Spinal facet implant with spherical implant apposition surface and bone bed and methods of use
First Claim
1. A method for replacing a facet of a mammalian vertebra, the method comprising the steps of:
- resecting at least a portion of the facet;
implanting a fixation element into a pedicle of the resected facet, the fixation element having a distal end with a bone engaging surface and a proximal end extending outward from the pedicle,after the implanting step, introducing a connecting element over the proximal end of the fixation element, the connecting element allowing polyaxial adjustment of a prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element;
polyaxially rotating the prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element such that the prosthetic facet is positioned to articulate against a second facet; and
fixedly attaching the prosthetic facet to the fixation element to inhibit polyaxial movement of the prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for replacing a facet of a mammalian vertebra, the method comprising the steps of:
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resecting at least a portion of the facet; implanting a fixation element into a pedicle of the resected facet, the fixation element having a distal end with a bone engaging surface and a proximal end extending outward from the pedicle, after the implanting step, introducing a connecting element over the proximal end of the fixation element, the connecting element allowing polyaxial adjustment of a prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element; polyaxially rotating the prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element such that the prosthetic facet is positioned to articulate against a second facet; and fixedly attaching the prosthetic facet to the fixation element to inhibit polyaxial movement of the prosthetic facet relative to the fixation element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for establishing a disposition of an implant for replacing a portion of a facet of a mammalian vertebra, the implant comprising an articulating surface, a coupling portion and a fixation element, the coupling portion having a bone engaging surface and a fixation element engaging surface, wherein the articulating surface is shaped to articulate against a second facet surface, the method comprising:
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forming a semispherical resection in the vertebra; securing the fixation element to the vertebra, the fixation element having an end extending outward from the vertebra; after the securing step, introducing the fixation element engaging surface of the coupling portion over the outward extending end of the fixation element, and positioning the bone engaging surface against the semispherical resection such that the articulating surface is positioned to articulate against a second facet; and securing the fixation element engaging surface to the outward extending end of the fixation element, thereby affixing the bone engaging surface against the semispherical resection. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. A method for establishing a disposition of an implant for replacing a facet of a mammalian vertebra, the implant comprising an articulating surface and a coupling portion, the coupling portion having a bone engaging surface, wherein the articulating surface is shaped to articulate against a second facet surface, the method comprising:
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forming a rounded resection in the vertebra; forming a substantially flat resection in the vertebra, proximate the rounded resection; implanting a fixation element into the vertebra, a portion of the fixation element extending outward from the vertebra in a relatively posterior direction; introducing the bone engaging surface over the outward extending portion of the fixation element and positioning the bone engaging surface against the rounded resection such that the articulating surface is positioned to articulate against the second facet surface; and securing the coupling portion to the outward extending portion of the fixation element to affix the bone engaging surface against the rounded resection. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification