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Facet joint replacement

  • US 8,353,933 B2
  • Filed: 04/17/2008
  • Issued: 01/15/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint that controls motion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the system comprising:

  • a fixation member implantable in a pedicle of the second vertebra; and

    an inferior facet joint implant comprising;

    an inferior articular surface shaped to replace a natural inferior articular surface of the second vertebra;

    an inferior strut comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is securable to the fixation member; and

    an attachment mechanism comprising an adjustable configuration in which the inferior articular surface is connected to the second end in such a manner that permits relative rotation between the inferior articular surface and the second end about three orthogonal axes, and a locked configuration in which the inferior articular surface is rigidly secured to the second end, wherein the attachment mechanism further comprises an expandable member and a nut configured to urge expansion of the expandable member, wherein the attachment mechanism and inferior strut are simultaneously locked by actuating the nut.

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