Exemplary implants and methods are provided for stabilizing adjacent
vertebrae. In one embodiment, an implant is provided having a shape that
allows the implant to be positioned between adjacent vertebrae using a
posterior approach while avoiding contact with the spinal cord. For
example, the implant can include an anterior portion that is adapted to
be positioned between adjacent vertebrae, and a posterior portion that is
adapted to extend around a spinal cord. In certain exemplary embodiments,
the implant can also be configured to allow motion between the adjacent
vertebrae.