An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation
element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface
having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle
fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also
includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint
prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a
facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a
facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a
lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in
the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint
prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a
vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment
elements extending from the saw guide. The invention also provides
systems for treating spinal pathologies that include intervertebral discs
in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses.