Spinal fixation devices and methods of use

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for spinal the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide treatment via decompression and/or fixation of the spinal canal. One or more implants are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment compromised of the superior and inferior immediately adjacent vertebral bones. In one variant, these disclosed devices are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment while another orthopedic implant is placed into the anterior column of the same spinal segment, thereby providing circumferential decompression.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A method for immobilization of a facet joint, comprising:
 approaching a lateral aspect of a first facet joint that comprises an articulation between an inferior articulating process of a superior vertebral bone and a superior articulating process of an immediately inferior vertebral bone;   positioning a first segment of an orthopedic implant to abut a lateral side wall of said superior articulating process of said inferior vertebral bone;   positioning a second segment of said orthopedic implant to extend medial to a lateral side wall of said first facet joint;   attaching said first segment to said lateral side wall of said superior articulating process of said inferior vertebral bone; and   attaching said second segment to said lateral side wall of said first facet joint.   
     
     
         7 . An orthopedic implant configured for attachment to and immobilization of a facet joint, said orthopedic implant comprising:
 an elongate platform having a first end and a second opposing end; and   an elongate element disposed at said second end of said elongate platform,   wherein said first end is configured to be attached to a lateral side wall of a superior articular process of an inferior vertebral bone of said facet j oint, and   wherein said elongate element is configured to be attached to a lateral side wall of a superior vertebral bone said facet joint.   
     
     
         8 . An orthopedic implant configured for attachment to and immobilization of a facet joint including a superior vertebral bone and an immediately inferior vertebral bone, said orthopedic implant comprising:
 an anterior column implant configured to be positioned within a space between said superior vertebral bone and said inferior vertebral bone; and   a posterior column implant configured to be attached to a lateral side wall of a superior articular process of said inferior vertebral bone and a lateral side wall of said superior vertebral bone,   wherein said orthopedic implant provides circumferential decompression to said facet joint.