A visco-elastic facet joint implant for insertion into a facet joint between an inferior facet formed on a superior vertebral body and a superior facet formed on an inferior vertebral body. The facet implant includes a visco-elastic implant element molded into an anatomically fitted shape to optimally fit between the facet joint and one or more bone fixation elements to secure the visco-elastic implant element to the superior and/or inferior vertebral bodies. In use, the visco-elastic facet joint implant includes a first end for engaging the superior vertebral body, a middle portion for passing through the facet joint and an optional second end for engaging the inferior vertebral body.