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Cervical distraction method

  • US 8,834,530 B2
  • Filed: 12/20/2012
  • Issued: 09/16/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of implanting an implant in a facet joint comprising an inferior articulating surface of an upper vertebra and a superior articulating surface of a lower vertebra, the method comprising:

  • a) puncturing an access hole in a facet capsule of the facet joint;

    b) minimally invasively accessing the facet joint with a guide tool by causing a distal end of the guide tool to enter the access hole in the facet capsule of the facet joint;

    c) minimally invasively routing the implant into the facet joint by routing along the guide tool the implant in a non-expanded configuration and operably coupled to a distal end of a delivery tool, the implant comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the upper wall and lower wall comprise an inelastic material and the implant is configured to transition to an expanded configuration from the non-expanded configuration; and

    d) acting at the proximal end of the implant with the delivery tool to cause the implant to transition from the non-expanded configuration to the expanded configuration, the transition of the implant causing the upper wall to act against the inferior articulating surface and the lower wall to act against the superior articulating surface.

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