Method and apparatus for spine joint replacement
AssigneeFacet Solutions, Inc.
InventorsT. Wade Fallin, Robert W. Hoy, E. Marlowe Goble
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A prosthesis for the replacement of the cartilaginous structures of a spine motion segment is described. The prosthesis comprises an intervertebral disc prosthesis in combination with a facet joint prosthesis.
Claims21
A spinal joint kit for replacement of a portion of a mammalian spine comprising a spinal motion segment comprising two adjacent vertebrae, the intervertebral disc, and other interposed soft tissues, the kit comprising:
- an artificial disc adapted to be incorporated into the spinal motion segment, the artificial disc comprising opposing end plates adapted to engage the adjacent vertebrae and an articulating structure therebetween;
- and
- a prosthesis comprising a pair of articular surfaces formed separately from each other, wherein the pair of articular surfaces is securable to one of the adjacent vertebrae to provide complementary interoperation with the artificial disc to help restore the natural biomechanics of the spinal motion segment, wherein the pair of articular surfaces is selected from the group consisting of a pair of prosthetic superior facets securable to the inferior of the two adjacent vertebrae to replace the corresponding natural superior facets, and a pair of prosthetic inferior facets securable to the superior of the two adjacent vertebrae to replace the corresponding natural inferior facets.
A spinal joint kit for replacement of a portion of a mammalian spine comprising a spinal motion segment comprising two adjacent vertebrae, the intervertebral disc, and other interposed soft tissues, the kit comprising:
- an artificial disc adapted to be incorporated into the spinal motion segment, the artificial disc comprising opposing end plates adapted to engage the adjacent vertebrae and an articulating structure therebetween;
- and
- a prosthesis comprising a pair of prosthetic inferior facets securable to the superior of the two adjacent vertebrae to replace the corresponding natural superior facets and provide complementary interoperation with the artificial disc to help restore the natural biomechanics of the spinal motion segment without requiring removal of substantially all of a lamina of the superior of the two adjacent vertebrae.
A spinal joint kit for replacement of a portion of a mammalian spine comprising a spinal motion segment comprising two adjacent vertebrae, the intervertebral disc, and other interposed soft tissues, the kit comprising:
- an artificial disc adapted to be incorporated into the spinal motion segment;
- and
- a prosthesis comprising at least one prosthetic facet securable to one of the adjacent vertebrae to replace the corresponding natural facet and provide complementary interoperation with the artificial disc to help restore the natural biomechanics of the spinal motion segment, the prosthesis comprising a bone contacting surface;
- and
- a fixation member configured to urge the prosthesis against the vertebra such that the bone contacting surface abuts the vertebra.
A method for replacing a portion of a mammalian spine comprising a spinal motion segment comprising two adjacent vertebrae, the intervertebral disc, and other interposed soft tissues, the method comprising:
- implanting an artificial disc adjacent to the vertebra;
- and
- securing a prosthesis to one of the adjacent vertebrae such that the prosthesis complements the artificial disc to help restore the natural biomechanics of the spinal motion segment, the prosthesis comprising a pair of articular surfaces formed separately from each other, wherein the pair of articular surfaces is selected from the group consisting of a pair of prosthetic superior facets, such that securing the prosthesis to one of the adjacent vertebrae comprises securing the prosthesis to the inferior of the two adjacent vertebrae to replace the corresponding natural superior facets, and a pair of prosthetic inferior facets, such that securing the prosthesis to one of the adjacent vertebrae comprises securing the prosthesis to the superior of the two adjacent vertebrae to replace the corresponding natural inferior facets.
A method for replacing a portion of a mammalian spine comprising a spinal motion segment comprising two adjacent vertebrae, the intervertebral disc, and other interposed soft tissues, the method comprising:
- implanting an artificial disc adjacent to the vertebra;
- and
- securing a prosthesis to the superior of the adjacent vertebrae such that the prosthesis replaces the corresponding natural inferior facets and complements the artificial disc to help restore the natural biomechanics of the spinal motion segment without removal of substantially all of a lamina of the vertebra, the prosthesis comprising a pair of prosthetic inferior facets.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.