Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools

Abstract

A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A spinal facet implant system, comprising:
 an implant configured for placement in a spinal facet joint space, the implant comprising a leading distal portion and a trailing proximal portion; and   a driver assembly, comprising:
 a hollow implant shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen having an inner diameter, and an outer diameter configured to allow the implant shaft to extend through the lumen of a delivery device; and 
 a handle coupled with the proximal end of the implant shaft.