Method of using a vertebral facet joint drill
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for forming a lumen, comprising:
- accessing a first articular process and a second articular process;
positioning a spacer having a hole between a first articular surface of the first articular process and a second articular surface of the second articular process;
positioning a first lumen-forming member against the first articular process; and
actuating an actuator to cause a movement of the first lumen-forming member through the first articular process and the hole to form a through lumen;
wherein actuating the actuator comprises manipulating the actuator by rotation through a threaded surface that interfaces with a threaded surface on a control rod connected to the actuator.
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Abstract
Methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra using a vertebral facet joint drill tool are provided. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.
340 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for forming a lumen, comprising:
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accessing a first articular process and a second articular process; positioning a spacer having a hole between a first articular surface of the first articular process and a second articular surface of the second articular process; positioning a first lumen-forming member against the first articular process; and actuating an actuator to cause a movement of the first lumen-forming member through the first articular process and the hole to form a through lumen; wherein actuating the actuator comprises manipulating the actuator by rotation through a threaded surface that interfaces with a threaded surface on a control rod connected to the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method for forming a lumen, comprising:
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accessing a first articular process; positioning a spacer between the first articular process and a second articular process of a vertebral facet joint; positioning a lumen-forming arm against a first, outside surface of the first articular process; manipulating the lumen-forming arm through the first articular process to penetrate a second, facet joint surface of the first articular process, forming the through lumen wherein the through lumen is non-linear; and manipulating the lumen-forming arm through a hole in the spacer. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification