Navigated percutaneous lumbar and thoracic spine facet fusion
AssigneeSeth K. Williams
InventorSeth K. Williams
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for percutaneous or open facet joint fusion includes an imaging system configured to identify a docking location on a facet joint between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a patient. The system also includes a cannula configured to be positioned at the docking location on the facet joint. The system further includes a rotary tool that is configured to mount within the cannula. The rotary tool is configured to create a void in the facet joint by way of the cannula, where the void is configured to receive a bone graft or bone growth promoting material.
Claims18
A system for percutaneous or open facet joint fusion, the system comprising:
- an imaging system configured to identify a docking location on a facet joint between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a patient;
- a computing system in communication with the imaging system, wherein the computing system is configured to determine a docking angle at which to position a cannula at the docking location, wherein the docking angle is specific to the patient and is determined based on analysis of the facet joint of the patient;
- the cannula, wherein the cannula is configured to be positioned at the docking location on the facet joint at the docking angle;
- and
- a rotary tool that is configured to mount within the cannula, wherein the rotary tool is configured to create a void in the facet joint by way of the cannula, and wherein the void is configured to receive a bone graft or bone growth promoting material.
A method for performing percutaneous or open facet joint fusion, the method comprising:
- identifying, by an imaging system, a docking location on a facet joint between a first vertebra and a second vertebra of a patient;
- determining, by a computing system in communication with the imaging system, a docking angle at which to dock a cannula at the docking location, wherein the docking angle is specific to the patient and is determined based on analysis of the facet joint of the patient;
- docking the cannula at the docking location on the facet joint at the docking angle;
- and
- creating, by a rotary tool that is configured to mount within the cannula, a void in the facet joint, wherein the void is configured to receive a bone graft or bone growth promoting material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.