Inter-cervical facet implant and method
AssigneeSt. Francis Medical Technologies, Inc.
InventorsCharles Winslow, James Zucherman, Ken Hsu, Steve 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.
Claims21
A facet joint implant adapted to correct spinal stenosis and other ailments of the spine, the implant comprising:
- at first artificial facet joint adapted to be positioned within a first facet joint formed by two adjacent spinal vertebrae of a first level;
- a second artificial facet joint adapted to be positioned within a second facet joint formed by the two adjacent spinal vertebrae of the first level;
- and
- a collar joining the first artificial facet joint with the second artificial facet joint.
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 positioned in a cervical facet joint;
- and
- a collar connected with the artificial facet joint, the collar extending medially along the vertebra.
A cervical facet joint implant adapted to correct cervical spinal stenosis and other ailments of the cervical spine, the implant comprising:
- a first artificial facet joint adapted to be inserted into a first cervical facet joint, the first artificial facet joint having a first tapered distal end and a first convex surface;
- a second artificial facet joint adapted to be inserted into a second cervical facet joint, the second artificial facet joint having a second tapered distal end and a second convex surface;
- a collar joining the first artificial facet joint with the second artificial facet joint;
- a first hinge connecting the first artificial facet joint with the collar;
- and
- a second hinge connecting the second artificial facet joint with the collar, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge enable the collar to be positioned against the vertebra according to a patient's cervical spinal anatomy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.