Prostheses, tools and methods for replacement of natural facet joints with artificial facet joint surfaces
AssigneeGmedelaware 2 LLC
InventorsDavid Stinson, Lawrence R. Jones, Robert M. Scribner, Mark A. Reiley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation.
Claims20
A facet replacement device adapted to engage a laminar surface on a first spinal vertebra and a second laminar surface on a second spinal vertebra, the device comprising:
- an upper clamp adapted to attach to the laminar surface on the first spinal vertebra;
- and
- a lower clamp, adapted to engage the upper clamp, adapted to attach to the laminar surface on the second spinal vertebra,
- wherein the upper clamp is configured with a slot for receiving a portion of the lower clamp thereby enabling the lower clamp to slide within the slot of the upper clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp articulates with respect to the lower clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp is separate from the lower clamp, wherein the upper clamp includes a first contact surface adapted to contact the first spinal vertebra and the lower clamp includes a second contact surface adapted to contact the second spinal vertebra.
A facet replacement device adapted to engage a first surface on a first spinal vertebra and a second surface on a second spinal vertebra, the device comprising:
- an upper clamp adapted to attach to the first surface on the first spinal vertebra;
- a lower clamp, adapted to engage the upper clamp, adapted to attach to the second surface on the second spinal vertebra;
- and
- a flexible material positioned between the upper clamp and the lower clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp is configured with a slot for receiving a portion of the lower clamp thereby enabling the lower clamp to slide within the slot of the upper clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp articulates with respect to the lower clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp is separate from the lower clamp, wherein the upper clamp includes a first contact surface adapted to contact the first spinal vertebra and the lower clamp includes a second contact surface adapted to contact the second spinal vertebra.
A facet replacement device adapted to engage a first surface on a first spinal vertebra and a second surface on a second spinal vertebra, the device comprising:
- an upper clamp adapted to attach to the first surface on the first spinal vertebra;
- a lower clamp, adapted to engage the upper clamp, adapted to attach to the second surface on the second spinal vertebra;
- and
- wherein the upper clamp is adapted to provide a hook for engaging a portion of the spinal vertebra,
- wherein the upper clamp is configured with a slot for receiving a portion of the lower clamp thereby enabling the lower clamp to slide within the slot of the upper clamp, and
- wherein the upper clamp articulates with respect to the lower clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp is separate from the lower clamp, wherein the upper clamp includes a first contact surface adapted to contact the first spinal vertebra and the lower clamp includes a second contact surface adapted to contact the second spinal vertebra.
A method for restoring range of motion between vertebral bodies of a spine comprising the steps of:
- implanting a facet replacement device adapted to engage a first surface on a first spinal vertebra and a second surface on a second spinal vertebra, the device comprising:
- an upper clamp adapted to attach to the first surface on the first spinal vertebra;
- a lower clamp, adapted to engage the upper clamp, adapted to attach to the second surface on the second spinal vertebra;
- and
- a flexible material positioned between the upper clamp and the lower clamp
- wherein the upper clamp is configured with a slot for receiving a portion of the lower clamp thereby enabling the lower clamp to slide within the slot of the upper clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp articulates with respect to the lower clamp,
- wherein the upper clamp is separate from the lower clamp, wherein the upper clamp includes a first contact surface that contacts the first spinal vertebra and the lower clamp includes a second contact surface that contacts the second spinal vertebra.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.