Artificial spinal joints and method of use

Abstract

An artificial spinal joint, consisting of a flexible or rigid member or a pair of moveably-joined, flexible or rigid segments, is formed into a spring-like shape, whose distal ends have feet with slots through which screws can be inserted to attach the artificial joint to vertebra whose facets (joints) are non-functional. The artificial spinal joint is able to prevent subluxation of the spine, while retaining the mobility of the spine and permitting angular deflection of the vertebra above and below a non-functional spinal joint. A jig is used to position tools and make passageways for screws to attach the artificial spinal joint to the vertebra or its pedicles or facets in a minimally invasive procedure. The rigid members or segments are bio-compatible and may be made of titanium, a titanium alloy, tantalum, medical grade stainless steel or carbon fibers in a matrix of a rigid, durable plastic. The flexible members or segments may be made of spring steel coated with a durable, bio-compatible material, small diameter carbon fibers in a flexible, durable plastic matrix, or a single shape or dual shape, superelastic memory metal. The feet, made of any of the rigid or flexible materials described above, may also be moveably attached to the proximal ends of the members or segments. Having the feet moveably attached to the segments facilitates insertion of the artificial spinal joint into the body by folding the feet parallel to the axis of the segments during insertion, and then unfolding the feet for attachment to the vertebra or its pedicles or facets. The artificial spinal joint may be inserted and attached to vertebra whose facets are non-functional in minimally invasive, moderately invasive or conventional surgical procedures.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.