Facet device and method

• US 20060036323A1
• Filed: 08/03/2005
• Published: 02/16/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Albany Medical College (Albany Medical Center), Allen L. Carl, K2M, Inc (Stryker Corporation)
• Original Assignee: K2M, Inc (Stryker Corporation)
• Inventors: Rosenberg, Meir, Sachs, Dan, Carl, Alan L.
• Application Number:
  US11/197,566
• Publication Number:
  US 20060036323A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.110
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7004 with a cross-section which varies along its length A61B17/7019 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7064 Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral facets; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0256 for the spine
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4405 for apophyseal or facet joints, i.e. between adjacent spinous or transverse processes devices implanted between spinous or transverse processes A61B17/7062
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/442 Intervertebral or spinal discs, e.g. resilient non-disc-shaped intervertebral inflatable pockets A61F2/441; non-disc-shaped intervertebral fusion implants A61F2/4455
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30079 magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30242 spherical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30411 having two threaded end parts connected by a threaded central part with opposite threads at its opposite ends, i.e. for adjusting the distance between both end parts by rotating the central part
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30507 using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3055 for adjusting length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30563 having elastic means or damping means, different from springs, e.g. including an elastomeric core or shock absorbers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30566 Helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30579 with mechanically expandable devices, e.g. fixation devices
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30583 filled with hardenable fluid, e.g. curable in-situ
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30601 telescopic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30663 multiaxial, e.g. biaxial; multipolar, e.g. bipolar or having an intermediate shell articulating between the ball and the socket
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30677 Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30873 Threadings machined on non-cylindrical external surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30932 for retarding or preventing ingrowth of bone tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0085 : hardenable in situ, e.g. epoxy resins
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/009 : magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0071 : spherical
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00011 : Metals or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00179 : Ceramics or ceramic-like structures

Abstract

A spine prosthesis is provided and in particular, related to the facet joint of a spine.

Claims

1. A spine implant comprising:

a facet prosthesis wherein the facet prosthesis comprises an insert configured to be positioned within a joint capsule between facets of a zygapophyseal joint, wherein the insert comprises;

a member having a first facet interfacing portion and a second facet interfacing portion opposing the first facet interfacing portion.

2. The spine implant of claim 1 wherein the member comprises an expandable member.

3. The spine implant of claim 1 wherein the first and second interfacing portions are configured to permit articulation of the facets.

4. The spine implant of claim 1 wherein the first and second interfacing portions each comprise a curved portion.

5. The spine implant of claim 4 wherein the facet prosthesis comprises a ball-like member.

6. The spine implant of claim 1 wherein the facet prosthesis is configured to exert a distraction force between facets of a facet joint.

7. The spine implant of claim 1 wherein the facet prosthesis includes a flexible portion configured to permit limited motion of the facet joint.

8. The spine implant of claim 7 wherein the flexible portion comprises a flexible polymer forming said member

9. The spine implant of claim 7 wherein the flexible portion comprises an elongate portion extending through said member in said joint and anchored to at least one of said facets.

10. The spine implant of claim 7 wherein the flexible portion comprises an elongate portion extending from said member in said joint and anchored to at least one of said facets.

11. The spine implant of claim 1 further comprising:

a securing member comprising an elongate portion configured to extend through at least a portion of the facet prosthesis; and

an anchor coupled to the elongate member, and configured to anchor the securing member to at least one facet.

12. The spine implant of claim 11 wherein the securing member includes a flexible portion configured to permit limited motion of one or more of the facets of the facet joint.

13. The spine implant of claim 11 wherein the securing member comprises a distracting element.

14. The spine implant of claim 1 further comprising:

a securing member comprising a wrap configured to wrap around at least a portion of the facet joint.

15. A spine implant comprising

a facet prosthesis configured to exert a distraction force between facets of a facet joint wherein the prosthesis comprises:

a curable material injected into the facet joint.

16. The spine implant of claim 15 further comprising

a securing member comprising an anchor configured to anchor to at least one facet of the facet joint and an elongate member coupled to the anchor and configured to extend through the curable material.

17. The spine implant of claim 15 wherein the securing member comprises a dynamic portion.

18. The spine implant of claim 17 wherein the dynamic portion comprises a flexible member.

19. The spine implant of claim 17 wherein the dynamic portion comprises a spring.

20. The spine implant of claim 17 wherein the dynamic portion comprises a shock absorber.

21. A spine implant comprising

a facet prosthesis configured to exert a distraction force between facets of a facet joint wherein the prosthesis comprises:

a first magnet coupled to a first facet and a second magnet coupled to a second facet, wherein the first magnet and second magnet are oriented with like poles facing each other so as to provide a distracting force away from each other.

22. A spine implant comprising:

a facet prosthesis comprising;

an insert configured to be positioned within the joint capsule;

a securing member comprising an elongate portion configured to extend through at least a portion of at least one facet of a facet joint; and

an anchor configured to anchor the securing member to at least one facet of the facet joint.