Facet joint fixation device

A wedge-shaped implant comprising an insert end spaced apart from an outer end including an opening by a first side member and a second side member forming a living hinge structure defined by a retained material thickness, said first and second side members each formed from a continuous piece of material having a first side surface with a first series of recesses extending therefrom and perpendicular thereto, said first series of recesses along the insert end having a first depth, with diminishing depths extending toward said outer end;

• and
• a second series of recesses extending from a second side surface positioned adjacent to and opposing said first series of recesses, with said second series recesses having a first depth at the insert end diminishing in depth extending towards said outer end;
• wherein a thickness of each said side member, measured between said first and second side surfaces, remains uniform along a length of said living hinge structure;
• wherein said first and second series of recesses cooperate across said retained material thickness to define said living hinge structure configured to elastically flex along said length of said living hinge structure;
• whereby said insert end can be offset from said outer end by flexure of said living hinge structure, and wherein an effective hinge profile defined by said recesses gradually reduces along said length of said living hinge structure from said outer end to said insert end.