Inter-cervical facet implant and method
AssigneeSt. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
InventorsCharles Winslow, James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Steven Mitchell, Scott Yerby, John Flynn
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.
Claims12
A tool for sizing a cervical facet joint in order to select a cervical facet joint implant for implanting in the cervical facet joint, said tool comprising:
- a handle;
- an interfacet sizer, the interfacet sizer having a rounded distal end and a proximal end and connected with the handle at the proximal end;
- and
- a stop at the proximal end of the interfacet sizer, the stop adapted to prevent over-insertion of the interfacet sizer during sizing.
A tool for sizing a cervical facet joint in order to select a cervical facet joint implant for implanting in the cervical facet joint, said tool comprising:
- a handle;
- an interfacet sizer, the interfacet sizer having a rounded, tapered distal end to facilitate insertion of the interfacet sizer into the cervical facet joint, and a proximal end connected with the handle;
- and
- a stop placed at the proximal end of the interfacet sizer, the stop adapted to prevent over-insertion of the tool during sizing,
- wherein the interfacet sizer is shaped like an artificial facet joint.
A method of sizing a cervical facet joint with a sizing tool to select a cervical facet joint implant to implant in the cervical facet joint, the method comprising the steps of:
- accessing the cervical facet joint;
- selecting a first sizing tool, the sizing tool having a distal rounded head with a tapered tip, the tapered tip to facilitate insertion, and the head variable in size from one sizing tool to another;
- inserting the first sizing tool into the cervical facet joint until a stop on the first sizing tool prevents further insertion;
- evaluating the fit of the fist sizing tool and the amount of distraction of the cervical facet joint from insertion of the sizing tool;
- and
- considering an implant based on the evaluating step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.