Patent ID: 8444693

Claim:
A method for translaminal lumbar fusion comprising creating an insertion path that extends from a superior articular process of a selected lumbar vertebra, cranially through the adjoining facet capsule into a corresponding inferior articular process of an adjacent lumbar vertebra, and, from there, further through the lamina of the adjacent vertebra into an interior opposite posterolateral region adjacent the spinous process of the adjacent vertebra, providing a bone fixation implant comprises an elongated implant structure having a rectilinear cross section including an exterior surface region treated to provide bony in-growth or through-growth along the implant structure, and inserting the bone fixation implant through the insertion path from the superior articular process of the selected lumbar vertebra, cranially through the adjoining facet capsule into the inferior articular process of the adjacent lumbar vertebra, and, from there, further through the lamina of the adjacent vertebra into an interior opposite posterolateral region adjacent the spinous process of the adjacent vertebra.