Abstract:
A spinal implant includes a first leg configured to abut a surface of an inferior articular process of a first vertebra that forms one portion of a spinal facet joint between the first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebra, a second leg configured to abut a surface of a superior articular process of the adjacent second vertebrae that forms another portion of the spinal facet joint between the first vertebra and the adjacent second vertebra, and a cross-member connected between the first and second legs and maintaining the first and second legs in a spaced-apart relationship. The spinal implant may restrict flexion and/or extension of the spinal facet joint when received about the spinal facet joint.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of and/or priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/101,800 filed Oct. 1, 2008, entitled “Spinal Facet Fastener” the entire contents of which is specifically incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to devices for the spine and, more particularly, to devices for restricting, limiting and/or stopping motion between adjacent vertebrae. 
     2. Background Information 
     As we age various changes can occur in the body especially with respect to the spinal column or spine. For instance, the ligaments of the spine can thicken and calcify (i.e. harden from deposits of calcium), bone and joints may enlarge, bone spurs called osteophytes may form, spinal discs may break down, collapse, bulge and/or herniate. Moreover, one vertebra may slip over another vertebra (spondylolisthesis). Facet joints of the spine can also be affected. The facet joints are found at every spinal level (except at the top level) and provide about 20% of the torsional (twisting) stability in the neck and lower back. 
     Facet joints are hinge-like and link vertebrae together. They are located at the back or posterior of the spine. Each vertebra has two sets or pairs of facet joint portions that join with two sets or pairs of facet joint portions of adjacent vertebrae. Particularly each vertebra has a pair of upward facing facet joint portions (the superior articular facets) and a pair of downward facing facet joint portions (the inferior articular facets). The pair of superior articular facets of one vertebra is linked to a pair of inferior articular facets of a superiorly adjacent (upper) vertebra, while the pair of inferior articular facets of the one vertebra is linked to a pair of superior articular facets of an inferiorly adjacent (lower) vertebra. Thus, each vertebra is linked to an upper adjacent vertebra by two facet joints and to a lower adjacent vertebra by two facet joints. 
     The facet joints are synovial joints meaning that each joint is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue and produces a fluid to nourish and lubricate the facet joint. The facet joints slide or glide smoothly (articulate) on each other and therefore both sliding surfaces are coated by a very low friction, most cartilage. A small sack or capsule surrounds each facet joint and provides a sticky lubricant for the joint. Each sack has a rich supply of tiny nerve fibers that provide a warning when irritated. The facet joints allow flexion (bend forward), extension (bend backward), and twisting motion, while restricting certain types of movement. The spine is made stable due to the interlocking nature of adjacent vertebrae through the facet joints. Each facet joint is positioned at each level to provide the needed limits to motion, especially to rotation and to prevent forward slipping (spondylolisthesis) of that vertebra over the one below. 
     Facet joints are in almost constant motion with the spine and quite commonly simply wear out or become degenerated in many people. When facet joints become worn or torn the cartilage may become thin or disappear and there may be a reaction of the bone of the joint underneath producing overgrowth of bone spurs and an enlargement of the joints. The joint is then said to have arthritic (literally, joint inflammation-degeneration) changes, or osteoarthritis that can produce considerable back pain on motion. This condition may also be referred to as “facet joint disease” or “facet joint syndrome”. 
     Moreover, facet joints become especially vulnerable when the intervertebral disc is injured. This is true because as the disc degenerates, the volume of the disc is reduced and the disc space tends to flatten out. The disc therefore loses height and the space between the vertebral bodies becomes narrowed. The flattening disc space provides much less support for the facet joints at that particular level, and the joints become subject to increased stress. Facet joint pain is often felt in the spinal area rather than in an arm or leg. 
     It is therefore sometimes desirable to restrict, limit or immobilize a spinal facet joint because of disease, injury, trauma or the like. 
     In view of the above it would thus be desirable to have a spinal device for restricting, limiting and/or immobilizing a spinal facet joint. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a spinal implant configured to hold, restrict and/or limit flexion and/or extension of a spinal facet joint and/or immobilize movement thereof. The present spinal implant is formed as a spinal facet fastener having segments configured for reception in, on and/or about vertebral bone of a spinal facet joint. The spinal facet fastener may be formed as a clamp, staple, tack, retainer or the like. The spinal facet fastener is formed of a biocompatible material such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone) but may be formed of other biocompatible materials such as a biocompatible metal (e.g. titanium or stainless steel). 
     In one form, the present spinal facet fastener has surfaces that are configured to abut vertebral bone surfaces of a spinal facet joint to hold, restrict and/or limit flexion and/or extension of the spinal facet joint and/or immobilize movement thereof. In another form, the present spinal facet fastener has members that are configured for reception in vertebral bone of the vertebral bone portions that form the spinal facet joint. In this form, the spinal facet fastener may include an anchoring element that is configured for reception between the vertebral bone portions that form the spinal facet joint. 
     In the first form identified above, the spinal facet fastener is formed generally as a U-shaped member or body having a first leg and a second leg extending from and separated a distance by a cross member. The U-shaped body thereby defines an inner area for receipt of a spinal facet joint that is bounded by the first leg, the second leg and the cross member. The first leg is configured to abut a surface of an inferior articular process of a first vertebra while the second leg is configured to abut a surface of a superior articular process of a second vertebra that is adjacent the first vertebra. Particularly, an inner surface of the first leg contacts and/or abuts the portion of the inferior articular process that forms one portion of the spinal facet joint of one of the adjacent vertebrae while an inner surface of the second leg contacts and/or abuts the portion of the superior articular process that forms another portion of the spinal facet joint of the other of the adjacent vertebrae. In this form, the present spinal facet fastener may be considered a spinal facet clamp. 
     In one form of the present spinal facet clamp, the inner or inside surface of the first leg and the inner or inside surface of the second leg each are generally flat, planar or smooth. The inner or inside surface of the cross member is also generally flat, planar or smooth. 
     In another form of the present spinal facet clamp, the inner or inside surface of the first leg and the inner or inside surface of the second leg each has a plurality of teeth or serrations. Each plurality of teeth preferably, but not necessarily, extends along the longitudinal length of the inner surface from an end of the respective leg to proximate the cross member. 
     The spinal facet clamp may be formed with a fixed width or may be formed with as adjustable in width. 
     In the second form identified above, the spinal facet fastener is formed generally as a U-shaped member or body having a first leg and a second leg extending from and separated a distance by a cross member. A shaft in the form of a spike extends from the cross-member between the first and second legs. The first leg is configured to be received in an inferior articular process of a first vertebra while the second leg is configured to be received in a superior articular process of a second vertebra that is adjacent the first vertebra. In this form, the present spinal facet fastener may be considered a spinal facet staple or tack. The first and second legs may be smooth or have serrations as described above. Likewise, the center shaft may be smooth or have serrations thereabout. 
     The second form of the present spinal facet fastener may be used with a spinal facet joint anchoring element that is configured for receipt in the spinal facet joint. The spinal facet joint anchoring element pivotally receives the shaft of the spinal facet fastener while the first and second legs thereof extend over the respective adjacent bony structures. 
     In one form of the spinal facet joint anchoring element, tabs thereof are configured to interact with the shaft of the tack to expand outward once the tack has been inserted into and about the spinal facet joint. This effectively wedges the anchoring element in place, further preventing back-out and/or facet movement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above mentioned and other features, advantages and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an enlarged isometric view of an embodiment of a spinal facet fastener fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a posterior view of a portion of a human spine with the spinal facet fastener of  FIG. 1  situated thereon; 
         FIG. 3  is a lateral view of the portion of the human spine of  FIG. 2  showing the spinal facet fastener of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged isometric view of another embodiment of a spinal facet fastener fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged isometric view of another embodiment of a spinal fact fastener fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged isometric view of another embodiment of a spinal facet fastener fashioned in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the spinal facet fastener of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a posterior view of the portion of human spine as in  FIG. 2  having the spinal facet fastener of  FIGS. 6 and 7  situated thereon; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged isometric view of a spinal facet joint anchoring element that may be used with the spinal facet fastener of  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged isometric view of another embodiment of a spinal facet fastener utilizing the spinal facet joint anchoring element of  FIG. 9  with the spinal facet fastener of  FIGS. 6 and 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a posterior view of the portion of the human spine as in  FIG. 8 , but with the spinal facet fastener of  FIG. 10  situated thereon; 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the spinal facet joint anchoring element of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the anchoring element of  FIG. 12 . 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout the several figures. 
     A discussion of the features, functions and/or configurations of the components depicted in the various figures will now be presented. It should be appreciated that not all of the features of the components of the figures are necessarily described. Some of these non discussed features as well as discussed features are inherent from the figures. Other non discussed features may be inherent in component geometry and/or configuration. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the figures, there is depicted various spinal facet fasteners fashioned in accordance with the present principles. The spinal facet fastener may be considered a clamp, tack, staple, retainer or holder depending on its form (hereinafter, collectively, spinal facet fastener). All of the spinal facet fasteners are fashioned from a biocompatible material such as plastic (e.g. polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), metal (e.g. titanium, stainless steel or alloy), a polymer, a composite, or the like. 
     Referring particularly to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a spinal facet fastener fashioned as a spinal facet clamp, generally designated  10 . The spinal facet clamp  10  is characterized by a preferably, but not necessarily, unitary body  12 . The body  12  has a first leg, member, post or the like  14  (collectively, leg  14 ), a second leg, member, post or the like  16  (collectively, leg  16 ) and a cross member  18  that all form a generally U-shaped body. It should be appreciated that the terms first and second are arbitrary unless indicated otherwise. 
     The first and second legs  14 ,  16  extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the cross-member  18 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second legs  14 ,  16  are at least generally parallel with one another, but may be skewed relative to one another if desired. The body  12  defines an area  20  that is bounded on three sides by the first leg  14 , the second leg  16  and the cross member  18 . Particularly, the open area  20  is bounded by an inner (or inner facing) surface  15  of the first leg  14 , an inner (or inner facing) surface  17  of the second leg  16 , and an inner (or inner facing) surface  19  of the cross member  18 . The inner surfaces  15 ,  17  and  19  of the first and second legs  14 ,  16  and the cross member  18  of the spinal facet clamp  10  are generally flat, smooth or planar. 
     The inner surfaces  15 ,  17  are designed to abut or wedge against a spinal facet joint—i.e. a surface of an inferior articular process of one vertebra and a surface of a superior articular process of another vertebra (such as is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  wherein the spinal facet clamp  10  is situated on the spinal facet joint FJ 1  and particularly about one inferior articular process of a first vertebra V 1  (labeled “IAP 1   a ”) of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 , and about one superior articular process of a second vertebra V 2  (labeled “SAP 2   a ”) of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 ). The spinal facet clamp  10  holds, restrains and/or retains the spinal facet joint FJ 1 . The spinal facet clamp  10  can thereby limit articulation of the spinal facet joint FJ 1  or immobilize articulation of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 . 
     A portion of a spinal column or spine is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  representing any portion of the spine in which the present invention may be used such as the lumbar or thoracic portions. Particularly, three (3) vertebrae are shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrating the use of the spinal facet device  10  relative to two of the three vertebrae, the three vertebrae labeled V 1 , V 2  and V 3 . Disc D 1  separates vertebrae V 1  and V 2  while disc D 2  separates vertebrae V 2  and V 3 . The respective parts of these vertebrae are labeled with its respective number while transverse processes are labeled beginning with the letters “TP”, the superior articular processes are labeled beginning with the letters “SAP”, the inferior articular processes are labeled beginning with the letters “IAP”, while the spinous processes are labeled beginning with the letters “SP.” As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the spine depicted therein is in a natural upright (not extended or flexed) position with the spinal facet clamp  10  situated thereon. The present spinal facet clamp exerts pressure against the facet joint FJ 1 . Depending on the amount of pressure exerted by the legs of the present spinal facet clamp against the facet joint FJ 1 , the spinal facet clamp  10  either just holds the facet joint together while allowing at least some articulation or restrains the facet joint FJ 1  from any articulation (immobilization of the facet joint). 
     It should be appreciated that while only one spinal facet clamp is being used on the portion of a spine that is depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , two or more facets clamps may be used as appropriate. Facet clamps may be used in pairs for upper or lower facet joint pair use. Alternatively or additionally, two or more facet clamps may be positioned axially along the vertebrae. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is depicted an alternate embodiment of the present spinal fact clamp, generally designated  30 . The spinal facet clamp  30  is likewise fashioned from a biocompatible material such as plastic (e.g. polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), metal (e.g. titanium, stainless steel or alloy), a polymer, a composite, or the like and is characterized by a preferably, but not necessarily, unitary body  32 . The body  32  has a first leg, member, post or the like  34 , a second leg, member, post or the like  36  and a cross-member  38  that all generally form a U-shaped body. It should be appreciated that the terms first and second are arbitrary unless indicated otherwise. 
     The first and second legs  34 ,  36  extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the cross-member  38 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second legs  34 ,  36  are at least generally parallel with one another, but may be skewed relative to one another if desired. The body  32  defines an area  46  that is bounded on three sides by the first leg  34 , the second leg  36  and the cross member  38 . Particularly, the open area  46  is bounded by an inner (or inner facing) surface  40  of the first leg  34 , an inner (or inner facing) surface  42  of the second leg  36 , and an inner (or inner facing) surface  44  of the cross member  18 . 
     The inner surface  40  of the first leg  34  has a plurality of teeth, grooves or serrations  41  that preferably, but not necessarily, extend a length proximate an end of the first leg  34  to proximate the inner surface  44  of the cross member  38 . The length of teeth may be less than shown. As well, the number of teeth and their configuration may be different than that shown. Alternatively, the teeth  41  may be grouped with planar regions therebetween. Various configurations are contemplated. The inner surface  42  of the second leg  36  likewise has a plurality of teeth, grooves or serrations  43  that preferably, but not necessarily, extend a length proximate an end of the second leg  36  to proximate the inner surface  44  of the cross member  38 . The length of teeth may be less than shown. As well, the number of teeth and their configuration may be different than that shown. Alternatively, the teeth  43  may be grouped with planar regions therebetween. Various configurations are contemplated. 
     In all cases, the inner teeth  41 ,  43  are designed to abut or wedge against a spinal facet joint as described above and to provide anti-back-out and one way installation features. It should be appreciated that the spinal facet clamp  30  may be used instead of or in conjunction with the spinal facet clamp  10  as desired and/or is appropriate. Therefore, the depiction and description regarding the spinal facet clamp  10  of  FIGS. 2 and 3  is applicable to the spinal facet clamp  30  and all other facet clamps encompassed within the present invention. Thus, the spinal facet clamp  30  is thus configured to hold, restrain and/or retain a spinal facet joint. The spinal facet clamp  30  can thereby limit articulation of the spinal facet joint FJ 1  or immobilize articulation of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 . 
     The spinal facet clamps  10  and  30  have a fixed width. As such, the spinal facet clamps  10  and  30  are made having various widths. The spinal facet clamp  50  of  FIG. 5  (discussed below) however, has an adjustable width. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is depicted an alternate embodiment of the present spinal fact clamp, generally designated  50 . The adjustable width spinal facet clamp  50  is likewise fashioned from a biocompatible material such as plastic (e.g. polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), metal (e.g. titanium, stainless steel or alloy), a polymer, a composite, or the like and is characterized by a preferably, but not necessarily, unitary body  62 . The body  62  has a first leg, member, post or the like  54 , a second leg, member, post or the like  56  and a cross-member  58  that all generally form a U-shaped body. It should be appreciated that the terms first and second are arbitrary unless indicated otherwise. 
     The first and second legs  54 ,  56  extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the cross-member  58 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second legs  54 ,  56  are at least generally parallel with one another, but may be skewed relative to one another if desired. The body  52  defines an area  60  that is bounded on three sides by the first leg  54 , the second leg  56  and the cross member  58 . Particularly, the open area  60  is bounded by an inner (or inner facing) surface  55  of the first leg  54 , an inner (or inner facing) surface  57  of the second leg  56 , and an inner (or inner facing) surface  59  of the cross member  58 . The inner surfaces  55 ,  57  and  59  of the first and second legs  54 ,  56  and the cross member  58  of the spinal facet clamp  10  are generally flat, smooth or planar. 
     The body  52  further includes a yoke  64  that extends from the top of the second leg  56  with a rod  66  extending therethrough. A nut (not shown) or other type of adjustment device is provided on the rod  66  in order to tighten the spinal facet clamp  50 . This allows the spinal facet clamp  50  to provide more clamping force on the spinal facet joint as desired. While not shown, the spinal facet clamp  50  may include serrations on the inner surfaces  55 ,  57  of first and second legs  54 ,  56  in like manner as the spinal facet clamp  30 . This provides anti-kick-out and back-out provisions. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , there is depicted an alternative embodiment of a spinal facet fastener fashioned as a spinal facet staple or tack, generally designated  70  (collectively, staple). The spinal facet staple  70  is characterized by a preferably, but not necessarily, unitary body  72 . The body  72  has a first leg, member, post or the like  74  (collectively, leg  74 ), a second leg, member, post or the like  76  (collectively, leg  76 ) and a cross member  78  that all form a generally U-shaped body. It should be appreciated that the terms first and second are arbitrary unless indicated otherwise. 
     The first and second legs  74 ,  76  extend in the same direction from opposite ends of the cross-member  78 . Preferably, but not necessarily, the first and second legs  74 ,  76  are at least generally parallel with one another, but may be skewed relative to one another if desired. The inner surfaces  75 ,  77  and  79  of the first and second legs  74 ,  76  and the cross member  78  of the spinal facet staple  70  are generally flat, smooth or planar. 
     The spinal facet staple  70  further includes a post, spike, nail or the like  80  having a conical tip  81  that extends from the underside  79  of the cross member  78  in like manner as the first and second legs  74 ,  76 . The spike  80  is configured for reception in the spinal facet joint area between the inferior articular process of one vertebra and the superior articular process of another adjacent vertebra. The spike  80  is shown being longer in length than the first and second legs  74 ,  76 , The first and second legs  74 ,  76  however, may be the same length if desired or longer. The body  72  thus defines two areas  82  and  84  on either side of the spike  80 . Particularly, the area  82  is between the spike  80 , the first leg  74  and a portion of the undersurface  79  of the cross member  78 , while the area  84  is between the spike  80 , the second leg  76  and a portion of the undersurface  79  of the cross member  78 . While not shown, the spinal facet staple  70  may include serrations on the inner surfaces  75 ,  77  of first and second legs  74 ,  76  in like manner as the spinal facet clamp  30 . Surface  80  may also be serrated to prevent backing out of the facet joint and to help tear the facet. This provides anti-kick-out and back-out provisions. 
     The view of the spinal facet staple  70  of  FIG. 7  shows a spike  85  on the end of the first leg  74  and a spike  87  on the second leg  76 . These allow the legs to wedge their way into the vertebral bone portions of the spinal facet joint. The view of  FIG. 6  either does not show the spikes  85 ,  87  or is an alternate embodiment that does not have spikes. 
       FIG. 8  shows spinal facet staple  70  is situated in the spinal facet joint FJ 1  and particularly about one inferior articular process of a first vertebra V 1  (labeled “IAP 1   a ”) of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 , and about one superior articular process of a second vertebra V 2  (labeled “SAP 2   a ”) of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 ). The spinal facet staple  70  holds, restrains and/or retains the spinal facet joint FJ 1 . The spinal facet staple  70  can thereby limit articulation of the spinal facet joint FJ 1  or immobilize articulation of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 . Particularly, the spike  80  extends into the space between the inferior articular process (IAP 1   a ) of the first vertebra V 1  and the superior articular process (SAP 2   a ) of the second vertebra V 2 . The first leg  74  extends into the bone of the superior articular process SAP 2   a  while the second leg  76  extends into the bone of the inferior articular process IAP 1   a.    
     The portion of the spine shown in  FIG. 8 , like the portion of the spinal column or spine shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  represents any portion of the spine in which the present invention may be used such as the lumbar or thoracic portions. The nomenclature of  FIG. 8  with respect to the vertebral parts is the same as that of  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The respective parts of these vertebrae are labeled with its respective number while transverse processes are labeled beginning with the letters “TP”, the superior articular processes are labeled beginning with the letters “SAP”, the inferior articular processes are labeled beginning with the letters “IAP”, while the spinous processes are labeled beginning with the letters “SP.” 
       FIG. 9  shows a spinal facet joint stabilizing or anchoring element/component generally designated  90  that may be used in conjunction with the spinal facet staple  70  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Particularly, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the anchoring element  90  is shown situated in the spinal facet joint FJ 1  and particularly in the space between the inferior articular process of the first vertebra V 1  (labeled “IAP 1   a ”) of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 , and the superior articular process of the second vertebra V 2  (labeled “SAP 2   a ”) of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 . Again, the portion of the spine shown in  FIG. 11 , like the portion of the spinal column or spine shown in  FIG. 8 , represents any portion of the spine in which the present invention may be used such as the lumbar or thoracic portions. The nomenclature of  FIG. 11  with respect to the vertebral parts is the same as that of  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  8 . The respective parts of these vertebrae are labeled with its respective number while transverse processes are labeled beginning with the letters “TP”, the superior articular processes are labeled beginning with the letters “SAP”, the inferior articular processes are labeled beginning with the letters “IAP”, while the spinous processes are labeled beginning with the letters “SP.” 
     The anchoring component  90  is characterized by a preferably, but not necessarily, unitary body  92 . The body  92  has a first side, leg, member or the like  94  (collectively, side  94 ), a second side, leg, member or the like  96  (collectively, side  96 ), a lower cross member  98  extending between lower ends of the first and second sides  94 ,  96 , and an upper cross member  100  extending between upper ends of the first and second sides  94 ,  96  that all form a generally D-shaped body. As such, the first side  92  joins the lower cross member  98  at an angle while the second side  94  joins the lower cross member  98  at an arc. Moreover, the configuration defines an interior  106  bounded by the inner surfaces of the first and second sides  94 ,  96  and the upper and lower cross members  98 ,  100 . 
     The upper cross member  100  has a configured bore  110  extending from the upper surface to the lower surface thereof. The configured bore  110  is generally rectangular and thus defines a first end  111  and a second end  112 . First and second arc portions  113  and  114  are defined on either side of each other between the first and second ends  111 ,  112 . The arc portions  113 ,  114  define a bore that is sized to receive the spike  80  of the spinal facet staple  70 . The lower cross member  98  has a bore  108  that extends from an inner surface to an outer surface thereof. The bore  108  is sized to receive the spike  80 . In this manner, the body  72  of the spinal facet staple  70  is pivotally received in the anchoring element  90  through receipt of the spike  80  in the bores  110 ,  108 . This allows the rotational position of the legs  74 ,  76  relative to the anchoring element  90 . Since the anchoring element  90  is received within the spinal facet joint, the legs  74 ,  76  of the facet staple  70  can be rotationally oriented for positional placement of the legs into the inferior and superior articular processes of the spinal facet joint.  FIG. 10  depicts the spinal facet fastener  120  shown in  FIG. 11  and described above which utilizes the anchoring element body  92  and the staple body  72 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show an alternate embodiment of the spinal facet joint stabilizing or anchoring element/component  90 , now generally designated  130 , that may be used in conjunction with the spinal facet staple  70  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  in like manner to the anchoring element  90  of  FIG. 9 . The spinal facet joint anchoring element  130  is used in like manner to that shown in  FIG. 11  with respect to the anchoring element  90 . As such, the spinal facet joint anchoring element  130  is thus configured to be situated in the spinal facet joint FJ 1  and particularly in the space between the inferior articular process IAP 1   a  of the first vertebra V 1  of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 , and the superior articular process SAP 2   a  of the second vertebra V 2  of the spinal facet joint FJ 1 . 
     The spinal facet joint anchoring element  130  has the same components as that of the spinal facet joint anchoring element  90 . Therefore, the components of the present anchoring element are labeled the same as the spinal facet joint anchoring element  90 . As such, the spinal facet joint anchoring element  130  has a preferably, but not necessarily, unitary body  92 . The body  92  has a first side, leg, member or the like  94  (collectively, side  94 ), a second side, leg, member or the like  96  (collectively, side  96 ), a lower cross member  98  extending between lower ends of the first and second sides  94 ,  96 , and an upper cross member  100  extending between upper ends of the first and second sides  94 ,  96  that all form a generally D-shaped body. As such, the first side  92  joins the lower cross member  98  at an angle while the second side  94  joins the lower cross member  98  at an arc. Moreover, the configuration defines an interior  106  bounded by the inner surfaces of the first and second sides  94 ,  96  and the upper and lower cross members  98 ,  100 . 
     The upper cross member  100  has a configured bore  110  extending from the upper surface to the lower surface thereof. The configured bore  110  is generally rectangular and thus defines a first end  111  and a second end  112 . First and second arc portions  113  and  114  are defined on either side of each other between the first and second ends  111 ,  112 . The arc portions  113 ,  114  define a bore that is sized to receive the spike  80  of the spinal facet staple  70 . 
     Additionally, a first elongated tab  132  extends from one side of the upper cross member  100  while a second elongated tab  134  extends from the other side of the upper cross member  100  opposite to the tab  132 . As best seen in  FIG. 13 , the arc portion  114  of the bore  110  extends a distance down the inside surface of the tab  132 , while the arc portion  113  of the bore  110  extends a distance down the inside surface of the tab  134 . An inwardly angled portion  133  is provided at the end of the arc portion  114 , while an inwardly angled portion  135  is provided at the end of the arc portion  113 . The angled portions  133 ,  135  cause the respective tabs  132 ,  134  to push outward upon receipt of the shaft  80  of the spinal facet tack so as to provide a wedging effect. 
     The lower cross member  98  of the anchoring element  130  has a bore  108  that extends from an inner surface to an outer surface thereof. The bore  108  is sized to receive the shaft of the spinal facet joint tack. The body of the spinal facet joint tack is pivotally received in the anchoring element  130  through receipt of the shaft in the bores  110 ,  108 . This allows the rotational position of the legs of the spinal facet joint tack relative to the anchoring element  130 . Since the anchoring element  130  is wedged within the spinal facet joint through expansion of the tabs  132 ,  134 , the legs of the facet tack can be rotationally oriented for positional placement of the legs into the inferior and superior articular processes of the spinal facet joint. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and/or modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.