Facet joint replacement
First Claim
1. A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet of a first vertebra, the system comprising:
- a first prosthesis comprising;
a fixation member implantable in a pedicle of the first vertebra;
a strut comprising a first end formed monolithically with the fixation member, and a second end extending from the first end along a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fixation member, wherein the strut has a length extending between the first and second ends along the direction and a width perpendicular to the length; and
a first articular surface on the second end, wherein the first articular surface is shaped to replace a natural articular surface of the first vertebra;
wherein the strut is shaped to avoid encircling a spinous process of the first vertebra;
wherein the strut width is narrower than the articular surface.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A prosthesis for the replacement of a diseased or traumatized facet of a mammalian vertebra includes a surface that articulates with another prosthetic facet or a natural facet, a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the diseased or traumatized spine facet which is to be replaced, and an element to attach the prosthesis to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to or abutment against the posterior arch. A method of installing the prosthesis includes the steps of resecting at least a portion of a facet and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the posterior arch.
426 Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet of a first vertebra, the system comprising:
-
a first prosthesis comprising; a fixation member implantable in a pedicle of the first vertebra; a strut comprising a first end formed monolithically with the fixation member, and a second end extending from the first end along a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fixation member, wherein the strut has a length extending between the first and second ends along the direction and a width perpendicular to the length; and a first articular surface on the second end, wherein the first articular surface is shaped to replace a natural articular surface of the first vertebra; wherein the strut is shaped to avoid encircling a spinous process of the first vertebra; wherein the strut width is narrower than the articular surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
-
-
10. A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet of a first vertebra, the system comprising:
-
a first prosthesis comprising; a fixation member implantable in a pedicle of the first vertebra; a strut comprising a first end formed monolithically with the fixation member, and a second end extending from the first end along a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fixation member, wherein the strut has a length extending between the first and second ends along the direction and a width perpendicular to the length; and a first articular surface on the second end, wherein the first articular surface is shaped to replace a natural articular surface of the first vertebra; wherein the first articular surface is positioned on the strut independently of any other articular surface; wherein the strut width is narrower than the articular surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. A method for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet of a first vertebra, the method comprising:
-
implanting a fixation member of a first prosthesis in a pedicle of the first vertebra, the first prosthesis further comprising; a strut comprising a first end formed monolithically with the fixation member, and a second end extending from the first end along a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the fixation member, wherein the strut has a length extending between the first and second ends along the direction and a width perpendicular to the length, and a first articular surface on the second end; and positioning the first articular surface to replace a natural articular surface of the first vertebra; wherein the strut is shaped to avoid encircling a spinous process of the first vertebra; wherein the strut width is narrower than the articular surface. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
-
Specification