Devices and methods for treating facet joints, uncovertebral joints, costovertebral joints and other joints

• US 20070083266A1
• Filed: 11/21/2006
• Published: 04/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Vertegen, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Vertegen, Inc.
• Inventors: Lang, Philipp
• Application Number:
  US11/602,713
• Publication Number:
  US 20070083266A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/17.110
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30756 Cartilage endoprostheses A61F2/3603 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/38 for elbows or knees
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/389 Tibial components A61F2/3868 takes precedence
• 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 2/441 made of inflatable pockets or chambers filled with fluid, e.g. with hydrogel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4657 Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints for surgical instruments A61B90/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30062 (bio)absorbable, biodegradable, bioerodable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30112 Rounded shapes, e.g. with rounded corners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30125 elliptical or oval
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30179 X-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30383 made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30878 with non-sharp protrusions, for instance contacting the bone for anchoring, e.g. keels, pegs, pins, posts, shanks, stems, struts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30884 Fins or wings, e.g. longitudinal wings for preventing rotation within the bone cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3092 having an open-celled or open-pored structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30952 using CAD-CAM techniques or NC-techniques
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30962 using stereolithography
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30971 Laminates, i.e. layered products
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0004 bioabsorbable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0004 Rounded shapes, e.g. with rounded corners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0008 : elliptical or oval
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0058 : X-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00017 : Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00179 : Ceramics or ceramic-like structures
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00365 : Proteins; Polypeptides; Degradation products thereof

Abstract

The present invention describes methods, devices and instruments for resurfacing or replacing facet joints, uncovertebral joints and costovertebral joints. The joints can be prepared by smoothing the articular surface on one side, by distracting the joint and by implant insertion. Implants can be stabilized against a first articular surface by creating a high level of conformance with said first articular surface, while smoothing the second articular surface with a surgical instrument with a smooth mating implant surface.

Claims

1. An implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint, wherein

said implant has at least one tapered area and

wherein said taper facilitates placement of the implant inside the joint.

2. An implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint, wherein

said implant has a thickness at one or more margins that is less than the thickness in the center of the implant.

3. An implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint, wherein

said implant has a variable thickness.

4. An implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint, wherein

said implant has a rounded margin

wherein said rounded margin can help reduce damage to adjacent structures.

5. An implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint,

wherein said implant has a first surface that is highly conforming to a first articular surface

wherein said conformance include surface features that mate with surface irregularities of said first articular surface

and said implant has a second surface that is substantially smooth thereby allowing for free, substantially unconstrained motion between said second implant surface and a second articular surface.

6. The implant of claim 5, wherein said second articular surface is treated with a surgical instrument, and wherein said surgical instrument is used to make said second articular surface more smooth and to remove any surface irregularities.

7. A kit comprising

an implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint and an instrument for preparing the joint to accept said implant.

8. A kit comprising

an implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint and an instrument for improving the alignment between said joint and said implant.

9. A kit comprising

an implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint and a

tool for determining the optimal implant size or shape,

wherein said implant is selected from an assortment of pre-manufactured implants.

10. A kit comprising

an implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint and an instrument for removing bone spurs.

11. A kit comprising

an implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint and an instrument for distracting the joint, wherein said instrument is designed to facilitate insertion of the device into the joint.

12. An implant for treating a facet joint, an uncovertebral joint or a costovertebral joint, wherein

the size or shape of said implant has been adjusted for bone overgrowth.