Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a posterior
implant is provided and can be adapted to control movement of two or more adjacent vertebrae. In particular, the
implant can be adapted to control extension, flexion, and
lateral bending of adjacent vertebrae. The
implant can also be adapted to substantially prevent rotation of the adjacent vertebrae. In another exemplary embodiment, the implant can have an envelope of motion that is within an envelope of motion of a disc, either natural or artificial, that is disposed between adjacent vertebrae. In other words, the implant can be configured to allow flexion, extension,
lateral bending of the vertebrae to within the amount of flexion, extension, and
lateral bending allowed by the particular disc. The implant can also be adapted to substantially prevent rotation of the vertebrae relative to one another.