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
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims26
A facet joint implant adapted to correct spinal stenosis and other ailments of the spine without eliminating mobility of the facet joint, the implant comprising:
- an artificial facet joint adapted to be positioned in a spinal facet joint and to distract the spinal facet joint, wherein the distraction causes an increase in foraminal dimension, the artificial facet joint having a connection with a first plate;
- said first plate adapted to be anchored to a vertebra;
- and
- a second plate that fastens to the first plate, the second plate having a keel adapted to penetrate the vertebra, wherein the penetration of the vertebra by the keel prevents the first plate and the second plate from rotating.
A cervical facet joint implant adapted to correct cervical spinal stenosis and other ailments of the cervical spine, the implant comprising:
- an artificial facet joint adapted to be inserted into and to distract a cervical facet joint, wherein the distraction increases the foraminal dimension without eliminating mobility of the cervical facet joint;
- a hinge connecting the artificial facet joint with a lateral mass plate;
- the lateral mass plate adapted to be positioned against the lateral mass of the vertebra, the lateral mass plate having a first bore and a second bore;
- a bone screw accepted by the first bore and adapted to penetrate the lateral mass to anchor the implant, the bone screw having a head;
- a locking plate that mates with the lateral mass plate to prevent rotation of the lateral mass plate, the locking plate further comprising:
- a keel, said keel adapted to penetrate the vertebra and anchor the implant to the vertebra;
- and
- a third bore that aligns with the second bore, and wherein the second and third bores accept a second screw therethrough to join the lateral mass plate and the locking plate.
A facet joint implant adapted to increase foraminal dimension in the spine comprising:
- an artificial facet joint adapted to be positioned in a spinal facet joint, the artificial facet joint having a flexible connection with a first plate;
- and
- said first plate adapted to be anchored to the spine.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.