Apparatus for replacing vertebral elements

An orthopedic implantable device articulately connects a first spinal vertebra to an adjacent second spinal vertebra along the midline of the first and second vertebrae or along an axis medial to the facets. The device includes a first component having a male articulation member and a second component having a female articulation member. The first and second components are adapted to be attached to posterior locations of the first and the second vertebrae, respectively. The first component is articulately connected to the second component by engaging the male articulation member to the female articulation member or vice versa. The articulation mechanisms may be a hook and loop or a hinge. First and second components are configured to replace the natural lamina, spinous process, pars interarticularis, and/or facets of the corresponding first and second vertebrae.