Intra-facet fixation device and method of use
AssigneeDePuy Spine, Inc.
InventorsMichael Alan Fisher, Hassan A. Serhan, Michael J. O'Neil
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Abstract
A implantable interference device configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint is provided. The device includes a shank capable of engaging opposing faces of the facet joint. The shank can further include a head extending from a proximal end of the shank wherein the head is configured to engage and/or buttress opposing faces of the joint, and also configured for preventing over-insertion of the device. Optionally, at least a portion of the shank can include or be formed of a fusion-promoting bioactive material. Further, a method for providing fixation of a facet joint by intra-facet placement of an interference device within the facet joint is provided.
Claims21
An implantable interference device, comprising:
- a conical distal tip;
- a shank extending from the distal tip;
- a unitary head extending from a proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter greater than a major diameter of the shank;
- and
- at least one protrusion formed on a distal-facing surface of the head and extending distally therefrom, the at least one protrusion being unitary with the head, the protrusion having a length adapted to engage a face of a facet joint,
- wherein the implantable interference device is configured to engage opposing faces of the facet joint.
An implantable interference device, comprising:
- a conical distal tip;
- and
- a unitary shank extending from the distal tip such that a major diameter of the shank undulates along a length of the shank from the conical distal tip to a proximal end of the shank;
- and
- a head extending from the proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter greater than the diameter of the shank,
- wherein a proximal-most end of the implantable interference device is configured for intra-facet placement within a facet joint.
A method for facet joint fixation, comprising:
- surgically delivering at least one implantable interference device to a facet joint in an intra-facet orientation, the device having a shank which includes a unitary head formed at a proximal end of the shank, the head having a diameter larger than a major diameter of the shank;
- engaging portions of the shank to opposing faces of the facet joint;
- and
- piercing bone proximate to the facet joint with at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion being unitary with the head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.