System and method for facet joint replacement

• US 8,211,147 B2
• Filed: 08/29/2008
• Issued: 07/03/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/10/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Globus Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Gmedelaware 2 LLC (Globus Medical, Inc.)
• Inventors: Fauth, Andrew R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robert, Eduardo C
• Assistant Examiner(s): PALMER, JAMES W
• Application Number:
  US12/201,198
• Publication Number:
  US 20090012566A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,404 Days
• Field of Search: 623 1711- 1716, 606/247
• US Class Current: 606/247
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7005 Parts of the longitudinal elements, e.g. their ends, being specially adapted to fit in the screw or hook heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7035 Screws or hooks, wherein a rod-clamping part and a bone-anchoring part can pivot relative to each other
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/704 the longitudinal element passing through a ball-joint in the screw head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7064 Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral facets; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7067 Devices bearing against one or more spinous processes and also attached to another part of the spine; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/707 Devices acting on, or attached to, a transverse process or rib; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/7073 with intervertebral connecting element crossing an imaginary spinal median surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0095 Packages or dispensers for prostheses or other implants for intraocular lenses A61F2/1691; for dental surgery A61C19/02
• 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 2/4611 of spinal prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4684 Trial or dummy prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30331 made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30433 using additional screws, bolts, dowels, rivets or washers e.g. connecting screws
• 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 2002/30481 using a locking clip
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30495 using a locking ring
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/305 Snap connection
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30507 using a threaded locking member, e.g. a locking screw or a set screw
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30522 releasable, e.g. using a releasable ratchet
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30537 adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3054 : about a connection axis or implantation axis for selecting any one of a plurality of radial orientations between two modular parts, e.g. Morse taper connections, at discrete positions, angular positions or continuous positions
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3055 : for adjusting length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30604 : modular
• 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 2002/30845 : with cutting edges
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3085 : with a threaded, e.g. self-tapping, bone-engaging surface, e.g. external surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30884 : Fins or wings, e.g. longitudinal wings for preventing rotation within the bone cavity
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30904 : serrated profile, i.e. saw-toothed
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/448 : comprising multiple adjacent spinal implants within the same intervertebral space or within the same vertebra, e.g. comprising two adjacent spinal implants
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/449 : comprising multiple spinal implants located in different intervertebral spaces or in different vertebrae
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0025 : Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0033 : made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2220/0041 : using additional screws, bolts, dowels or rivets, e.g. connecting screws
• 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 2250/0004 : adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0007 : for adjusting length
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00796 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of a phosphorus-containing compound, e.g. hydroxy(l)apatite

Abstract

A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint includes a fixation member implantable in a vertebra, an inferior facet articular surface and an inferior strut which may be formed separately from the inferior articular surface. The inferior strut has a first end securable to the fixation member and a second end which may comprise a sphere with a hemispherical surface. An attachment mechanism may include a capture feature shaped to receive the second end of the inferior strut, and the mechanism may provide an adjustable configuration, allowing polyaxial adjustment between the inferior articular surface and the second end. A locking member may be actuated to exert force on the second end to provide a locked configuration. The system may further include a superior facet joint implant with a superior articular surface shaped to articulate with the inferior articular surface.

Claims

1. A method for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint that controls motion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the method comprising:

implanting a first fixation member in a pedicle of the second vertebra;

securing a first end of an inferior strut of an inferior facet joint implant to the first fixation member, the inferior facet joint implant further comprising an attachment mechanism having a capture feature, and an inferior articular surface shaped to replace a natural inferior facet articular surface of the second vertebra, wherein the inferior articular surface is formed separately from the inferior strut;

receiving a second end of the inferior strut in the capture feature, the second end comprising a sphere having an uninterrupted hemispherical surface;

rotating the second end relative to the inferior articular surface about three orthogonal axes to a desired orientation; and

locking the second end relative to the inferior articular surface,

wherein the capture feature for receiving the second end of the strut therein is formed monolithically with the inferior articular surface.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning the capture feature medial to the inferior articular surface.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein locking the second end relative to the inferior articular surface comprises actuating a locking member to exert force against the sphere to restrict rotation of the sphere relative to the articular surface.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving the locking member in a first opening of the capture feature such that the locking member is entirely positioned within the capture feature when the second end is locked relative to the inferior articular surface.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

implanting a second fixation member in the first vertebra; and

securing a superior facet joint implant to the second fixation member, the superior facet joint implant comprising a superior articular surface shaped to replace a natural superior articular surface of the first vertebra.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising positioning the entire inferior articular surface lateral to the sagittal plane of the first and second vertebrae.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the inferior facet joint implant is a left inferior facet joint implant, wherein implanting the first fixation member in a pedicle of the second vertebra comprises implanting the first fixation member in the left pedicle of the second vertebra.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein securing the first end of the inferior strut to the first fixation member comprises:

rotating the first end relative to the first fixation member about three orthogonal axes to a desired orientation; and

locking the first end relative to the first fixation member.

9. A method for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint that controls motion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the method comprising:

implanting a first fixation member in a pedicle of the second vertebra;

securing a first end of an inferior strut of an inferior facet joint implant to the first fixation member, the inferior facet joint implant further comprising an attachment mechanism having a capture feature, and an inferior articular surface shaped to replace a natural inferior facet articular surface of the second vertebra, wherein the inferior articular surface is formed separately from the inferior strut;

receiving a second end of the inferior strut in the capture feature, the capture feature comprising a first opening having a first diameter greater than a diameter of the second end to allow passage of the second end through the first opening, and a second opening contiguous with the first opening, the second opening having a second diameter less than the diameter of the second end to block passage of the second end through the second opening; and

locking the second end in the capture feature,

wherein the capture feature for receiving the second end of the strut therein is formed monolithically with the inferior articular surface.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising rotating the second end relative to the inferior articular surface about three orthogonal axes to a desired orientation prior to locking the second end in the capture feature.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein locking the second end in the capture feature further comprises actuating a locking member to exert force against the second end to restrict rotation of the second end relative to the articular surface.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving the locking member in a first opening of the capture feature such that the locking member is entirely positioned within the capture feature when the second end is locked relative to the inferior articular surface.

13. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning the capture feature medial to the inferior articular surface.

14. The method of claim 9, further comprising:

implanting a second fixation member in the first vertebra; and

securing a superior facet joint implant to the second fixation member, the superior facet joint implant comprising a superior articular surface shaped to replace a natural superior articular surface of the first vertebra.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning the entire inferior articular surface lateral to the sagittal plane of the first and second vertebrae, wherein locking the second end in the capture feature causes the inferior articular surface to remain lateral to the sagittal plane.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the inferior facet joint implant is a left inferior facet joint implant, wherein implanting the first fixation member in a pedicle of the second vertebra comprises implanting the first fixation member in the left pedicle of the second vertebra.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein securing the first end of the inferior strut to the first fixation member comprises:

rotating the first end relative to the first fixation member about three orthogonal axes to a desired orientation; and

locking the first end relative to the first fixation member.

18. A method for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint that controls motion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the method comprising:

implanting a first fixation member in a pedicle of the second vertebra;

securing a first end of an inferior strut of an inferior facet joint implant to the first fixation member, the inferior facet joint implant further comprising an attachment mechanism having a capture feature, and an inferior articular surface shaped to replace a natural inferior facet articular surface of the second vertebra, wherein the inferior articular surface is formed separately from the inferior strut; and

receiving a second end of the inferior strut in the capture feature;

rotating the second end relative to the inferior articular surface about three orthogonal axes to a desired orientation in which the inferior articular surface is lateral to the sagittal plane of the first and second vertebrae; and

locking the second end relative to the inferior articular surface,

wherein the capture feature for receiving the second end of the strut therein is formed monolithically with the inferior articular surface.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising positioning the capture feature medial to the inferior articular surface.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein locking the second end relative to the inferior articular surface comprises actuating a locking member to exert force against the second end to restrict rotation of the second end relative to the articular surface.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising receiving the locking member in a first opening of the capture feature such that the locking member is entirely positioned within the capture feature when the second end is locked relative to the inferior articular surface.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

implanting a second fixation member in the first vertebra; and

securing a superior facet joint implant to the second fixation member, the superior facet joint implant comprising a superior articular surface shaped to replace a natural superior articular surface of the first vertebra.

23. The method of claim 18, wherein the inferior facet joint implant is a left inferior facet joint implant, wherein implanting the first fixation member in a pedicle of the second vertebra comprises implanting the first fixation member in the left pedicle of the second vertebra.

24. The method of claim 18, wherein securing the first end of the inferior strut to the first fixation member comprises:

rotating the first end relative to the first fixation member about three orthogonal axes to a desired orientation; and

locking the first end relative to the first fixation member.