Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for resurfacing a facet joint of a spine of a patient, including: a first portion that is selectively coupled to an opposed surface of a superior facet of the facet joint of the spine of the patient; and a second portion that is selectively coupled to an opposed surface of an inferior facet of the facet joint of the spine of the patient; wherein the first portion is allowed a predetermined degree of movement with respect to the second portion. These devices and methods find applicability to other anatomical joints as well.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a set of less invasive cervical spine instruments that are used to achieve cervical disc decompression, bone preparation, and the alignment of one or more matched sized bone grafts prior to cervical plate placement. This set of less invasive cervical spine instruments, and the related surgical method, result in reduced surgical time, the preparation of a precise machined bone surface while simultaneously maintaining the cervical disc decompression height of the intervertebral endplates, the selection of one or more prefabricated bone dowel grafts sized to match the machined bone surface and maximizing the surface contact required for cervical spine fusion, the placement of the one or more prefabricated bone dowel grafts (e.g.