Abstract:
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In one embodiment, the facet prosthesis (200) comprises a cylindrical body (205) having an expanded section (250) at a proximal end and a collar (220) securing against the expanded section. A distal collar (225) is secured about the body more proximally. A bearin ball (230) having an opening is fitted and secured over the distal end (215) of the body. In another embodiment, the facet prosthesis (200a) comprises a cylindrical hollow body (205a) having a longitudinally extending bore (207a) and an outer ridge (217a) to engage with a proximal collar (220a).A threaded shaft extends through and is screwed into the bore. The shaft has an enlarged distal plug (265a) to deform the distal end of the hollow body when advanced proximally. A bearing (235) a having an aperture (233) is positioned over the distal end (215a) and locked into place by this deformation.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for treating bones having bone marrow therein, or other targeted anatomical locations, including bones that are weakened, suffering from or prone to fracture and/or disease. The disclosed devices desirably prepare the targeted anatomical site for a flow of filling/stabilizing and/or therapeutic material, and then provide for control of the flow of material within the targeted anatomical site, measure the volume of material delivered to the site of interest, and prevent the placement of materials in unintended locations. Once material has been delivered, some or all of the flow control devices can be removed from the targeted anatomical site.
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 of the invention for use in a restoring a facet joint surface comprises: a cephalad facet joint element comprising a flexible member adapted to engage a first vertebrae and an artificial cephalad joint; and a caudad facet joint element comprising a connector adapted for fixation to a second vertebrae and an artificial caudad joint 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 comprising: a first cephalad facet joint element having a fixation member adapted to engage a lamina or spinous process of the first vertebrae and a first caudad facet joint element, the first caudad facet joint element comprising a first caudad connector adapted to fixate to the second vertebral body and an artificial caudad facet surface adapted to engage with the cephalad facet joint element.
Abstract:
Devices and methods for treating bones having bone marrow therein, or other targeted anatomical locations, including bones that are weakened, suffering from or prone to fracture and/or disease. The disclosed devices desirably prepare the targeted anatomical site for a flow of filling/stabilizing and/or therapeutic material, and then provide for control of the flow of material within the targeted anatomical site, measure the volume of material delivered to the site of interest, and prevent the placement of materials in unintended locations. Once material has been delivered, some or all of the flow control devices can be removed from the targeted anatomical site.
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:
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 be coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses. Artificial facet joints can be used in combination with artificial intervertebral discs to treat a spinal pathology.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for surgical treatment of vertebrae, comprising a brush-like tamp component for addressing cancellous bone and a slider component that may be distally advanced over the brush-like tamp component while both are (preferably) aligned within a working cannula providing access to a drill channel within the vertebrae. Distal advancement of the slider creates a combination of it and the brush-like component. A handle provides mechanical advantage.
Abstract:
Delivery devices and methods to be used in the delivery of filling/stabilizing and/or therapeutic materials to a bone or other targeted anatomical site. The disclosed devices desirably control the flow of material, measure the volume of material delivered to the site of interest, and prevent the placement of materials in unintende locations. These disclosed devices desirably combine multiple uses of mechanical control of the filler/stabilizing material delivery, allowing controlled delivery by rotational advancement of syringe mechanisms in combination with the advantages of manual displacement of filling/stabilizing material from a cannula/stylet pair.
Abstract:
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra.
Abstract:
This invention is a method and apparatus for evaluating the labor requirements of a milking parlor using a portable data logger (10) having a plurality of data entry buttons (22). Each data logger button (32-38, 40-42, 44, 46) is dedicated to at least one labor step, and includes indicia thereon descriptive of its corresponding labor step. An evaluator can begin the timing of a labor step by merely locating the button corresponding to that labor step and depressing it. Once the first labor step is completed and a second labor step is begun, the evaluator merely locates the button corresponding to the second labor step and depresses it.