Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint

Abstract

Methods and systems are disclosed for accessing and treating the interior of the facet joint for vertebral distraction and immobilization. The systems include a number of tools that facilitate access to the facet joint, distraction of the articulating decortication of the articulating surfaces, and delivery of implants and agents into the facet joint for fusion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 14 / 675,626, filed Mar. 31, 2015, which is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12 / 350,609, filed Jan. 8, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,005,288, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 020,082, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING AND TREATING THE FACET JOINT,” filed on Jan. 9, 2008. The full disclosures of the above-listed patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.FIELD[0002]This invention pertains generally to treatment of the facet joint, and more particularly to tools and methods for accessing, preparing and facilitating spinal distraction.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Neck and arm pain is a common ailment of the aging spine due to disc herniations, facet arthropathy and thickening of spinal ligaments which narrow spinal canal dimensions. This results in compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, or both. Radicular...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Devices and techniques are disclosed for a percutaneous or minimally invasive surgical implantation to reduce radicular symptoms by inserting an expandable cervical distraction implant in the facet joint at a symptomatic level to decompress the nerve tissue and preserve motion. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide for accessing and distracting the cervical facet to increase the foraminal dimension. In one embodiment, the implant of the present invention, when positioned in the cervical facet joint, increases the space between the articular facets, to increase the foraminal area or dimension, and reduce pressure on the nerve and associated blood vessels.

[0012]Preferably, in one embodiment, a beveled surface emanates from the upper blade surface and extends proximally away from the leading edge. Accordingly, the thickness increases proximally along the beveled surface. The beveled surface generally facilitates manipulation of the blade into the cavity.

[0013]In one embodiment, the handle comprises a shaft extending from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the shaft comprises a beveled surface emanating at or near the leading edge and extending proximally away from the leading edge. The beveled surface facilitates insertion of the blade into the cavity at an angle not aligned with the first and second cavity boundaries.

[0043]In one embodiment, the introducer facilitates delivery of the rasp and distraction device.

Problems solved by technology

This results in compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, or both.

Extension and ipsilateral rotation of the neck further reduces the foraminal area and contributes to pain, nerve root compression, and neural injury.

These surgeries are expensive and beget additional surgeries due to change in biomechanics of the neck.

Images