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Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint

a facet joint and facial joint technology, applied in the field of facial joint treatment, can solve the problems of neural injury, spinal cord or nerve root compression, etc., and achieve the effects of reducing radicular symptoms, preserving motion, and increasing foraminal dimension

Inactive Publication Date: 2015-07-23
PROVIDENCE MEDICAL TECH
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a device that can be used to treat cervical spine symptoms by inserting a distraction implant in the facet joint to decompress the nerve tissue and preserve motion. The device has a beveled surface that makes it easier to insert into the spine and a handle with a beveled surface to help align the device with the spine. An introducer is also included to deliver the device to the spine. The device increases the space between the articular facets, reduces pressure on the nerve and associated blood vessels, and can help relieve radicular symptoms.

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.

Method used

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  • Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint
  • Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint
  • Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0065]Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposes, one embodiment of an apparatus is generally shown in FIG. 3A through FIG. 16. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic concepts as disclosed herein.

[0066]FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified lateral view of a portion of the cervical spine 10. The basic biomechanical unit or motion segment of the spine consists of two adjacent vertebrae 12 and 14 and the three joint articular complex through which they move and are constrained in relation to one another. The spine articulations generally consist of an intervertebral disc 26 located between the vertebral bodies 26 of adjacent vertebrae 12, 14, and two facet joints 16 symmetrically located laterally from the sagittal plane at the posterior end of the vertebral bodies 26.

[0067]The facet joints 16 allow co...

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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 APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application is a continuation application of Ser. No. 12 / 350,609, filed Jan. 8, 2009, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING AND TREATING THE FACET JOINT,” 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[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 pain is typically due to disc herniation and fo...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61B17/70A61B17/3211A61B17/00
CPCA61B17/7074A61B17/3211A61B17/00234A61B17/1604A61B17/1659A61B2017/0256A61F2/28A61F2/441A61F2/4455A61F2/4601A61F2/4611A61F2002/30616A61F2310/00359A61B17/1671A61F2/4405
Inventor MCCORMACK, BRUCE M.MAIER, NATHAN CHRISTOPHER
Owner PROVIDENCE MEDICAL TECH
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