Implantable device for facet joint replacement

Abstract

Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The prostheses provide an artificial facet joint structure including an artificial articular configuration unlike the preexisting articular configuration. The radii and material stress values of the prostheses are configured to sustain contact stress. The cephalad prosthesis provides for posterior-anterior adjustment. Both prostheses permit lateral adjustment and adjustment to accomodate interpedicle distance. Further, the prostheses may be customized to provide a pre-defined lordotic angle and a pre-defined pedicle entry angle.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 067,137, filed Feb. 4, 2002, and entitled “Facet Arthroplasty Devices and Methods,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 693,272, filed Oct. 20, 2000, and entitled “Facet Arthroplasty Devices and Methods,” which claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 160,891, filed Oct. 22, 1999, and entitled “Facet Arthroplasty Devices and Methods,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to prostheses for treating various types of spinal pathologies, as well as to methods of treating spinal pathologies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION I. Vertebral Anatomy [0003] As FIG. 1 shows, the human spinal column 10 is comprised of a series of thirty-three stacked vertebrae 12 divided into five regions. The cervical region includes seven vertebrae 12, known as C1-C7. The thoracic re...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0023] Another aspect of the invention provides a prosthesis assembly and related method for replacing a natural facet joint between adjoining first and second vertebral bodies. The assembly and method utilize a first component sized to be fixed to the first vertebral body, which is superior to the second vertebral body. The first component includes a first artificial facet joint structure adapted to replace a cephalad portion of the natural facet joint on the first vertebral body after removal of the cephalad portion of the natural facet joint from the first vertebral body. The assembly and method also comprise a second component sized to be fixed to the second vertebral body. The second component includes a second artificial facet joint structure adapted to replace the caudad portion of the natural facet joint of the second vertebral body after removal of

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 traum

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