Spinal Facet Joint Immobilization Systems and Methods

摘要

The present invention provides novel systems and methods for aligning and securely holding superior and inferior facets of the spine of a patient to be joined during an interbody fusion or other spinal immobilization procedure (simultaneously compressing the associated facet joint), drilling a hole through which a facet fixation device will be placed, and placing the facet fixation device to a desired penetration depth. The present invention also provides novel facet anchor devices.