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Spinal facet implants with mating articulating bearing surface and methods of use

  • US 8,419,770 B2
  • Filed: 06/02/2004
  • Issued: 04/16/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A prosthesis for replacing at least a portion of a facet of a vertebra of a spine, the prosthesis comprising:

  • a fixation element implantable into the vertebra;

    a coupling portion shaped to be coupled to the fixation element, the coupling portion having a bone engaging surface positioned to abut the vertebra; and

    an articulating surface coupled to the coupling portion;

    wherein, when the coupling portion is secured to the vertebra via the fixation element, the articulating surface is posterior to a vertebral body of the vertebra and is positioned and shaped to articulate against an articulating surface of an adjacent vertebra such that a medial-lateral range of relative motion between the vertebra and the adjacent vertebra decreases significantly with extension of the spine.

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