Prostheses, tools 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. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 438,294, filed May 14, 2003, and entitled “Prostheses, Tools and Methods for Replacement of Natural Facet Joints with Artificial Facet Joint Surfaces.” This application is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.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 [0003] I. Vertebral Anatomy [0004] 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 region includes twelve vertebrae 12, known as T1-T12. The lumbar region contains five vertebrae 12, known as L1-L5. The sacral region is comprised of five vertebrae 12, known as S1-S5. The coccygeal regi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides prostheses, installation tools, 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 relative vertebral motion. The prostheses can also alleviate spinal pain by relieving the source of 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 vertebrae can become damaged, such that the vertebrae no longer articulate or properly align with each other.

This can result in an undesired anatomy, pain or discomfort, and loss of mobility.

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 the relative motion of the vertebrae, altering spine biomechanics.

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