Abstract:
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and/or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses.
Abstract:
A filler instrument comprises a first chamber section having a first cross sectional area and a second chamber section having a second cross sectional area less than the first cross sectional area. The second chamber section communicates with the first chamber section. The first chamber section includes an inlet for receiving a material into the filler instrument, and the second chamber section includes an outlet for discharging the material from the filler instrument. A first plunger is sized to pass through the first chamber section and not the second chamber section. A second plunger is sized to pass through an interior bore of the first plunger and into the second chamber section. In use, the first plunger displaces material residing in the first chamber section through the second chamber section toward the outlet, and the second plunger displaces material residing in the second chamber section through the outlet.
Abstract:
A prosthesis replaces all or a portion of a natural facet joint on a vertebral body. The prosthesis has a prosthesis body that accommodates fixation to the vertebral body at or near a pedicle and without support by a lamina. The prosthesis also has an artificial facet joint structure carried by the prosthesis body. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a natural facet joint.
Abstract:
A structure adapted to assume an expanded geometry having a desired configuration when used in bone includes material that limits the expanded geometry. The structure undergoes stress when expanded during its first use in bone. As a result, the structure can not be relied upon to reach its desired configuration during subsequent use in bone. Accordingly, the structure is packaged in a sterile kit, which verifies to the physician or user that the device packaged within it is sterile and has not be subjected to prior use. The physician or user is thereby assured that the expandable structure meets established performance and sterility specifications, and will have the desired configuration when expanded for use.
Abstract:
A novel system, surgical method, and tools for performing a total ankle replacement are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia. The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talocalcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.
Abstract:
Surgically installed prostheses replace either the caudal portion of a natural facet joint, the cephalad portion of a natural facet joint, or both. The prostheses are readily attached to the pedicles of a vertebral body and support at least one element that defines an artificial facet joint structure. The caudal facet joint structure is sized and located to articulate with the cephalad facet joint structure. Together, the prostheses form a total facet replacement system. The system is suitable for use in virtually all levels of the spine.
Abstract:
Intramedullary guidance systems and methods introduce some and/or all surgical tools and ankle prostheses components through the tibia, using minimal invasive exposure in the tibia tubercle, or retrograde through the talus, using minimal invasive exposure in planar surface of the calcaneus. The systems and methods align the talus and tibia for the installation of one or more ankle prostheses components, and also maintain that alignment during the installation using intramedullary guidance, e.g., by use of a guide pin to form an intramedullar passage along which surgical tools and prosthetic components are guided.
Abstract:
Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for delivering material into bone deploy a cannula through soft tissue to establish a subcutaneous path into bone. A material is introduced into bone through the cannula. The systems and methods advance a tamping instrument through the cannula to urge material residing in the cannula into bone. The introducing step delivers material at a pressure no greater than about 360 psi.