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 element implantable in the first vertebra, the fixation element having a longitudinal axis, the fixation element comprising an implantable portion having a largest cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and
a first superior articular surface shaped to articulate with a first inferior articular surface on a second vertebra;
wherein the first superior articular surface is connectable to the fixation element such that the entire first superior articular surface is positioned medially of a projection of the largest cross section extending posteriorly along the longitudinal axis;
wherein the first superior articular surface faces medially;
wherein the first superior articular surface is offset from the longitudinal axis;
wherein the first superior articular surface is not formed as a single piece with any inferior articular surface.
5 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.
339 Citations
14 Claims
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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 element implantable in the first vertebra, the fixation element having a longitudinal axis, the fixation element comprising an implantable portion having a largest cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a first superior articular surface shaped to articulate with a first inferior articular surface on a second vertebra; wherein the first superior articular surface is connectable to the fixation element such that the entire first superior articular surface is positioned medially of a projection of the largest cross section extending posteriorly along the longitudinal axis; wherein the first superior articular surface faces medially; wherein the first superior articular surface is offset from the longitudinal axis; wherein the first superior articular surface is not formed as a single piece with any inferior articular surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet of a first vertebra, the method comprising:
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implanting an implantable portion of a fixation element in the first vertebra, the fixation element having a longitudinal axis, the fixation element comprising an implantable portion having a largest cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and positioning a first superior articular surface of a first prosthesis to articulate with a first inferior articular surface on a second vertebra, such that the entire first superior articular surface is positioned medially of a projection of the largest cross section extending posteriorly along the longitudinal axis; wherein the first superior articular surface faces medially; wherein the first superior articular surface is offset from the longitudinal axis; wherein the first superior articular surface is not formed as a single piece with any inferior articular surface. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification