Multi-joint implant

• US 7,351,261 B2
• Filed: 05/26/2005
• Issued: 04/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Depuy Spine Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Depuy Spine Incorporated (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Casey, Niall
• Primary Examiner(s): SNOW, BRUCE EDWARD
• Application Number:
  US10/908,787
• Publication Number:
  US 20060004448A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 623 1711- 1716, 606/61
• US Class Current: 623/17.13
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30767 Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
• 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 2002/30112 Rounded shapes, e.g. with rounded corners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30121 with lobes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30123 with two diametrically opposed lobes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30131 horseshoe- or crescent- or C-shaped or U-shaped
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30471 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• 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 2002/30565 having spring elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30578 having apertures, e.g. for receiving fixation screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30581 having a pocket filled with fluid, e.g. liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30583 filled with hardenable fluid, e.g. curable in-situ
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30584 filled with gas
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30624 Hinged joint, e.g. with transverse axle restricting the movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30649 Ball-and-socket joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30841 Sharp anchoring protrusions for impaction into the bone, e.g. sharp pins, spikes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2210/0085 hardenable in situ, e.g. epoxy resins
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0091 connected by a hinged linkage mechanism, e.g. of the single-bar or multi-bar linkage type
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0004 Rounded shapes, e.g. with rounded corners
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2230/0013 : Horseshoe-shaped, e.g. crescent-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for repairing or replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient'"'"'s spinal column. In one exemplary embodiment, an implant is provided having an anterior portion that is adapted to be positioned between adjacent vertebrae and a posterior portion that is adapted to be positioned around a spinal cord and to couple to a posterior surface of at least one adjacent vertebra. In use, the implant can allow the adjacent vertebrae to move relative to one another, thereby restoring normal function to the vertebrae.

Claims

1. A method for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, comprising:

positioning a generally U-shaped posterior portion of an implant around a spinal cord and between resected facets of adjacent vertebrae, the posterior portion of the implant being adapted to couple to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae;

positioning an anterior portion of the implant between the adjacent vertebrae such that the adjacent vertebrae are adapted to move relative to one another; and

coupling the posterior portion of the implant to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the posterior portion of the implant is coupled to opposed lateral sides of at least one of the adjacent vertebrae.

3. A method for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, comprising:

accessing a patient'"'"'s spinal column using a posterior surgical approach;

removing a disc disposed between adjacent vertebrae; and

posteriorly positioning a generally U-shaped posterior portion of an implant around a spinal cord and between facet joints of adjacent vertebrae, and positioning an anterior portion of the implant between the adjacent vertebrae, the U-shaped posterior portion being adapted to couple to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising coupling a posterior portion of the implant to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the posterior portion of the implant is coupled to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae by inserting at least one bone screw through at least one extension formed on the posterior portion of the implant and into bone.