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US 5,571,191 AGranted
Artificial facet joint
OwnerWilliam R. Fitzinventor
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OwnerWilliam R. Fitzinventor
Estimating the term…
A spinal facet prosthesis for a diseased or painful facet joint comprises a superior component and an inferior component. The superior component is roughly conical or pyramidal in form and is fastened to and over the distal tip of the inferior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. The inferior component is also roughly conical or pyramidal in form with one side elongated postero-medially and distally. The outer surface of the elongated side of the inferior component is of low friction, such as polished chromium coating or medical grade high-density polyethylene. The inferior component is fastened to and over the superior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. Each component is made of a biocompatible material. The inner surface of each component which is in contact with its respective articular process is coated with a porous coating to enhance the adhesion of each component to its respective articular process.
A prosthetic device for implantation over a painful or otherwise damaged inferior articular process or a superior articular process, or both, of a human spinal facet joint, comprising,
A prosthetic device for implantation over a painful or otherwise damaged inferior articular process or a superior articular process, or both, of a human spinal facet joint, comprising,
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.