into the cavity created in the facet joint fig2 the implant is preferably countersunk 1 2 mm into the facet joint finally implant tamp 130 implant holder 125 and directional cannula 110 are removed from the surgical site and the incision is closed a preferred surgical technique for utilizing a hollow fusion implant 5 will now be described the preferred surgical technique preferably uses guide pin 100 fig6 facet distractor 105 fig7 and an implant punch 140 fig2 first the facet joint is localized indirectly by fluoroscopy or directly by visualization during an open procedure next guide pin 100 is inserted in the gap between the opposing facet surfaces the position of guide pin 100 is verified by viewing the coronal and sagittal planes then guide pin 100 is lightly tapped so as to insert guide pin 100 approximately 5 mm into the facet joint along the vertical plane of the facet joint in this respect it will be appreciated that inasmuch as the inferior facet curves medially this will help prevent the guide pin from damaging the nerve structures then the cannulated facet distractor 105 is slid over guide pin 100 so that it is aligned with the vertical plane of the facet joint facet distractor 105 is lightly tapped into the facet joint along the vertical plane of the facet joint next implant punch 140 fig2 with a hollow fusion implant 5 mounted thereto fig2 is pushed or hammered or otherwise advanced.