Abstract: A metallic inverted L-shaped implant is used to resurface the superior facet of the inferior vertebrae limited to the facet joints located on the spine, Occiput-C1 through L5-S1. The metallic implant is highly polished on its exterior and textured on its interior surface. It is mechanically crimped in place without the use of cement or pedicle screws. Permanent fixation occurs when bone in-grows onto a rough, porous surface on the inside of the implant. The implant employed in a hemi-arthroplasty method resurfaces half of the facet joint to provide for smooth, pain free joint articulation in deteriorated or diseased spinal facet joints without the need for major surgery or rehabilitation at considerably less risk to the patient.

Abstract: A minimally invasive facet joint fusion including a method, instrumentation and autograft, cadaveric allograft or FDA approved pre-made, pre-shaped synthetic cortical bone grafts consistent with the description and Claims herein for use in minimally invasive, outpatient, arthroscopic spine surgery or classic open surgery and, more specifically, to fuse spinal facet joints from T12-L1 through L5-S1. This method serves as a primary or a revision surgery.

Abstract: A minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty method using a unique metallic overlay, instrumentation and surgical protocol to resurface the superior facet of the inferior vertebrae limited to the facet joints located on the lumbar spine, Occiput-C1 through L5-S1. Using related new instrumentation and a surgical protocol invented to prepare the joint, a metallic overlay is mechanically crimped in place without the use of cement or pedicle screws. Permanent fixation occurs when bone in-grows onto a rough, porous surface on the inside of the implant. This hemi-arthroplasty method resurfaces half of the facet joint to provide for smooth, pain free joint articulation in deteriorated or diseased spinal facet joints without the need for major surgery or rehabilitation at considerably less risk to the patient.