US Patent 8162981 Method and apparatus for spinal facet fusion

A spinal facet fusion implant comprising:an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the elongated body having a cross-sectional profile characterized by a primary axis and a secondary axis; andat least one stabilizer extending radially outwardly from the elongated body in the secondary axis;wherein the elongated body has a length along the primary axis which is less than the combined width of the spinal facets making up a facet joint;and further wherein the at least one stabilizer has a width which is sized to make a press fit into the gap between the spinal facets making up a facet joint.