Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods

Abstract

Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] This application is a continuation in part of commonly assigned U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 10 / 831,657 to Tokish et al., filed Apr. 22, 2004, and entitled “Anti-Rotation Fixation Element for Spinal Prosthesis,” which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to devices and surgical methods for the treatment of various types of spinal pathologies. More specifically, the present invention is directed to several different types of highly configurable and anatomically adaptable spinal joint replacement prostheses and surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The human spinal column 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is comprised of a series of thirty-three stacked vertebrae 12 divided into five regions. The cervical region includes seven vertebrae, known as C1-C7. The thoracic region includes twelve vertebrae, known as T1-T12. The lumbar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028] In yet another embodiment, there is provided a crossbar that is adaptable and configured for placement joining two cephalad elements, or alternatively, two caudal elements. Additional crossbar embodiments provide different attachment mechanism and locations between the elements. Moreover, additional embodiments provide adaptability of one or more of one or more cephalad elements, one or more caudal elements, and / or one or more crossbar elements.

[0036] In additional alternative embodiments, there are provided different components, methods and configurations to provide improved tissue shielding capabilities, such as for example, placing the selected or basing the selection of the modular components on reducing the occurrence of tissue being caught in the prosthesis. In one specific embodiment, the relative positions are modified such as by reversing the caudal and the cephalad bearings to protect tissue from getting caught in the contacting arms.

Problems solved by technology

In many cases, the pain severely limits a person's functional ability and quality of life.

Through disease or injury, the laminae, spinous process, articular processes, or facets of one or more vertebral bodies can become damaged, such that the vertebrae no longer articulate or properly align with each other.

This can result in an undesired anatomy, loss of mobility, and pain or discomfort.

For example, the vertebral facet joints can be damaged by either traumatic injury or by various disease processes.

The damage to the facet joints often results in pressure on nerves, also called “pinched” nerves, or nerve compression or impingement.

The result is pain, misaligned anatomy, and a corresponding loss of mobility.

These traditional treatments are subject to a variety of limitations and varying success rates.

None of the described treatments, however, puts the spine in proper alignment or returns the spine to a desired anatomy or biomechanical functionality.

In addition, stabilization techniques hold the vertebrae in a fixed position thereby limiting a person's mobility and can compromise adjacent structures as well.

Prosthesis customization to patient specific disease state and anatomy are among the challenges faced when implanting a prosthesis.

Current prostheses designs have not provided prosthesis systems having modular designs that are configurable and adaptable to patient specific disease state and anatomy.

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