Intra-facet fixation device and method of use
First Claim
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1. An implantable interference device, comprising:
- a conical distal tip;
a shank extending from the distal tip;
a unitary head extending from a proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter greater than a major diameter of the shank; and
at least one protrusion formed on a distal-facing surface of the head and extending distally therefrom, the at least one protrusion being unitary with the head, the protrusion having a length adapted to engage a face of a facet joint,wherein the implantable interference device is configured to engage opposing faces of the facet joint.
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Abstract
A implantable interference device configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint is provided. The device includes a shank capable of engaging opposing faces of the facet joint. The shank can further include a head extending from a proximal end of the shank wherein the head is configured to engage and/or buttress opposing faces of the joint, and also configured for preventing over-insertion of the device. Optionally, at least a portion of the shank can include or be formed of a fusion-promoting bioactive material. Further, a method for providing fixation of a facet joint by intra-facet placement of an interference device within the facet joint is provided.
286 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An implantable interference device, comprising:
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a conical distal tip; a shank extending from the distal tip; a unitary head extending from a proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter greater than a major diameter of the shank; and at least one protrusion formed on a distal-facing surface of the head and extending distally therefrom, the at least one protrusion being unitary with the head, the protrusion having a length adapted to engage a face of a facet joint, wherein the implantable interference device is configured to engage opposing faces of the facet joint. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An implantable interference device, comprising:
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a conical distal tip; and a unitary shank extending from the distal tip such that a major diameter of the shank undulates along a length of the shank from the conical distal tip to a proximal end of the shank; and a head extending from the proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shank, wherein a proximal-most end of the implantable interference device is configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for facet joint fixation, comprising:
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surgically delivering at least one implantable interference device to a facet joint in an intra-facet orientation, the device having a shank which includes a unitary head formed at a proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter larger than a major diameter of the shank; engaging portions of the shank to opposing faces of the facet joint; and piercing bone proximate to the facet joint with at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion being unitary with the head. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification