Abstract:
Devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules are disclosed. An implantable facet joint device (800) of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member (820). The caudal facet joint element includes a connector (810) adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an ' artificial caudal bearing member (825) adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of revising an implanted spinal device, such as an implanted arthroplasty device having a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra. The method includes the following steps: removing a portion of a previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device; and attaching a revision component to a remaining portion of the previously implanted spinal arthroplasty device to alter a biomechanical characteristic of the implanted arthroplasty device. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of limiting motion between adjacent vertebrae including the steps of accessing an implanted spinal arthroplasty device comprising a cephalad component fixed to a first vertebra and a caudal component fixed to a second vertebra inferior to the first vertebra, the cephalad and caudal components having a range of motion between them, and attaching a revision component to the cephalad and caudal components to reduce the range of motion. The invention also includes revision devices for revising the biomechanics of implanted spinal arthroplasty devices.
Abstract:
The invention discloses methods and devices for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. A facet joint restoration device (410) of the invention for use in a restoring a facet joint surface comprises: a cephalad facet joint element comprising a flexible member (422) adapted to engage a first vertebrae and an artificial cephalad joint (426) ; and a caudad facet joint element comprising a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebrae and an artificial caudad joint (428) adapted to engage the cephalad facet joint. In another embodiment, the invention discloses a facet joint replacement device for use in replacing all or a portion of a natural facet joint between a first vertebrae and a second vertebrae.
Abstract:
The invention discloses devices, methods and systems for an implantable revision device useful for altering the biomechanics of an implanted spinal arthroplasty device. The revision device has a first surface adapted to communicate with a natural anatomical surface; and a second surface adapted to engage a portion of the arthroplasty device. The device alters the biomechanics of the implanted spinal arthroplasty device permanently semipermanently and/or temporarily.
Abstract:
An implantable prosthesis is described having a pair of opposed shells and a central body disposed between the opposed shells wherein the central body and the shells cooperate to limit the motion of the central body with respect to the shells. An assembly for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis is further described having a plurality of instruments cooperating to guide a tool associated with the assembly.
Abstract:
An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; d a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element d the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint asthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation le alignment elements extending from the saw guide. The invention also provides systems for treating spinal pathologies that include intervertebral discs in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses.
Abstract:
An implantable prosthesis (10) is described having a pair of opposed shells (20 & 40) and a central body (60) disposed between the opposed shells (20 & 40) wherein the central body (60) and the shells (20 & 40) cooperate to limit the motion of the central body (60) with respect to the shells (20 & 40). An assembly (138) for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis (10) is further described having a plurality of instruments (152,142) cooperating to guide a tool (140) associated with the assembly (138).
Abstract:
The invention discloses methods, devices, systems and kits for repairing, replacing and/or augmenting natural facet joint surfaces and/or facet capsules. An implantable facet joint device of one embodiment comprises a cephalad facet joint element and a caudal facet joint element. The cephalad facet joint element includes a member adapted to engage a first vertebra, and an artificial cephalad bearing member. The caudal facet joint element includes a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebra at a fixation point and an artificial caudal bearing member adapted to engage the cephalad bearing member. The artificial caudal bearing member is adapted for a location lateral to the fixation point, hi another embodiment, an implantable facet joint device comprises a cephalad crossbar adapted to extend mediolaterally relative to a spine of a patient, the crossbar having opposite first and second ends, a connector element adapted to connect the crossbar to a first vertebra, a first artificial cephalad bearing member adapted for connection to the first end of the crossbar and adapted to engage a first caudal facet joint element connected to a second vertebra, and a second artificial cephalad bearing member adapted for connection to the second end of the crossbar and adapted to engage a second caudal facet joint element connected to the second vertebra. In yet another embodiment, an implantable facet joint device comprises a caudal cross- member adapted to extend mediolaterally relative to a spine of a patient and adapted to connect to a first vertebra, a first artificial caudal bearing member adapted for connection to the caudal cross-member, and adapted to engage a first cephalad facet joint element connected to a second vertebra, and a second artificial caudal bearing member adapted for connection to the caudal cross-member at a predetermined spacing from the first bearing member, the second bearing member being adapted to engage a second caudal facet joint element connected to the second vertebra.
Abstract:
The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudad facet joint including a stem element and a trial caudad bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudad facet joint measurement tool.
Abstract:
An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; d a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element d the laminar fixation element. Also disclosed is a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint asthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation le alignment elements extending from the saw guide. The invention also provides systems for treating spinal pathologies that include intervertebral discs in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses.