thereto; and an articulating surface attached to the coupling portion, wherein the articulating surface is shaped and positioned to articulate against a second facet surface.