Patent ID: 8353933

Claim:
A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint that controls motion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the system comprising: a fixation member implantable in a pedicle of the second vertebra; and an inferior facet joint implant comprising: an inferior articular surface shaped to replace a natural inferior articular surface of the second vertebra; an inferior strut comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is securable to the fixation member; and an attachment mechanism comprising an adjustable configuration in which the inferior articular surface is connected to the second end in such a manner that permits relative rotation between the inferior articular surface and the second end about three orthogonal axes, and a locked configuration in which the inferior articular surface is rigidly secured to the second end, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises an expandable member and a nut configured to urge expansion of the expandable member, wherein the attachment mechanism and inferior strut are simultaneously locked by actuating the nut.