Abstract:
The invention discloses devices, methods and systems for implanting articulating devices on the human spine. In some embodiments, three or more vertebrae are movable interconnected with artificial joints. Some embodiments are particularly well suited for implanting in the lumbosacral area of the spine. Some embodiments employ hybrid systems combining translaminar fixation with pedicular fixation of the device components. Some embodiments combine facet joint replacement with disc replacement.
Abstract:
The invention discloses devices, methods and systems for implanting articulating devices on the human spine. In some embodiments, three or more vertebrae are movable interconnected with artificial joints. Some embodiments are particularly well suited for implanting in the lumbosacral area of the spine. Some embodiments employ hybrid systems combining translaminar fixation with pedicular fixation of the device components. Some embodiments combine facet joint replacement with disc replacement.
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:
Apparatus for use with substantially thermally sealed storage containers are described herein. These include an apparatus comprising a stored material module, a stabilizer unit, a stored material module cap and a central stabilizer unit. The apparatus also include a transportation stabilizer unit with dimensions corresponding to a substantially thermally sealed storage container with a flexible conduit. Methods and apparatus described herein relate to establishing and maintaining low gas pressure within a gas-sealed device fabricated from heat sensitive materials. Methods include transferring activated getters within the interior of an apparatus from regions fabricated from heat-resistant materials to interior regions of the gas-sealed device fabricated from heat-sensitive materials.
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 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 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:
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.
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:
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.