FACET ARTHROPLASTY DEVICES AND METHODS
Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.
1 . A method for stabilizing the posterior element in adjacent vertebrae, comprising:
rigidly coupling a first member to a first vertebra;
movably coupling a second member to a second vertebra, the second member being slidably movable relative to the first member to control movement of the first and second vertebrae relative to one another.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second members substantially prevent axial rotation of the first and second vertebrae relative to one another.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second members limit extension of the first and second vertebrae relative to one another.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first and second members control lateral bending and flexion of the first and second vertebrae relative to one another.