公开(公告)号：US20060264933A1

公开(公告)日：2006-11-23

申请号：US11121414

申请日：2005-05-04

申请人： Daniel Baker ,  Carly Thaler ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Anthony Finazzo

发明人： Daniel Baker ,  Carly Thaler ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Anthony Finazzo

IPC分类号： A61F2/30

CPC分类号： A61B17/7037 ,  A61B17/7032 ,  Y10T74/22

摘要： The present invention relates to a locking mechanism and method of locking the relative positions of a fixation device like a bone screw and of a stabilization device like a rod. The locking mechanism includes a seat, a washer and a cap. The seat includes a bottom portion configured to receive the fixation device such that a socket of the bottom portion engages part of the fixation device and prevents the fixation device from passing entirely therethrough. The seat further includes a side portion configured to receive the stabilization device, a washer and a cap. When the washer and cap are fully engaged with the seat, the fixation device may be locked independent of the stabilization device. The locking mechanism may also include a locking element for locking the stabilization device.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及一种锁定机构和锁定固定装置如骨螺钉和类似杆的稳定装置的相对位置的方法。 锁定机构包括座椅，垫圈和帽盖。 座椅包括构造成接收固定装置的底部部分，使得底部部分的插座接合固定装置的一部分，并防止固定装置完全穿过其中。 座椅还包括配置成接收稳定装置的侧部，垫圈和帽。 当垫圈和盖子完全与座椅接合时，可以独立于稳定装置来锁定固定装置。 锁定机构还可包括用于锁定稳定装置的锁定元件。

公开(公告)号：US20060041313A1

公开(公告)日：2006-02-23

申请号：US11131758

申请日：2005-05-18

申请人： Randall Allard ,  Elliott Marshall ,  Leonard Tokish ,  Alex Kunzler ,  David Yager ,  Tom Francis ,  Kenneth Misser ,  Greg Marik ,  Kevin Foley ,  David Rosler ,  Lukas Eisermann ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Richard Broman

发明人： Randall Allard ,  Elliott Marshall ,  Leonard Tokish ,  Alex Kunzler ,  David Yager ,  Tom Francis ,  Kenneth Misser ,  Greg Marik ,  Kevin Foley ,  David Rosler ,  Lukas Eisermann ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Richard Broman

IPC分类号： A61F2/44

CPC分类号： A61B17/1757 ,  A61B17/1671 ,  A61B2017/1602 ,  A61B2090/034 ,  A61B2090/061 ,  A61F2/30742 ,  A61F2/4425 ,  A61F2/4611 ,  A61F2002/30016 ,  A61F2002/30069 ,  A61F2002/30364 ,  A61F2002/30369 ,  A61F2002/30495 ,  A61F2002/30563 ,  A61F2002/30604 ,  A61F2002/30662 ,  A61F2002/30673 ,  A61F2002/30769 ,  A61F2002/30845 ,  A61F2002/30878 ,  A61F2002/30884 ,  A61F2002/30892 ,  A61F2002/30899 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2002/4662 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2220/0033 ,  A61F2250/0019 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239 ,  A61F2310/00796 ,  A61F2310/00976

摘要： An vertebral implant is interposed between two vertebral endplates and comprises a first endplate assembly having a first restraint mechanism extending from a first exterior surface for engaging a first vertebral endplate The implant further comprises a second endplate assembly having a second restraint mechanism extending from a second exterior surface for engaging a second vertebral endplate and a central body articulable between the first and second endplate assemblies. The first restraint mechanism has a shape that matches a contour in the first vertebral endplate.

摘要翻译： 脊椎植入物介于两个椎骨终板之间，并且包括具有从第一外表面延伸用于接合第一椎骨终板的第一约束机构的第一端板组件。所述植入物还包括具有从第二外部延伸的第二约束机构的第二端板组件 用于接合第二椎骨终板的表面和可在第一和第二终板组件之间铰接的中心体。 第一约束机构具有与第一椎骨终板中的轮廓匹配的形状。

公开(公告)号：US20070118223A1

公开(公告)日：2007-05-24

申请号：US11460887

申请日：2006-07-28

申请人： Randall Allard ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Vincent Bryan ,  Carlos Gil ,  Robert Conta

发明人： Randall Allard ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Vincent Bryan ,  Carlos Gil ,  Robert Conta

IPC分类号： A61F2/44

CPC分类号： A61F2/4425 ,  A61F2002/2817 ,  A61F2002/30133 ,  A61F2002/30332 ,  A61F2002/30364 ,  A61F2002/30461 ,  A61F2002/30462 ,  A61F2002/30474 ,  A61F2002/30495 ,  A61F2002/30571 ,  A61F2002/30662 ,  A61F2002/30663 ,  A61F2002/30665 ,  A61F2002/30685 ,  A61F2002/30738 ,  A61F2002/30884 ,  A61F2002/30904 ,  A61F2002/30906 ,  A61F2002/30925 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2002/448 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2220/0033 ,  A61F2220/0075 ,  A61F2230/0015 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00161 ,  A61F2310/00167 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239 ,  A61F2310/00796

摘要： A method for implanting an articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis into an intervertebral disc space comprises surgically accessing the intervertebral disc space through an opening on a first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and inserting a first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening and into the intervertebral disc space. The method further comprises inserting a second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and positioning the first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on a second lateral side of the intervertebral disc space. The method also comprises positioning the second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space.

摘要翻译： 将关节​​式椎间盘假体植入椎间盘空间中的方法包括通过椎间盘空间的第一侧面上的开口手术地进入椎间盘空间，并将关节式椎间盘假体的前半部穿过开口并插入 椎间盘间隙。 该方法还包括通过椎间盘空间的第一侧面上的开口插入关节式椎间盘假体的第二半部分，并将关节式椎间盘假体的前半部分定位在椎间盘空间的第二侧面上。 该方法还包括将关节式椎间盘假体的第二半部定位在椎间盘空间的第一侧面上。

公开(公告)号：US07025787B2

公开(公告)日：2006-04-11

申请号：US10303569

申请日：2002-11-25

申请人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Randall Allard ,  Richard Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Elliott Marshall ,  Leonard Tokish

发明人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Randall Allard ,  Richard Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Elliott Marshall ,  Leonard Tokish

IPC分类号： A61F2/44

CPC分类号： A61F2/4425 ,  A61B17/1671 ,  A61B17/1757 ,  A61B2017/0256 ,  A61F2/30742 ,  A61F2/30744 ,  A61F2/30767 ,  A61F2/441 ,  A61F2002/30495 ,  A61F2002/30563 ,  A61F2002/30578 ,  A61F2002/30673 ,  A61F2002/30685 ,  A61F2002/30738 ,  A61F2002/30922 ,  A61F2002/30968 ,  A61F2002/3097 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239 ,  A61F2310/00407

摘要： An implantable prosthesis is described having a pair of opposed shells and a central body disposed between the opposed shells wherein the central body and the shells cooperate to limit the motion of the central body with respect to the shells. An assembly for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis is further described having a plurality of instruments cooperating to guide a tool associated with the assembly.

公开(公告)号：US06949105B2

公开(公告)日：2005-09-27

申请号：US09923891

申请日：2001-08-07

申请人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Robert Conta ,  Randy Allard ,  Richard J. Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos E. Gil ,  Jeffrey P. Rouleau ,  Leonard Tokish, Jr. ,  David Yager

发明人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Robert Conta ,  Randy Allard ,  Richard J. Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos E. Gil ,  Jeffrey P. Rouleau ,  Leonard Tokish, Jr. ,  David Yager

IPC分类号： A61B19/00 ,  A61B17/02 ,  A61B17/16 ,  A61B17/17 ,  A61B17/56 ,  A61B17/88 ,  A61B19/02 ,  A61F2/00 ,  A61F2/30 ,  A61F2/44 ,  A61F2/46

CPC分类号： A61B17/0293 ,  A61B17/02 ,  A61B17/1671 ,  A61B17/1757 ,  A61B17/8866 ,  A61B50/20 ,  A61B90/10 ,  A61B90/50 ,  A61B2017/0256 ,  A61B2017/1602 ,  A61B2090/034 ,  A61F2/30742 ,  A61F2/30744 ,  A61F2/442 ,  A61F2/4425 ,  A61F2/4611 ,  A61F2002/30204 ,  A61F2002/30235 ,  A61F2002/30474 ,  A61F2002/30499 ,  A61F2002/30528 ,  A61F2002/30563 ,  A61F2002/30578 ,  A61F2002/30616 ,  A61F2002/30673 ,  A61F2002/30682 ,  A61F2002/30769 ,  A61F2002/30772 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2230/0065 ,  A61F2230/0069 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239

摘要： The invention relates to a technique for precisely locating a line containing a predetermined point within the surgical site using a series of levels and plumb lines and internal anatomical features of the surgical site, using this location to precisely position and temporarily affix a site preparation scaffold relative to the patient's anatomy so that site preparation instruments can be introduced into the site at precise locations governed by the scaffold geometry and patient anatomy. This precise positioning of the scaffold also provides a way for the surgeon to use patient anatomical features to reliably and precisely prepare the surgical site. Scaffolds having angling features further increase the precise preparation of the surgical site. This increased precision in site preparation increases the probability of a successful procedure, and decreases the likelihood that additional surgery may be needed.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及一种用于使用一系列水平和铅垂线以及手术部位的内部解剖特征精确地定位包含手术部位内的预定点的线的技术，其使用该位置精确地定位并临时固定位点制备支架相对 到患者的解剖结构，以便在由支架几何形状和患者解剖结构控制的精确位置处将位点准备仪器引入到位置。 脚手架的这种精确定位还为外科医生使用患者解剖特征可靠且准确地准备手术部位提供了一种方法。 具有垂直特征的支架进一步增加了手术部位的精确准备。 这种现场准备精度的提高增加了手术成功的可能性，并降低了可能需要进行额外手术的可能性。

公开(公告)号：US07967862B2

公开(公告)日：2011-06-28

申请号：US11460887

申请日：2006-07-28

申请人： Randall Allard ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Vincent Bryan ,  Carlos Gil ,  Robert Conta

发明人： Randall Allard ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Vincent Bryan ,  Carlos Gil ,  Robert Conta

IPC分类号： A61F2/44

CPC分类号： A61F2/4425 ,  A61F2002/2817 ,  A61F2002/30133 ,  A61F2002/30332 ,  A61F2002/30364 ,  A61F2002/30461 ,  A61F2002/30462 ,  A61F2002/30474 ,  A61F2002/30495 ,  A61F2002/30571 ,  A61F2002/30662 ,  A61F2002/30663 ,  A61F2002/30665 ,  A61F2002/30685 ,  A61F2002/30738 ,  A61F2002/30884 ,  A61F2002/30904 ,  A61F2002/30906 ,  A61F2002/30925 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2002/448 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2220/0033 ,  A61F2220/0075 ,  A61F2230/0015 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00161 ,  A61F2310/00167 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239 ,  A61F2310/00796

摘要： A method for implanting an articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis into an intervertebral disc space comprises surgically accessing the intervertebral disc space through an opening on a first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and inserting a first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening and into the intervertebral disc space. The method further comprises inserting a second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis through the opening on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space and positioning the first half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on a second lateral side of the intervertebral disc space. The method also comprises positioning the second half of the articulating intervertebral disc prosthesis on the first lateral side of the intervertebral disc space.

摘要翻译： 将关节​​式椎间盘假体植入椎间盘空间中的方法包括通过椎间盘空间的第一侧面上的开口手术地进入椎间盘空间，并将关节式椎间盘假体的前半部穿过开口并插入 椎间盘间隙。 该方法还包括通过椎间盘空间的第一侧面上的开口插入关节式椎间盘假体的第二半部分，并将关节式椎间盘假体的前半部分定位在椎间盘空间的第二侧面上。 该方法还包括将关节式椎间盘假体的第二半部定位在椎间盘空间的第一侧面上。

公开(公告)号：US07179262B2

公开(公告)日：2007-02-20

申请号：US10727808

申请日：2003-12-04

申请人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Robert Conta ,  Randy Allard ,  Richard J. Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Jeffrey Rouleau ,  Leonard Tokish ,  David Yager

发明人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Robert Conta ,  Randy Allard ,  Richard J. Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Jeffrey Rouleau ,  Leonard Tokish ,  David Yager

IPC分类号： A61B17/00 ,  A61B17/32

CPC分类号： A61B17/0293 ,  A61B17/02 ,  A61B17/1671 ,  A61B17/1757 ,  A61B17/8866 ,  A61B50/20 ,  A61B90/10 ,  A61B90/50 ,  A61B2017/0256 ,  A61B2017/1602 ,  A61B2090/034 ,  A61F2/30742 ,  A61F2/30744 ,  A61F2/442 ,  A61F2/4425 ,  A61F2/4611 ,  A61F2002/30204 ,  A61F2002/30235 ,  A61F2002/30474 ,  A61F2002/30499 ,  A61F2002/30528 ,  A61F2002/30563 ,  A61F2002/30578 ,  A61F2002/30616 ,  A61F2002/30673 ,  A61F2002/30682 ,  A61F2002/30769 ,  A61F2002/30772 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2230/0065 ,  A61F2230/0069 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239

摘要： The invention relates to a technique for precisely locating a line containing a predetermined point within the surgical site using a series of levels and plumb lines and internal anatomical features of the surgical site, using this location to precisely position and temporarily affix a site preparation scaffold relative to the patient's anatomy so that site preparation instruments can be introduced into the site at precise locations governed by the scaffold geometry and patient anatomy. This precise positioning of the scaffold also provides a way for the surgeon to use patient anatomical features to reliably and precisely prepare the surgical site. Scaffolds having angling features further increase the precise preparation of the surgical site. This increased precision in site preparation increases the probability of a successful procedure, and decreases the likelihood that additional surgery may be needed.

摘要翻译： 本发明涉及一种用于使用一系列水平和铅垂线以及手术部位的内部解剖特征精确地定位包含手术部位内的预定点的线的技术，其使用该位置精确地定位并临时固定位点制备支架相对 到患者的解剖结构，以便在由支架几何形状和患者解剖结构控制的精确位置处将位点准备仪器引入到位置。 脚手架的这种精确定位还为外科医生使用患者解剖特征可靠且准确地准备手术部位提供了一种方法。 具有垂直特征的支架进一步增加了手术部位的精确准备。 这种现场准备精度的提高增加了手术成功的可能性，并降低了可能需要进行额外手术的可能性。

公开(公告)号：US20050096746A1

公开(公告)日：2005-05-05

申请号：US10989775

申请日：2004-11-16

申请人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Randall Allard ,  Richard Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Elliott Marshall ,  Leonard Tokish

发明人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Randall Allard ,  Richard Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Elliott Marshall ,  Leonard Tokish

IPC分类号： A61B17/02 ,  A61B17/16 ,  A61B17/17 ,  A61F2/00 ,  A61F2/30 ,  A61F2/44

CPC分类号： A61F2/4425 ,  A61B17/1671 ,  A61B17/1757 ,  A61B2017/0256 ,  A61F2/30742 ,  A61F2/30744 ,  A61F2/30767 ,  A61F2/441 ,  A61F2002/30495 ,  A61F2002/30563 ,  A61F2002/30578 ,  A61F2002/30673 ,  A61F2002/30685 ,  A61F2002/30738 ,  A61F2002/30922 ,  A61F2002/30968 ,  A61F2002/3097 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239 ,  A61F2310/00407

摘要： An assembly for preparing a vertebral disc space to receive a prosthesis comprises a support frame having a base and a pair of guide tracks extending from the base. The base is adapted to attach to a plurality of vertebral bodies. The assembly further includes a guide block operatively connected to at least one of the guide tracks and having an opening disposed there through. The assembly further includes a position control mechanism corresponding to the at least one of the guide tracks. The position control mechanism has a plate extending there from for coupling to the guide track and the guide block and an actuating knob for adjusting the position of the plate and therefore the guide block. The assembly further includes a bone-removal device positioned through the opening of the guide block and operatively connected to the guide block.

摘要翻译： 用于准备用于接收假体的椎间盘空间的组件包括具有底座和从基座延伸的一对导轨的支撑框架。 基座适于附接到多个椎体。 组件还包括可操作地连接到至少一个导轨并具有设置在其上的开口的引导块。 组件还包括对应于至少一个导轨的位置控制机构。 位置控制机构具有延伸到其上的板，用于联接到导轨和引导块，以及用于调节板的位置并因此调节引导块的致动旋钮。 组件还包括通过引导块的开口定位并可操作地连接到引导块的骨去除装置。

公开(公告)号：US20050059976A1

公开(公告)日：2005-03-17

申请号：US10727808

申请日：2003-12-04

申请人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Robert Conta ,  Randy Allard ,  Richard Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Jeffrey Rouleau ,  Leonard Tokish ,  David Yager

发明人： Vincent Bryan ,  Alex Kunzler ,  Robert Conta ,  Randy Allard ,  Richard Broman ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Carlos Gil ,  Jeffrey Rouleau ,  Leonard Tokish ,  David Yager

IPC分类号： A61B19/00 ,  A61B17/02 ,  A61B17/16 ,  A61B17/17 ,  A61B17/56 ,  A61B17/88 ,  A61B19/02 ,  A61F2/00 ,  A61F2/30 ,  A61F2/44 ,  A61F2/46 ,  A61B17/14

CPC分类号： A61B17/0293 ,  A61B17/02 ,  A61B17/1671 ,  A61B17/1757 ,  A61B17/8866 ,  A61B50/20 ,  A61B90/10 ,  A61B90/50 ,  A61B2017/0256 ,  A61B2017/1602 ,  A61B2090/034 ,  A61F2/30742 ,  A61F2/30744 ,  A61F2/442 ,  A61F2/4425 ,  A61F2/4611 ,  A61F2002/30204 ,  A61F2002/30235 ,  A61F2002/30474 ,  A61F2002/30499 ,  A61F2002/30528 ,  A61F2002/30563 ,  A61F2002/30578 ,  A61F2002/30616 ,  A61F2002/30673 ,  A61F2002/30682 ,  A61F2002/30769 ,  A61F2002/30772 ,  A61F2002/443 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2230/0065 ,  A61F2230/0069 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00203 ,  A61F2310/00239

摘要： The invention relates to a technique for precisely locating a line containing a predetermined point within the surgical site using a series of levels and plumb lines and internal anatomical features of the surgical site, using this location to precisely position and temporarily affix a site preparation scaffold relative to the patient's anatomy so that site preparation instruments can be introduced into the site at precise locations governed by the scaffold geometry and patient anatomy. This precise positioning of the scaffold also provides a way for the surgeon to use patient anatomical features to reliably and precisely prepare the surgical site. Scaffolds having angling features further increase the precise preparation of the surgical site. This increased precision in site preparation increases the probability of a successful procedure, and decreases the likelihood that additional surgery may be needed.

公开(公告)号：US20080015585A1

公开(公告)日：2008-01-17

申请号：US11800895

申请日：2007-05-07

申请人： Philip Berg ,  John Ohrt ,  Cin Abidin ,  Mark Kuiper ,  Michael Funk ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Christopher Ralph ,  Richard Broman ,  Sean Suh

发明人： Philip Berg ,  John Ohrt ,  Cin Abidin ,  Mark Kuiper ,  Michael Funk ,  Anthony Finazzo ,  Christopher Ralph ,  Richard Broman ,  Sean Suh

IPC分类号： A61F2/30

CPC分类号： A61B17/7019 ,  A61B17/7002 ,  A61B17/7064 ,  A61B17/7067 ,  A61B17/86 ,  A61F2/4405 ,  A61F2002/30331 ,  A61F2002/30332 ,  A61F2002/30369 ,  A61F2002/30387 ,  A61F2002/30438 ,  A61F2002/30485 ,  A61F2002/30507 ,  A61F2002/30538 ,  A61F2002/30563 ,  A61F2002/30604 ,  A61F2002/30616 ,  A61F2002/30649 ,  A61F2002/449 ,  A61F2220/0025 ,  A61F2220/0033 ,  A61F2220/0041 ,  A61F2250/0006 ,  A61F2310/00017 ,  A61F2310/00023 ,  A61F2310/00029 ,  A61F2310/00047 ,  A61F2310/00131 ,  A61F2310/00179

摘要： The invention discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point. In another embodiment, an implantable facet joint device comprises a cephalad crossbar adapted to extend mediolaterally relative to a spine of a patient, the crossbar having opposite first and second ends, a connector element adapted to connect the crossbar to a first vertebra, a first artificial cephalad bearing member adapted for connection to the first end of the crossbar and adapted to engage a first caudal facet joint element connected to a second vertebra, and a second artificial cephalad bearing member adapted for connection to the second end of the crossbar and adapted to engage a second caudal facet joint element connected to the second vertebra. In yet another embodiment, an implantable facet joint device comprises a caudal cross-member adapted to extend mediolaterally relative to a spine of a patient and adapted to connect to a first vertebra, a first artificial caudal bearing member adapted for connection to the caudal cross-member, and adapted to engage a first cephalad facet joint element connected to a second vertebra, and a second artificial caudal bearing member adapted for connection to the caudal cross-member at a predetermined spacing from the first bearing member, the second bearing member being adapted to engage a second caudal facet joint element connected to the second vertebra.