Facet fusion implant, instrumentation, and surgical procedure

A facet fusion implant comprising a body including stepped surface means for contacting a stepped surface of a facet joint and preventing said facet fusion implant from coming out of said facet joint, said body also including groove means for increasing surface grip and carrying bone enhancing materials.

A facet fusion implant comprising a body including stepped surface means for contacting a stepped surface of a facet joint and preventing said facet fusion implant from coming out of said facet joint, and said body including internal bore means for carrying bone enhancing materials.

A facet fusion implant comprising a body including stepped surface means for contacting a stepped surface of a facet joint and preventing said facet fusion implant from coming out of said facet joint, said body including internal bore means for carrying bone enhancing materials, and at least one outer hole means for flowing blood and bone enhancing materials to said internal bore means.

An external sleeve compacting instrument for inserting bone enhancing materials in an implant, comprising a tube including at least one flexible portion and an opening section that expands outward.

A method of preparing a facet fusion implant with bone enhancing materials, including the step of:

• inserting bone enhancing material into an internal bore of a body of the implant, the body including stepped surface means for contacting a stepped surface of a facet joint and preventing said facet fusion implant from coming out of said facet joint.

A method of preventing motion of an implant within a facet joint, including the steps of:

• contacting a stepped surface of the implant with a stepped surface of the facet joint;
• and
• preventing motion of the implant within the facet joint.

A guide instrument for inserting an implant in a facet joint, comprising a handle with an enlarged proximal end, a tubular portion operably connected to said handle, said tubular portion including a distal end having bone engagement means for attaching to bone surrounding the facet joint.

A reamer for preparing a cavity and step for an implant in a facet joint, comprising a shaft including a proximal end, said proximal end having stop means for stopping against a guide instrument and interface means for interfacing with a handle, and a distal end including cutting means for cutting bone in said facet joint.

A method of inserting an implant into a facet joint, including the steps of:

• creating a pocket within the facet joint that is a negative image of the implant;
• and popping the implant in place within the pocket.

A facet fusion implant comprising a body including locking means for locking said body in a facet joint.