An artificial spinal joint, consisting of a flexible or rigid member or a pair of moveably-joined, flexible or rigid segments, is formed into a spring-like shape, whose distal ends have feet with slots through which screws can be inserted to attach the artificial joint to
vertebra whose facets (joints) are non-functional. The artificial spinal joint is able to prevent subluxation of the spine, while retaining the mobility of the spine and permitting angular deflection of the
vertebra above and below a non-functional spinal joint. A jig is used to position tools and make passageways for screws to attach the artificial spinal joint to the
vertebra or its pedicles or facets in a minimally
invasive procedure. The rigid members or segments are bio-compatible and may be made of
titanium, a
titanium alloy,
tantalum, medical grade stainless steel or
carbon fibers in a matrix of a rigid, durable plastic. The flexible members or segments may be made of
spring steel coated with a durable, bio-compatible material, small
diameter carbon fibers in a flexible, durable plastic matrix, or a single shape or dual shape, superelastic memory
metal. The feet, made of any of the rigid or flexible materials described above, may also be moveably attached to the proximal ends of the members or segments. Having the feet moveably attached to the segments facilitates
insertion of the artificial spinal joint into the body by folding the feet parallel to the axis of the segments during
insertion, and then unfolding the feet for attachment to the vertebra or its pedicles or facets. The artificial spinal joint may be inserted and attached to vertebra whose facets are non-functional in minimally invasive, moderately invasive or conventional
surgical procedures.