US Patent 7862589 Facet replacement

Facet replacement device is provided. The facet replacement device comprises a superior seating device coupled to a superior vertebral body and an inferior seating device coupled to an inferior vertebral body. The seating devices provide a joint to replace the facet. Another device comprises a superior vertebral body anchor with a first extension terminating in a joint connection, such as, a socket. An inferior vertebral body anchor has a second extension terminating in a corresponding joint connection, such as, a ball.