An artificial facet replacement is a joint prosthesis intended to replace the natural facets by restoring normal (or near-normal) motion while providing stabilization of spinal segments. It is typically used as an adjunct to laminectomy, laminotomy, neural decompression and facetectomy, in lieu of fusion, for treatment of instabilities or deformities of the lumbar spine including:
Facet replacements are a relatively new technology. Artificial facet replacements are currently being investigated in clinical trials in the U.S.