Patent ID: 7452369
Filing Date: 2008-11-18
Classification: A61B,A61F,G09B

Abstract:
1. A method for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae of the spine, the adjacent vertebrae comprising superior and inferior articular processes having opposing subchondral articular surfaces to form first and second bilateral posterior facet joints, the method comprising: forming a bone path into the subchondral bone of the articular surfaces of the first facet joint; installing an implant axially into the bone path of the first facet joint; and immobilizing the first facet joint of the articulation between the adjacent vertebrae; wherein the implant comprises one or more longitudinal ridges that extend at least along a portion of the length of the implant; wherein, when the implant is being installed into the bone path, the one or more longitudinal ridges create one or more longitudinal grooves that extend radially into the bone of the preformed bone path and axially along the preformed bone path; wherein, when the implant is installed, the one or more longitudinal ridges are in intimate contact with the longitudinal groove created by it along at least a portion of the length of the bone path to inhibit rotation of the implant within the bone path.