Lateral mass fixation implant

Abstract

The various embodiments described herein provide lateral mass and facet fixation implants, which may be inserted and applied via a posterior approach, using minimally invasive or less invasive techniques. The embodiments described below generally include an intrafacet implant (or “facet implant”) and a lateral mass fixation member attached to or attachable to the facet implant. The lateral mass fixation member can include one or more tabs extending from a middle portion and configured to secure the lateral mass fixation member to lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae. The tabs may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, and may be collapsible to facilitate insertion of the device. Methods for delivering the lateral mass and facet fixation implants are also described.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 003,443, entitled “Lateral Mass Fixation Implant,” filed on May 27, 2014. The full disclosure of the above-listed patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND[0002]Posterior cervical fusion with lateral mass fixation is the most rigid cervical instrumentation. It requires extensive dissection of muscles and ligaments off the posterior spine, so that the surgeon can have direct visualization to safely perform the procedure. This dissection causes acute and chronic soft tissue pain syndrome. Acutely, patients are typically hospitalized for three to four days for pain control that requires IV narcotics. This is compared to one-day hospitalization for anterior approaches that do not require any muscle or soft tissue dissection. Long-term patients with posterior approaches frequently have persistent pain due to the extensive nature of the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes spinal implants that can be inserted through a posterior approach and fixed to the lateral masses of adjacent vertebrae using a facet implant and a lateral mass fixation member. The fixation member can be a separate device or a component of the facet implant. The fixation member has tabs that can be flexible or rigid, and may be collapsible for easy insertion. The system can also include a guide member for guiding the implants to the spine. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a minimally invasive method for spinal fixation that allows for the use of lateral mass fixation members that can be easily attached to the facet implant.

Problems solved by technology

Long-term patients with posterior approaches frequently have persistent pain due to the extensive nature of the dissection.

Starting a drill hole or inserting a screw into a lateral mass of a vertebra cannot currently be accomplished using a percutaneous approach.

This is because soft tissue gets caught up in the drill, and the drill can skid off the bone and go out of control.

Awls and firm pressure placed on bone with screws without direct visualization is dangerous in the posterior cervical spine, unless the surgeon has removed soft tissue and has direct visualization.

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