Prostheses, Systems and Methods for Replacement of Natural Facet Joints With Artificial Facet Joint Surfaces

Abstract

Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. A pair of fixation elements are adapted to be secured within a vertebra in an orientation that best assures a secure and durable attachment to cortical and / or cancellous bone. Artificial facet joint surfaces are mounted on the fixation elements, either directly or with the aid of a support. The artificial facet joint structure may be carried by an arm. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted for articulation with a complementary natural or artificial facet joint structure. Bilateral prostheses may by coupled by a brace to further secure and stabilize the prostheses.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 974,009, filed Oct. 25, 2004, and entitled “Prostheses, Systems and Methods for Replacement of Natural Facet Joints with Artificial Facet Joint Surfaces,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 158,563, filed May 30, 2002, and entitled “Prostheses, Systems and Methods for Replacement of Natural Facet Joints with Artificial Facet Joint Surfaces,” which 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.FIE...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides prostheses, systems, and methods for replacing natural facet joints in the spine. The prostheses can restore a desired anatomy to the spine and give back to an individual a desired range of mobility. The prostheses can be used at various spinal levels including L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-S1, T11-T12, and T12-L1. The prostheses can also lessen or alleviate spinal pain by relieving nerve compression or impingement. The invention solves the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs in treating spine pathologies.

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 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.

Furthermore, none of the described treatments puts the spine in proper alignment or return the spine to a desired anatomy.

In addition, stabilization techniques, by holding the vertebrae in a fixed position, permanently limit a person's mobility.

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