INSERTION OF ARTIFICIAL/PROSTHETIC FACET JOINTS WITH BALLOTABLE/COMPRESSIBLE JOINT SPACE COMPONENT

摘要

A system for replacement of the natural facet joints of the spine is provided. The system is designed to be placed using a minimally-invasive technique, with passage of a unitized prosthesis through a working channel. Alternative embodiments of the prosthesis and method are also provided. The inventor also contemplates a similar system for the cervical and thoracic spine.