FACET DEVICE AND METHOD

• US 20150190181A1
• Filed: 03/18/2015
• Published: 07/09/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Albany Medical College (Albany Medical Center), K2M, Inc (Stryker Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Albany Medical College (Albany Medical Center), K Spine, Inc.
• Inventors: Carl, Allen L., Sachs, Dan, Rosenberg, Meir
• Granted Patent: US 9,451,997 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/562 Implants for placement in joint gaps without restricting joint motion, e.g. to reduce arthritic pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7064 Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral facets; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7065 Devices with changeable shape, e.g. collapsible or having retractable arms to aid implantation; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/561 Implants with special means for releasing a drug
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/564 Methods for bone or joint treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/02 Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
• 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 implant includes an insert positioned between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. In various embodiments, the insert is configured to exert a distraction force on one or more facets of the zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise one or more members having one or more opposing facet interfacing portions. A securing member is configured to interface with the insert to secure the facets.

Claims

1. A facet implant comprising:

an insert positionable between a first facet of a facet joint and a second facet of the facet joint, the insert configured to exert a distraction force on the first and second facets;

an anchor connected to the insert and configured to secure to one of the first and second facets; and

a sensor coupled to the insert and configured to sense load on the facet joint.

2. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a bone anchor.

3. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the anchor includes a barb.

4. The facet implant of claim 1, further including a second anchor connected to the insert and configured to secure to the other of the first and second facets.

5. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a block configured to wedge between the first and second facets.

6. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a ball.

7. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a coiled spring.

8. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the insert includes an expandable polymer.

9. The facet implant of claim 8, wherein the expandable polymer includes a hydrogel, a gel foam, or combinations thereof.

10. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the insert is configured to inflate and distract the facet joint when the insert receives an inflation medium therein while positioned within a facet joint capsule defined between the first and second facets, the inflation medium including a curable polymer, a liquid, a gas, or combinations thereof.

11. The facet implant of claim 10, wherein the inflation medium is selectively removable from the insert to adjust dimensions of the insert.

12. The facet implant of claim 1, further including a shrink-wrap material secured at least partially around the insert.

13. The facet implant of claim 12, wherein the shrink-wrap material includes a polymeric material.

14. The facet implant of claim 12, wherein the shrink-wrap material includes a coating adapted to reduce tissue ingrowth.

15. The facet implant of claim 12, wherein the shrink-wrap material includes burrs or barbs.

16. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the insert is formed of metal, polymer, ceramic, or combinations thereof.

17. The facet implant of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a therapeutic agent.

18. A method for repairing a facet joint, the method comprising:

positioning an insert between a first facet of a facet joint and a second facet of the facet joint to maintain separation between the first and second facets;

anchoring the insert within a joint capsule defined between the first and second facets of the facet joint; and

monitoring changes in condition of the facet joint with a sensor operatively coupled to the insert.

19. The method of claim 18, further including distracting the facet joint to enable the insert to be positioned within the joint capsule.

20. The method of claim 19, further including at least one of debriding and denervating tissue disposed between the first and second facet joints to facilitate positioning of the insert within the joint capsule.