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...

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