Abstract:
A translaminar, interspinous stabilization system is provided. The system may comprise an implantable device for placement between two adjacent vertebrae. The device may comprise an inferior section, a superior section, and a flexible midsection extending therebetween and configured to seat against the lamina between the adjacent vertebrae. A pair of lateral plates may extend from at least one of the inferior section and superior section for engaging a laminar surface of one of the vertebra. Each of the lateral plates includes an aperture for receiving a bone screw therethrough. Also provided is a bone screw for placement through at least one lateral plate for securing the device to the laminar surface of one of the vertebra.
Abstract:
Prostheses, systems, and methods are provided for replacement of natural facet joints between adjacent vertebrae using polyaxial attachment mechanisms (41, 115) for securing the prostheses to the vertebrae. A cephalad prosthesis (40) attached to a superior adjacent vertebra replaces the inferior half of a natural facet joint. A caudal prosthesis (100) attached to an inferior adjacent vertebra replaces the superior half of a natural facet joint. Both the cephalad and caudal prostheses are configured with artificial facet joint structures that include articulating surfaces (74, 118) that cooperate and form an artificial articular configuration. The polyaxial attachment mechanism permits adjustment of the position of the artificial facet joint structure along more than one axis at or after the time the cephalad or caudal prosthesis is attached to a 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. 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:
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:
Tools for installing artificial cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses are provided. Specifically, an installation fixture for aligning and installing caudal, cephalad, or caudal and cephalad facet joint prostheses is provided. Also provided is a guide tool for use with the installation fixture for guiding the affixation of a prosthesis to a vertebra.
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:
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:
Disclosed herein are modular spinal implants (700) having components (712,714) which are interlocked together to form a single implant. Specifically exemplified herein are implants that are sectioned along a longitudinal plane (CLP). implants are disclosed which include channels (715,716,717) for inter-fragmentary association with an elongatebone screw (740) and which allow for angular variability of the screw relative -to the channel. Also disclosed is an anti-backout mechanism that helps prevent fixators from backing out upon securement of the implant in the spine. Kits comprising different sizes and inclination angles of components are disclosed, which can assist the surgeon in preoperatively assembling an implant to best fit in the surgical site ofthe patient.
Abstract:
An artificial disc prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis of the present invention enables spinal segment alignment by having a variable height across its surface. The variable height is achieved by an asymmetric artificial nucleus or by at least one variable height end plate.
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.