Method and apparatus for spinal stabilization

1. A method of limiting extension between inferior and superior body structures of a spine, comprising:

inserting a stabilization device into a patient;

threadably coupling a distal end of a distal portion of the stabilization device only to the inferior body structure of the spine, the stabilization device defining an insertion axis;

advancing a proximal portion of the stabilization device over the distal portion of the stabilization device along the insertion axis toward the distal end of the stabilization device such that an exterior surface of the proximal portion that faces away from a central longitudinal axis of the stabilization device, abuts an inferior facet of an adjacent superior vertebra to limit downward movement of the inferior facet relative to the inferior body structure but permits upward movement of the inferior facet relative to the inferior body structure.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a distal portion of the stabilization device limits extension between the superior body structure and the inferior body structure.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion of the stabilization device limits extension between the superior body structure and the inferior body structure.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the proximal portion comprises a proximal anchor carried by an elongated body of the stabilization device.

5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising advancing the proximal anchor over the elongated body.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserting step comprises inserting the stabilization device over a guidewire.

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising the step of advancing a tissue expander over the guidewire prior to inserting the stabilization device over the guidewire.

8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising the step of advancing a sheath over the tissue expander prior to inserting the stabilization device over the guidewire.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is accomplished on a patient in combination with a laminectomy.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is accomplished on a patient in combination with a discectomy.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is accomplished on a patient in combination with an artificial disc replacement.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserting step is accomplished in a minimally invasive procedure.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the inserting step is accomplished in a percutaneous procedure.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion comprises a proximal anchor and the method further comprises inserting a proximal end of the stabilization device into the proximal anchor following placement of the distal end of the stabilization device into the inferior body structure.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion is pre-attached to the stabilization device.

16. A method of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra of a patient, comprising:

providing a complementary interface on a facet of the superior vertebra;

advancing a distal end of a distal portion of a stabilization device into the inferior vertebra, the stabilization device defining an insertion axis;

advancing a proximal portion of the stabilization device over the distal portion stabilization device along the insertion axis toward the distal end of the stabilization device such that an exterior surface of the proximal face that faces away from a central longitudinal axis of the proximal portion, abuts against the complementary interface on the facet of the superior vertebra to limit at least one degree of movement between the superior vertebra and the inferior vertebra, while permitting upward movement of the interface with respect to the proximal portion of the stabilization device.

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein advancing a proximal portion of the stabilization device comprises advancing a proximal anchor over a body, which forms at least in part, the distal end of the stabilization device.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the proximal anchor is advanced over the body after the distal end of the stabilization device is advanced into the inferior vertebra.

19. The method of claim 16 , wherein advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into the inferior vertebra comprises rotating the stabilization device.

20. The method of claim 16 , wherein the proximal portion comprises a proximal anchor and the method further comprises inserting a proximal end of the stabilization device into the proximal anchor following placement of the distal end of the stabilization device into the inferior vertebra.

21. The method of claim 16 , wherein the proximal portion is pre-attached to the stabilization device.

22. A method of stabilizing a spine, comprising:

providing a patient in whom a stabilization device has been implanted in an inferior vertebral body such that the stabilization device limits downward movement of a facet on a superior vertebral body relative to the inferior vertebral body while not limiting another degree of movement between the superior and inferior vertebral bodies; and

in a subsequent procedure, using at least a portion of the stabilization device to support a spinal fixation device configured to allow substantially no movement between the superior and inferior vertebral bodies.

23. The method of claim 22 , wherein the stabilization device comprises a body and a proximal anchor, and the method additionally comprises the step of removing the proximal anchor from the body in the subsequent procedure.

24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the body is used to support a portion of the spinal fixation device.

25. The method of claim 22 , wherein the spinal fixation device comprises a fixation rod.