A plate, installation tools, and method of installation are provided for preventing a spinal facet joint implant from expulsing from its location. The plate has posterior and inferior fasteners installed previously or in-situ. A k-wire is used in cooperation with the implant and installation tool(s) to guide the plate to the desired location. The plate includes a central threaded bore situated between a superior and inferior bone screw bore in one form, and a superior and inferior connection barb in another form. The installation tool includes a threaded plug at one end for receipt by the central threaded bore of the plate for releasably holding the plate during installation. The installation tool has a superior structure and an inferior structure that can be a cannula or a tang depending on the form of the plate. A cannula allows a tool to direct a fastener to screw bores of the plate for attaching the fastener and plate to vertebrae.