Cervical distraction method
First Claim
1. A method of implanting an implant in a cervical facet joint comprising an inferior articulating surface of an upper vertebra and a superior articulating surface of a lower vertebra, the method comprising:
- accessing the cervical facet joint with a guide tool;
routing via a posterior approach an implant into the cervical facet joint via the guide tool, the implant removably coupled to a distal end of a delivery tool, the implant comprising one or more walls;
advancing the implant with the delivery tool into the cervical facet joint; and
detaching the implant from the delivery tool, wherein at least one wall of the implant engages the inferior articulating surface and at least one other wall of the implant engages the superior articulating surface to distract the cervical facet joint.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for a minimally invasive surgical implantation to reduce radicular symptoms by inserting an expandable cervical distraction implant in the facet joint and distracting the adjacent cervical vertebrae to increase the foraminal dimension. The implant, when positioned in the cervical facet joint, expands to via delivery of an inflation medium to increase the space between the vertebrae, thereby increasing the foraminal area or dimension, and reducing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels of the cervical spine.
500 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of implanting an implant in a cervical facet joint comprising an inferior articulating surface of an upper vertebra and a superior articulating surface of a lower vertebra, the method comprising:
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accessing the cervical facet joint with a guide tool; routing via a posterior approach an implant into the cervical facet joint via the guide tool, the implant removably coupled to a distal end of a delivery tool, the implant comprising one or more walls; advancing the implant with the delivery tool into the cervical facet joint; and detaching the implant from the delivery tool, wherein at least one wall of the implant engages the inferior articulating surface and at least one other wall of the implant engages the superior articulating surface to distract the cervical facet joint. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification