Polymeric joint complex and methods of use

(Copied from claim 3 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 1, further comprising:

• a hinge;
• wherein the hinge is connected between the first anchoring plate, the second anchoring plate and the facet joint spacer.

(Copied from claim 4 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 2, wherein the hinge includes:

• a first pivot point pivotably associated with the first anchoring plate;
• a second pivot point pivotably associated with the second anchoring plate;
• and a third pivot point pivotably associated with the facet joint spacer.

(Copied from claim 5 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 2, wherein the hinge is integrally formed with one of the first anchoring plate, the second anchoring plate and the facet joint spacer.

(Copied from claim 6 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 4, wherein the hinge includes:

• a first pivot point pivotably associated with at least one of the first anchoring plate and the second anchoring plate;
• a second pivot point pivotably associated with the facet joint spacer or the other of the first anchoring plate and the second anchoring plate.

(Copied from claim 11 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 1, wherein:

• at least one of the first anchoring plate and the second anchoring plate includes one or more protuberances;
• the one or more protuberance restricts movement of the first anchoring plate relative to the first vertebra or the second anchoring plate relative to the second vertebra.

(Copied from claim 14 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 7, wherein the hinge includes:

• a first pivot point pivotably associated with the first anchoring plate;
• a second pivot point pivotably associated with the second anchoring plate;
• and a third pivot point pivotably associated with the facet joint spacer.

(Copied from claim 15 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 7, wherein the hinge is integrally formed with one of the first anchoring plate, the second anchoring plate and the facet joint spacer.

(Copied from claim 16 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 9, wherein the hinge includes:

• a first pivot point pivotably associated with one of the first anchoring plate and the second anchoring plate;
• a second pivot point pivotably associated with the facet joint spacer or the other of the first anchoring plate and the second anchoring plate.

(Copied from claim 20 of application Ser. No. 11/304,271) The implant of claim 7, wherein:

• one or both of the first anchoring plate and the second anchoring plate includes one or more protuberances;
• the one or more protuberance restricts movement of the first anchoring plate relative to the first facet or the second anchoring plate relative to the second facet.