A facet interference screw (10) for insertion between the facet joints of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae includes an externally threaded shaft portion and a head. The facet interference screw is preferably split into first (20) and second (30) components, each including an outer, semicircular externally threaded surface (22, 32) so that when coupled together the semicircular externally threaded surfaces form the externally threaded shaft portion. The inner surfaces (24, 34) of the first and second components may include curved contacting surfaces so that when inserted, the first component is movable with respect to the second component. Alternatively, the screw may include a damping component (60a′) between the inner surfaces of the first and second components to facilitate damping of the first and second components with respect to one another. The damping component preferably also facilitates articulated motion of the first and second components.
