An exemplary facet screw for joining a first facet of a first vertebra with a second facet of a second vertebra includes proximal and distal ends. The proximal end includes a threaded region for attachment to the first facet. The distal end includes a non-threaded region with a first configuration that freely inserts into a bore of the second facet and a second configuration that partially interferes with the bore to retain the distal end within the second facet.