Multiple Facet Joint Replacement
AssigneeGmedelaware 2 LLC
InventorsE. Marlowe Goble, T Wade Fallin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A prosthesis for the replacement of multiple diseased or traumatized spinal facets comprises a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the facets to be replaced and where the prosthesis attaches to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to, or abutment against, the lamina. Multiple configurations of the prosthesis provide for replacement of the two inferior facets, the two superior facets, a superior and inferior facet, or all four facets. A method of installing the prosthesis is provided that is comprised of the steps of resecting at least a portion of the facets that carry the diseased or traumatized spinal facets and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the lamina.
Claims20
A surgical method comprising:
- resecting at least a portion of a left inferior facet;
- resecting at least a portion of a right inferior facet;
- inserting a left inferior facet prosthetic component into the resected left inferior facet via a fastener;
- inserting a right inferior facet prosthetic component into the resected right inferior facet via a fastener;
- resecting at least a portion of a left superior facet;
- resecting at least a portion of a right superior facet;
- inserting a left superior facet prosthetic component into the resected left superior facet via a fastener;
- and
- inserting a right superior facet prosthetic component into the resected right superior facet via a fastener.
A surgical method comprising:
- resecting at least a portion of a left inferior facet;
- resecting at least a portion of a right inferior facet;
- inserting a left inferior facet prosthetic component into the resected left inferior facet via a fastener;
- and
- inserting a right inferior facet prosthetic component into the resected right inferior facet via a fastener,
- wherein the left inferior facet prosthetic component and the right inferior facet prosthetic component are connected to one another via a bridge.
A surgical method comprising:
- resecting at least a portion of a left superior facet;
- resecting at least a portion of a right superior facet;
- inserting a left superior facet prosthetic component into the resected left superior facet via a fastener;
- and
- inserting a right superior facet prosthetic component into the resected right superior facet via a fastener,
- wherein the left superior facet prosthetic component and the right superior facet prosthetic component are connected to one another via a bridge.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.