Multiple facet joint replacement

A method for replacing facets on two adjacent vertebra, comprising the steps of:

• resecting at least a bony portion of the inferior facets of a superior vertebra;
• attaching a first prosthesis that replaces said inferior facets of said superior vertebra;
• resecting at least a bony portion of the superior facets of an inferior vertebra;
• and
• attaching a second prosthesis that replaces said superior facets of said inferior vertebra;
• wherein no portion of said first prosthesis is supported by the lamina of said superior vertebra, and further wherein no portion of said second prosthesis is supported by the lamina of said inferior vertebra.

A method for replacing facets on three or more vertebra, comprising the steps of:

• resecting at least a bony portion of the inferior facets of a most superior vertebra;
• attaching a first prosthesis that replaces said inferior facets of said most superior vertebra;
• resecting at least a bony portion of the superior facets of a most inferior vertebra;
• attaching a second prosthesis that replaces said superior facets of said most inferior vertebra;
• resecting at least a bony portion of all of the facets of at least one intermediate vertebra located between said most superior vertebra and said most inferior vertebra;
• wherein, for each of said at least one intermediate vertebra, a prosthesis is attached that. replaces all facets of said intermediate vertebra.

A spinal implant kit for the replacement of facets, said implant kit comprising:

• one facet prosthesis adapted to replace two superior facets;
• one facet prosthesis adapted to replace two inferior facets;
• and
• one facet prosthesis adapted to replace two superior facets and two inferior facets.

A prosthesis for the replacement of a pair of spinal facets, said prosthesis comprising:

• a first vertical member having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for disposition against, and attachment to, a first pedicle of a vertebra, and said second end comprising a bearing surface for engagement with a facet of an adjacent vertebra;
• a second vertical member having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for disposition against, and attachment to, the other pedicle of the vertebra, said second end comprising a bearing surface with a facet of an adjacent vertebra;
• and
• a bridge connecting said second end of said first vertical member to said second end of said second vertical member.

A spinal implant kit for the replacement of facets, said implant kit comprising:

• a superior facet prosthesis adapted to replace two superior facets;
• an inferior facet prosthesis adapted to replace two inferior facets;
• wherein no portion of said superior facet prosthesis is supported by a lamina of a vertebra;
• and
• wherein no portion of said inferior facet prosthesis is supported by a lamina of a vertebra.

A prosthesis for the replacement of a pair of spinal facets, said prosthesis comprising:

• a first vertical member having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for disposition against, and attachment to, a first pedicle of a vertebra, and said second end comprising a bearing surface for engagement with a facet of an adjacent vertebra;
• a second vertical member having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for disposition against, and attachment to, the other pedicle of the vertebra, said second end comprising a bearing surface with a facet of an adjacent vertebra;
• and
• a bridge connecting said first vertical member to said second vertical member;
• wherein said first vertical member, said second vertical member and said bridge are formed so that said prosthesis is displaced from the lamina of the vertebra when said first end of said first vertical member is disposed against, and attached to, the first pedicle of a vertebra and said first end of said second vertical member is disposed against, and attached to, the other pedicle of the vertebra.