Artificial facet joint
First Claim
1. A prosthetic device for implantation over a painful or otherwise damaged inferior articular process or a superior articular process, or both, of a human spinal facet joint, comprising,a superior component roughly in the form of a hollow cone or pyramid with a rounded apex substantially conforming to the size and shape of the distal tip of the inferior articular process so as to be a substantially matching fit over it;
- an inferior component roughly in the form of a hollow cone or pyramid substantially conforming to the size and shape of the distal tip of the inferior articular process so as to be a substantially matching fit over it;
means for affixing said superior component to said distal tip of the inferior articular process;
means for affixing said inferior component to said distal tip of the superior articular process.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A spinal facet prosthesis for a diseased or painful facet joint comprises a superior component and an inferior component. The superior component is roughly conical or pyramidal in form and is fastened to and over the distal tip of the inferior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. The inferior component is also roughly conical or pyramidal in form with one side elongated postero-medially and distally. The outer surface of the elongated side of the inferior component is of low friction, such as polished chromium coating or medical grade high-density polyethylene. The inferior component is fastened to and over the superior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. Each component is made of a biocompatible material. The inner surface of each component which is in contact with its respective articular process is coated with a porous coating to enhance the adhesion of each component to its respective articular process.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A prosthetic device for implantation over a painful or otherwise damaged inferior articular process or a superior articular process, or both, of a human spinal facet joint, comprising,
a superior component roughly in the form of a hollow cone or pyramid with a rounded apex substantially conforming to the size and shape of the distal tip of the inferior articular process so as to be a substantially matching fit over it; -
an inferior component roughly in the form of a hollow cone or pyramid substantially conforming to the size and shape of the distal tip of the inferior articular process so as to be a substantially matching fit over it; means for affixing said superior component to said distal tip of the inferior articular process; means for affixing said inferior component to said distal tip of the superior articular process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A prosthetic device for implantation over a painful or otherwise damaged inferior articular process or a superior articular process, or both, of a human spinal facet joint, comprising,
a superior component roughly in the form of a hollow cone or pyramid with a rounded apex with a hole at the apex substantially conforming to the size and shape of the distal tip of the inferior articular process so as to be a substantially matching fit over it; an inferior component roughly in the form of an incomplete hollow cone or pyramid substantially conforming to the size and shape of the distal tip of the inferior articular process so as to be a substantially matching fit over it with one side having a smooth concave and elongated surface positioned in matching opposition to the distal tip of the inferior articular process and to provide a bearing surface to said distal tip along its path as it moves medially and inferiorly over said elongated surface with at least two holes in the distal portion of said elongated surface and with an open area adjacent to said elongated surface formed by an incomplete side in the shape of a pedicle. - View Dependent Claims (17)
Specification