Patent ID: 8496686

Claim:
An implantable facet joint device for use in restoring spinal facet joint function, the device comprising: (a) a cephalad facet joint element comprising (1) a first member adapted to engage a first vertebra and (2) an artificial cephalad bearing member attached to a distal end of an L-shaped stem, wherein the L-shaped stem is received in the first member; and (b) a caudal facet joint element comprising (1) a first connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and (2) an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member, wherein the artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location laterally outward relative to the fixation point such that the fixation point is configured to be closer to a midline of a spine than the artificial caudal bearing member, wherein the artificial caudal bearing member is removably mounted to the connector with predetermined spacing, wherein the cephalad facet joint element is operably attached to a first crossbar received in a first crossbar housing, wherein the first crossbar housing includes a threaded fastener that bears down on the first crossbar, wherein the caudal facet joint element is operably attached to a second crossbar received in a second crossbar housing, wherein the second crossbar housing includes a threaded fastener that bears down on the second crossbar.