Intra-facet fixation device and method of use

1. An implantable interference device, comprising:

a conical distal tip;

a shank extending from the distal tip;

a unitary head extending from a proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter greater than a major diameter of the shank; and

at least one protrusion formed on a distal-facing surface of the head and extending distally therefrom, the at least one protrusion being unitary with the head, the protrusion having a length adapted to engage a face of a facet joint,

wherein the implantable interference device is configured to engage opposing faces of the facet joint.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the shank includes a fusion-promoting bioactive material formed thereon.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein a portion of the device is formed of a fusion-promoting bioactive material.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein a thread runs along at least a portion of the shank in one of a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is cannulated, having an inner lumen extending through the device, along a longitudinal axis thereof, from the distal tip to the head.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the major diameter of the shank is substantially constant along a length of the shank.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the major diameter of the shank undulates along a length of the shank.

8. An implantable interference device, comprising:

a conical distal tip; and

a unitary shank extending from the distal tip such that a major diameter of the shank undulates along a length of the shank from the conical distal tip to a proximal end of the shank; and

a head extending from the proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shank,

wherein a proximal-most end of the implantable interference device is configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the thread is configured such that a major diameter of the shank undulates from the conical distal tip to the proximal end of the shank.

10. The device of claim 9 , wherein a minor diameter of the shank undulates in the direction from the conical distal tip to the proximal end of the shank.

11. The device of claim 9 , wherein a minor diameter of the shank remains substantially constant from the conical distal tip to the proximal end of the shank.

12. The device of claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the shank includes a fusion-promoting bioactive material formed thereon.

13. A method for facet joint fixation, comprising:

surgically delivering at least one implantable interference device to a facet joint in an intra-facet orientation, the device having a shank which includes a unitary head formed at a proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter larger than a major diameter of the shank;

engaging portions of the shank to opposing faces of the facet joint; and

piercing bone proximate to the facet joint with at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion being unitary with the head.

14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising delivering a first interference device to a first facet joint and a second interference device to a second, corresponding facet joint at the same level of a spine.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein a diameter of the first interference device is different than the diameter of the second, corresponding interference device, the difference in diameter allowing for a desired distraction of the first and second facet joints.

16. The method of claim 13 , wherein the surgically delivering step is conducted in a minimally invasive surgical procedure.

17. The method of claim 13 , wherein a portion of the interference device includes a fusion-promoting bioactive material.

18. The method of claim 13 , wherein placement of the interference device distracts the opposing faces of the facet joint to relieve stenosis.

19. The method of claim 13 , further comprising:

buttressing opposing faces of the facet joint with the head of the interference device so as to prevent motion of the opposing faces relative to one another.

20. The method of claim 13 , wherein the at least one protrusion pierces the facet joint.

21. The method of claim 13 , wherein the at least one protrusion is formed on a distal facing surface of the unitary head.