| abstract |
The intervertebral joint assembly includes an upper support and a lower support, each having two or more components. The upper support and lower support components are aligned in place to form the upper and lower support, respectively. By aligning the support in place, the support can be introduced from the back of the patient, for example by arthroscopy. Each of the upper and lower supports has a surface adapted to engage the spine and a surface adapted to engage another support or intermediate member to form a joint joint that articulates the joint assembly. In some embodiments, components in the upper and lower supports are assembled in place, for example by pivoting, telescoping or bending, to form the upper and lower supports, respectively. The support may be attached to the spine with a pedicle screw and / or another anchor attached to the support. |