U.S. patent application number 11/429733 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for inter-cervical facet implant with implantation tool.
Invention is credited to John A. Markwart, Steven T. Mitchell, Charles J. Winslow.
Application Number | 20070244483 11/429733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37662600 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070244483 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Winslow; Charles J. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2007 |
Inter-cervical facet implant with implantation tool
Abstract
Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the
present invention can include an implant for positioning within a
cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby
increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the
spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the
spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted
laterally or posteriorly.
Inventors: |
Winslow; Charles J.; (Walnut
Creek, CA) ; Mitchell; Steven T.; (Pleasant Hill,
CA) ; Markwart; John A.; (Castro Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20070016195 A1 |
January 18, 2007 |
|
|
Family ID: |
37662600 |
Appl. No.: |
11/429733 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60679377 |
May 10, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/249 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/0256 20130101;
A61B 17/025 20130101; A61F 2/30 20130101; A61B 17/7064
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/061 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/30 20060101
A61F002/30 |
Claims
1. A facet joint implant adapted to be inserted into a facet joint,
the implant comprising: a. a facet joint spacer; and b. an
anchoring plate associated with the facet joint spacer, wherein the
anchoring plate includes an engagement aperture adapted to receive
a retractable engaging member of an implanting tool.
2. The implant of claim 1 wherein the engagement aperture is in a
superior surface of the anchoring plate.
3. The implant of claim 1 wherein the anchoring plate further
comprises a side surface having an protrusion adapted to
correspondingly register in a receiving slot in the implanting
tool.
4. The implant of claim 1 wherein the anchoring plate further
comprises a pair of winged protrusions along opposing side
surfaces, wherein the protrusions are adapted to register in
corresponding slots in the implanting tool.
5. The implant of claim 1 wherein the anchoring plate further
comprises: a. a bone screw aperture adapted to receive a bone
screw; and b. a locking screw aperture adapted to receive a locking
screw, the bone screw and locking screw adapted to anchor the
anchoring plate into a vertebral body.
6. The implant of claim 1 wherein the facet joint spacer further
comprises a substantially flat inferior surface and a convex
superior surface, wherein the superior surface tapers toward the
inferior surface at a front edge.
7. The implant of claim 1 wherein the facet joint spacer is
flexibly movable between a nonextended position and an extended
position with respect to the anchoring plate, wherein the facet
joint spacer is unable to pivot beyond the extended position.
8. A facet joint implant adapted to be inserted in a facet joint,
the implant comprising: a. a facet joint spacer; and b. an
anchoring plate flexibly coupled to the facet joint spacer, the
anchoring plate having a superior surface and an inferior surface,
wherein the anchoring plate includes an aperture through the
superior surface adapted to receive a retractable engaging member
of an implanting tool, the anchoring plate including a protrusion
on a side surface adapted to correspondingly register with a
receiving slot of the implanting tool.
9. The implant of claim 8 wherein the protrusion further comprises
a pair of winged protrusions along opposing side surfaces of the
anchoring plate, wherein the protrusions are adapted to register in
corresponding slots in the implanting tool.
10. The implant of claim 8 wherein the anchoring plate further
comprises: a. a bone screw aperture adapted to receive a bone
screw; and b. a locking screw aperture adapted to receive a locking
screw, the bone screw and locking screw adapted to anchor the
anchoring plate into a vertebral body.
11. The implant of claim 8 wherein the facet joint spacer further
comprises a substantially flat inferior surface and a convex
superior surface, wherein the superior surface tapers toward the
inferior surface at a front edge.
12. The implant of claim 8 wherein the facet joint spacer is
flexibly movable between a nonextended position and an extended
position with respect to the anchoring plate, wherein the facet
joint spacer is unable to pivot beyond the extended position.
13. A facet joint implant adapted to be inserted in a facet joint,
the implant comprising: a. a facet joint spacer; and b. an
anchoring plate flexibly coupled to the facet joint spacer, the
anchoring plate having a superior surface and an inferior surface,
wherein the anchoring plate includes a protrusion on a side surface
adapted to correspondingly register with a receiving slot of the
implanting tool.
14. The implant of claim 13 further comprising an engagement
aperture adapted to receive a retractable engagement member of the
implanting tool.
15. The implant of claim 14 wherein the engagement aperture is in a
superior surface of the anchoring plate.
16. The implant of claim 13 wherein the protrusion further
comprises a pair of winged protrusions along opposing side surfaces
of the anchoring plate, wherein the protrusions are adapted to
register in corresponding slots in the implanting tool.
17. The implant of claim 13 wherein the anchoring plate further
comprises: a. a bone screw aperture adapted to receive a bone
screw; and b. a locking screw aperture adapted to receive a locking
screw, the bone screw and locking screw adapted to anchor the
anchoring plate into a vertebral body.
18. The implant of claim 13 wherein the facet joint spacer further
comprises a substantially flat inferior surface and a convex
superior surface, wherein the superior surface tapers toward the
inferior surface at a front edge.
19. The implant of claim 13 wherein the facet joint spacer is
flexibly movable between a nonextended position and an extended
position with respect to the anchoring plate, wherein the facet
joint spacer is unable to pivot beyond the extended position.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority to United States
Provisional Application No. 60/679,377, entitled INTER-CERVICAL
FACET IMPLANTATION TOOL, filed May 10, 2005 [Our Reference No.:
KLYC-01118US9], which application is incorporated herein by
reference.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is related to the following applications:
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/093,557, entitled
INTER-CERVICAL FACET IMPLANT WITH LOCKING SCREW AND METHOD filed
Mar. 30, 3005 [Our Reference No.: KLYC-01118US5], which claims
priority to U. S. Provisional Application No. 60/635,453, entitled,
INTER-CERVICAL FACET IMPLANT AND METHOD filed Dec. 13, 2004 [Our
Reference No. KLYC-01118US0]; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/053,399,
entitled INTER-CERVICAL FACET IMPLANT AND METHOD, filed Feb. 8,
2005 [Our Reference No. KLYC-01118US1]; U.S. application Ser. No.
11/053,624, entitled INTER-CERVICAL FACET IMPLANT AND METHOD, filed
Feb. 8, 2005 [Our Reference No. KLYC-01118US2]; U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/053,735, entitled INTER-CERVICAL FACET IMPLANT AND
METHOD, filed Feb. 8, 2005 [Our Reference No. KLYC-01118US3]; U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/053,346, entitled INTER-CERVICAL FACET
IMPLANT AND METHOD, filed Feb. 8, 2005 [Our Reference No.
KLYC-01122US0]; and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/093,689, entitled
INTER-CERVICAL FACET IMPLANT AND METHOD FOR PRESERVING THE TISSUES
SURROUNDING THE FACET JOINT, filed Mar. 30, 2005 [Our Reference No.
KLYC-01124US0] each of which is incorporated herein in full, by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This invention relates to interspinous process implants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The spinal column is a bio-mechanical structure composed
primarily of ligaments, muscles, vertebrae and intervertebral
disks. The bio-mechanical functions of the spine include: (1)
support of the body, which involves the transfer of the weight and
the bending movements of the head, trunk and arms to the pelvis and
legs, (2) complex physiological motion between these parts, and (3)
protection of the spinal cord and the nerve roots.
[0005] As the present society ages, it is anticipated that there
will be an increase in adverse spinal conditions which are
characteristic of older people. By way of example only, with aging
comes an increase in spinal stenosis (including, but not limited
to, central canal and lateral stenosis), and facet arthropathy.
Spinal stenosis results in a reduction foraminal area (i.e., the
available space for the passage of nerves and blood vessels) which
compresses the cervical nerve roots and causes radicular pain.
Humpreys, S. C. et al., Flexion and traction effect on
C5-C6foraminal space, Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil., vol. 79 at 1105
(September 1998). Another symptom of spinal stenosis is myelopathy,
which results in neck pain and muscle weakness. Id. Extension and
ipsilateral rotation of the neck further reduces the foraminal area
and contributes to pain, nerve root compression, and neural injury.
Id.; Yoo, J. U. et al., Effect of cervical spine motion on the
neuroforaminal dimensions of human cervical spine, Spine, vol. 17
at 1131 (Nov. 10, 1992). In contrast, neck flexion increases the
foraminal area. Humpreys, S. C. et al., supra, at 1105.
[0006] In particular, cervical radiculopathy secondary to disc
herniation and cervical spondylotic foraminal stenosis typically
affects patients in their fourth and fifth decade, and has an
annual incidence rate of 83.2 per 100,000 people (based on 1994
information). Cervical radiculopathy is typically treated
surgically with either an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
("ACDF") or posterior laminoforaminotomy ("PLD"), with or without
facetectomy. ACDF is the most commonly performed surgical procedure
for cervical radiculopathy, as it has been shown to increase
significantly the foramina dimensions when compared to a PLF.
[0007] It is desirable to eliminate the need for major surgery for
all individuals, and in particular, for the elderly. Accordingly, a
need exists to develop spine implants that alleviate pain caused by
spinal stenosis and other such conditions caused by damage to, or
degeneration of, the cervical spine.
[0008] The present invention addresses this need with implants and
methods for implanting an apparatus into at least one facet joint
of the cervical spine to distract the cervical spine while
preferably preserving mobility and normal lordotic curvature.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a lateral view of two adjacent cervical
vertebrae and spinous processes, highlighting the cervical facet
joint.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a lateral view of the cervical spine with
spinal stenosis.
[0011] FIG. 3A depicts correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a wedge-shaped embodiment of the implant of the
invention positioned in the cervical facet joint.
[0012] FIG. 3B depicts correction of cervical kyphosis or loss of
lordosis with a wedge-shaped embodiment of the invention with the
wedge positioned in the opposite direction as that depicted in FIG.
3A.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention
including a screw fixation device for attaching to a single
vertebra.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising screw fixation of two implants, one implant fixed to
each of two adjacent vertebrae.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows cervical spine kyphosis, or loss of
lordosis.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows correction of cervical kyphosis, or loss of
lordosis, with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention
comprising two facet implants with screw fixation.
[0017] FIG. 8 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising a facet implant and a keel.
[0018] FIG. 9 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising facet implant, a keel, and screw fixation.
[0019] FIG. 10 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising a facet implant with teeth.
[0020] FIG. 11 depicts correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising a facet implant with teeth and screw fixation.
[0021] FIG. 12 depicts correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet implants having bony in growth surfaces.
[0022] FIG. 13 depicts correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet implants having bony in growth surfaces and
posterior alignment guide.
[0023] FIG. 14 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet implants with increased facet joint contact
surfaces.
[0024] FIG. 15 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet implants having bony in growth surfaces and
screw fixation.
[0025] FIG. 16 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet implants with articular inner surfaces.
[0026] FIG. 17 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising a facet joint implant with a roller.
[0027] FIG. 18 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising a facet joint implant with a plurality of rollers.
[0028] FIG. 19 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet joint implants, screw fixation, and elastic
restraint.
[0029] FIG. 20 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet joint implants, screw fixation, and spring
restraint.
[0030] FIG. 21 shows correction of cervical stenosis or other
ailment with a further embodiment of the implant of the invention,
comprising two facet joint implants, screw fixation, and magnetic
restraint.
[0031] FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of
implant of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 22B shows a perspective exploded view of the embodiment
of the invention shown in FIG. 22A.
[0033] FIG. 23A depicts a posterior view of the embodiment of the
implant of the invention shown in FIG. 22A.
[0034] FIG. 23B shows a posterior view of a locking plate of the
embodiment of the implant of the invention shown in FIG. 22A.
[0035] FIG. 24A depicts a lateral side view of the embodiment of
the implant of the invention shown in FIG. 22A.
[0036] FIG. 24B shows a lateral side view of the keel of the
locking plate of the embodiment of the implant of the invention
shown in FIG. 22A.
[0037] FIG. 25A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of
the implant of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 25B shows a side view of the embodiment of the implant
of the invention in FIG. 25A, having a curved, uniformly-thick
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer including a
tapered end
[0039] FIG. 26A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of
the implant of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 26B shows a posterior perspective view of the
embodiment of the implant of the invention depicted in FIG.
26A.
[0041] FIG. 27A depicts a side view of the embodiment of the
implant of the invention shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B.
[0042] FIG. 27B shows a posterior view of the embodiment of the
implant of the invention shown in FIGS. 26A, 26B, and 27A,
implanted in the cervical spine.
[0043] FIG. 28A depicts a posterior perspective view of a further
embodiment of the implant of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 28B depicts a side view of the embodiment of the
implant of the invention shown in FIG. 28A.
[0045] FIG. 29A depicts a side view of an embodiment of a sizing
tool of the invention.
[0046] FIG. 29B depicts a top view of an embodiment of the sizing
tool of the invention depicted in FIG. 29A.
[0047] FIG. 29C depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the
sizing tool of the invention depicted in FIGS. 29A-B.
[0048] FIG. 29D depicts a side view of the head of the sizing tool
of the invention depicted in FIG. 29A
[0049] FIG. 29E depicts a cross-sectional view of the head of the
sizing tool of the invention depicted in FIGS. 29A-C.
[0050] FIG. 30 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of
the invention.
[0051] FIG. 31A is posterior view of a further embodiment of the
implant of the invention.
[0052] FIG. 31B is a side view of an embodiment of a locking screw
of the implant of the invention depicted in FIG. 31A.
[0053] FIG. 32 is a posterior view of a further embodiment of the
implant of the invention.
[0054] FIGS. 33A and 33B depict initial and final insertion
positions of the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG.
32.
[0055] FIG. 34A is a posterior view of a further embodiment of the
implant of the invention.
[0056] FIG. 34B is a side view of a further embodiment of the
implant of the invention.
[0057] FIG. 35A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
implantation tool of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 35B is a perspective view of the engagement head of the
implantation tool of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] Embodiments of the present invention provide for a minimally
invasive surgical implantation method and apparatus for cervical
spine implants that preserves the physiology of the spine. In
particular, embodiments provide for distracting the cervical spine
to increase the foraminal dimension in extension and neutral
positions. Such implants, when implanted in the cervical facet
joints, distract, or increase the space between, the vertebrae to
increase the foraminal area or dimension, and reduce pressure on
the nerves and blood vessels of the cervical spine.
[0060] The facet joints in the spine are formed between two
vertebrae as follows. Each vertebra has four posterior articulating
surfaces: two superior facets and two inferior facets, with a
superior facet from a lower vertebra and an inferior facet of an
upper vertebra forming a facet joint on each lateral side of the
spine. In the cervical spine, the upward inclination of the
superior articular surfaces of the facet joints allows for
considerable flexion and extension, as well as for lateral
mobility. Each facet joint is covered by a dense, elastic articular
capsule, which is attached just beyond the margins of the articular
facets. The capsule is larger and looser in the cervical spine than
in the thoracic and lumbar spine. The inside of the capsule is
lined by a synovial membrane which secretes synovial fluid for
lubricating the facet joint. The exterior of the joint capsule is
surrounded by a capsular ligament. It is this ligament and the
joint capsule that must be cut in the embodiments of the method
described herein for inserting the artificial facet joint.
[0061] In a specific preferred embodiment, an implanted interfacet
spacer of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm in width can result in interfacet
distraction that increases foraminal dimension in extension and
neutral. Other interfacet spacer dimensions also are contemplated
by the invention described herein below. The present embodiments
also preserve mobility of the facet joints.
[0062] Further embodiments of the present invention accommodate the
distinct anatomical structures of the spine, minimize further
trauma to the spine, and obviate the need for invasive methods of
surgical implantation. Embodiments of the present invention also
address spinal conditions that are exacerbated by spinal
extension.
[0063] FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a portion of the
cervical spine, focusing on a cervical facet joint 1 formed between
two adjacent cervical vertebrae. The spinous processes 3 are
located posteriorly and the vertebral bodies 5 are located
anteriorly, and a nerve root canal 7 is visible. Each vertebra has
four posterior articulating surfaces: two superior facets and two
inferior facets, with a superior facet from a lower vertebra and an
inferior facet of an upper vertebra forming a facet joint on each
lateral side of the spine. In the cervical spine, the upward
inclination of the superior articular surfaces of the facet joints
allows for considerable flexion and extension, as well as for
lateral mobility. Each facet joint is covered by a dense, elastic
articular capsule, which is attached just beyond the margins of the
articular facets. The capsule is large and looser in the cervical
spine than in the thoracic and lumbar spine. The inside of the
capsule is lined by a synovial membrane which secretes synovial
fluid for lubricating the facet joint. The exterior of the joint
capsule is surrounded by a capsular ligament. It is this ligament
that may be pushed out of the way in the embodiments of the method
for inserting the artificial facet joint, described herein.
[0064] FIG. 2 depicts cervical foraminal stenosis. From the
drawing, the nerve root canal 7 is narrowed relative to the nerve
root canal 7 depicted in FIG. 1. The spinal canal and/or
intervertebral foramina also can be narrowed by stenosis. The
narrowing can cause compression of the spinal cord and nerve
roots.
[0065] FIG. 3A shows a first embodiment 100 of the present
invention, which is meant to distract at least one facet joint, in
order to increase the dimension of the neural foramen while
retaining facet joint mobility. The wedge-shaped embodiment or
inter-facet spacer 100 is a wedge-shaped implant that can be
positioned in the cervical facet joint 101 to distract the joint
and reverse narrowing of the nerve root canal 107. In this
embodiment or inter-facet spacer 100, the implant is positioned
with the narrow portion of the wedge facing anteriorly. However, it
is also within the scope of the present invention to position
embodiment or inter-facet spacer 100 (FIG. 3B) with the wide
portion of the wedge facing anteriorly, to correct for cervical
kyphosis or loss of cervical lordosis.
[0066] It is to be understood that implants in accordance with the
present invention, and/or portions thereof can be fabricated from
somewhat flexible and/or deflectable material. In these
embodiments, the implant and/or portions thereof can be made out of
a polymer, such as a thermoplastic. For example, in one embodiment,
the implant can be made from polyketone, known as
polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"). Still more specifically, the implant
can be made from PEEK 450G, which is an unfilled PEEK approved for
medical implantation available from Victrex of Lancashire, Great
Britain. Other sources of this material include Gharda located in
Panoli, India. PEEK has the following approximate properties:
TABLE-US-00001 Property Value Density 1.3 g/cc Rockwell M 99
Rockwell R 126 Tensile Strength 97 MPa Modulus of Elasticity 3.5
GPa Flexural Modulus 4.1 GPa
[0067] The material specified has appropriate physical and
mechanical properties and is suitable for carrying and spreading a
physical load between the adjacent spinous processes. The implant
and/or portions thereof can be formed by extrusion, injection,
compression molding and/or machining techniques.
[0068] In some embodiments, the implant can comprise, at least in
part, titanium or stainless steel, or other suitable implant
material which is radiopaque, and at least in part a radiolucent
material that does not show up under x-ray or other type of
imaging. The physician can have a less obstructed view of the spine
under imaging, than with an implant comprising radiopaque materials
entirely. However, the implant need not comprise any radiolucent
materials.
[0069] It should be noted that the material selected also can be
filled. For example, other grades of PEEK are also available and
contemplated, such as 30% glass-filled or 30% carbon-filled,
provided such materials are cleared for use in implantable devices
by the FDA, or other regulatory body. Glass-filled PEEK reduces the
expansion rate and increases the flexural modulus of PEEK relative
to that unfilled PEEK. The resulting product is known to be ideal
for improved strength, stifffiess, or stability. Carbon-filled PEEK
is known to enhance the compressive strength and stiffness of PEEK
and to decrease its expansion rate. Carbon-filled PEEK offers wear
resistance and load-carrying capability.
[0070] In this embodiment or inter-facet spacer 100, the implant is
manufactured from PEEK, available from Victrex. As will be
appreciated, other suitable similarly biocompatible thermoplastic
or thermoplastic polycondensate materials that resist fatigue, have
good memory, are flexible, and/or deflectable, have very low
moisture absorption, and good wear and/or abrasion resistance, can
be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The
spacer also can be comprised of polyetherketoneketone ("PEKK").
Other material that can be used include polyetherketone ("PEK"),
polyetherketoneetherketoneketone ("PEKEKK"), and
polyetheretherketoneketone ("PEEKK"), and generally a
polyaryletheretherketone. Further, other polyketones can be used as
well as other thermoplastics. Reference to appropriate polymers
that can be used in the implant can be made to the following
documents, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. These
documents include: PCT Publication WO 02/02158 A1, dated Jan. 10,
2002, entitled "Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials"; PCT
Publication WO 02/00275 A1, dated Jan. 3, 2002, entitled
"Bio-Compatible Polymeric Materials; and, PCT Publication WO
02/00270 A1, dated Jan. 3, 2002, entitled "Bio-Compatible Polymeric
Materials." Other materials such as Bionate.RTM., polycarbonate
urethane, available from the Polymer Technology Group, Berkeley,
Calif., may also be appropriate because of the good oxidative
stability, biocompatibility, mechanical strength and abrasion
resistance. Other thermoplastic materials and other high molecular
weight polymers can be used.
[0071] Turning now to FIG. 4, the embodiment 200 of the implant has
a joint insert or inter-facet spacer 210, also herein referred to
as an artificial facet joint or inter-facet spacer, that is
positioned in the cervical facet joint 101. The joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 210 can be wedge-shaped with the narrow part of
the wedge facing anteriorly. Alternatively, the joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 210 need not be wedge-shaped but can be of
substantially uniform thickness, the thickness determined by an
individual patient's need for distraction of the cervical facet
joint 201. As with embodiment 100, one objective of this embodiment
is facet joint distraction, and joint mobility after implantation.
The joint insert 210 is continuous with a posterior sheath 220 bent
at an angle from the joint insert or inter-facet spacer 210 to
align substantially parallel with the bone. The posterior sheath
can lie against the lamina, preferably against the lateral mass.
The posterior sheath 220 can have a bore 230 which can accept a
bone screw 240. Alternatively, the bore 230 can accept any other
appropriate and/or equivalent fixation device capable of fixing the
embodiment 200 to the spine. The device is thereby affixed to the
vertebra, preferably by fixing to the lateral mass.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows embodiment 300, which is the use of two
embodiments 200, each fixed to one of two adjacent cervical
vertebrae. As with embodiment 200, the implanted facet joint is
distracted and joint mobility is retained. A joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 310 from each of the two implants is inserted
and positioned in the cervical facet joint 301. In this embodiment,
the joint inserts 310 are substantially flat and parallel to each
other and are not wedge-shaped. Alternatively, the joint inserts or
inter-facet spacers 310 can together define a wedge-shaped insert
that is appropriate for the patient. The two joint inserts or
inter-facet spacers 310 combined can have, by way of example, the
shape of the joint insert or inter-facet spacers 210 in FIG. 4.
Embodiment 300 then can be fixed to the spine with a screw 340 or
any other appropriate fixation device, inserted through a bore 330
in the posterior sheath 320. The posterior sheath 320 can be
threaded to accept a screw. The screw can be embedded in the
lamina, preferably in the lateral mass, where possible.
[0073] It is within the scope of the present invention to use
and/or modify the implants of the invention to correct cervical
spine kyphosis, or loss of lordosis. FIG. 6 depicts a cervical
spine lordosis. FIG. 7 demonstrates an embodiment 400 which
contemplates positioning two implants to correct for this spinal
abnormality while retaining facet joint mobility. The joint insert
or inter-facet spacer 410 of each implant is shaped so that it is
thicker at its anterior portion. Alternatively, the implants can be
shaped to be thicker at the posterior ends, for example as depicted
in FIG. 3A. The posterior sheath 420 of each implant is bent at an
angle from the joint insert or inter-facet spacer 410 to be
positioned adjacent to the lateral mass and/or lamina, and has a
bore 430 to accept a screw 440 or other appropriate and/or
equivalent fixation means to fix the embodiment 400 to the spine,
preferably to the lateral mass. The placement of two joint inserts
or inter-facet spacers 410 in the cervical facet joint 401
distracts the facet joint, which shifts and maintains the vertebrae
into a more anatomical position to preserve the physiology of the
spine.
[0074] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment 500 of the implant of the
invention, wherein the joint insert or inter-facet spacer 510 has a
keel 550 on an underside of the joint insert or inter-facet spacer
510. The keel 550 can be made of the same material or materials set
forth above. The surfaces of the keel 550 can be roughened in order
to promote bone in growth to stabilize and fix the implant 500. In
other embodiments, the keel 550 can be coated with materials that
promote bone growth such as, for example, bone morphogenic protein
("BMP"), or structural materials such as hyaluronic acid "HA," or
other substances which promote growth of bone relative to and into
the keel 550.
[0075] The keel 550 can be embedded in the facet bone, to
facilitate implant retention. The keel 550 can be placed into a
channel in the facet bone. The channel can be pre-cut. Teeth (not
shown), preferably positioned posteriorly, also may be formed on
the keel 550 for facilitating retention of the implant 500 in the
cervical facet joint 501. As noted above, the joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 510 can be substantially flat or wedge-shaped,
depending upon the type of distraction needed, i.e., whether
distraction is also necessary to correct abnormal curvature or lack
of curvature in the cervical spine. Because the joint is not fused,
mobility is retained, as with the embodiments described above and
herein below.
[0076] FIG. 9 illustrates that a further embodiment 600 of the
implant of the invention can have both screw fixation and a keel
650 for stability and retention of the implant 600. On embodiment
600, the joint insert or inter-facet spacer 610 is continuous with
a posterior sheath 620 having a bore hole 630 to accept a screw 640
which passes through the bore 630 and into the bone of the
vertebrae, preferably into the lateral mass, or the lamina. The
bore 630 can be threaded or not threaded where it is to accept a
threaded screw or equivalent device. Alternatively, the bore 630
need not be threaded to accept a non-threaded equivalent device.
The keel 650 is connected with the joint insert or inter-facet
spacer 610 and embeds in the bone of the cervical facet joint 601
to promote implant retention.
[0077] A further alternative embodiment 700 is illustrated in FIG.
10. In this embodiment 700, the joint insert 710 has on a lower
side at least one tooth 760. It should be clear to one of ordinary
skill in the art that a plurality of teeth 760 is preferable. The
teeth 760 are able to embed in the bone of the cervical facet joint
701 to facilitate retention of the implant 700 in the joint 701.
The teeth 760 can face in a direction substantially opposite the
direction of insertion, for retention of the implant 700. As above,
the joint insert or inter-facet spacer 710 can be wedge-shaped or
substantially even in thickness, depending upon the desired
distraction. Because the implant distracts and is retained without
fusion, facet joint mobility is retained.
[0078] FIG. 11 depicts a further embodiment 800 of the implant of
the invention. In this embodiment 800, the joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 810 is continuous with a posterior sheath 820
having a bore 830 for accepting a fixation device 840, as described
above. The fixation device 840 can be a screw which fits into a
threaded bore 830; alternatively, the fixation device 830 can be
any other compatible and appropriate device. This embodiment 800
further combines at least one tooth 860 on an underside of the
joint insert or inter-facet spacer 810 with the posterior sheath
820, bore 830 and fixation device 840 to address fixation of the
implant 800 in a cervical facet joint 801. It will be recognized by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the implant 800 can have a
plurality of teeth 860 on the underside of the joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 810.
[0079] FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment 900 of an implant of
the present invention. In this embodiment 900, the joint inserts or
inter-facet spacers 910 of two implants 900 are positioned in a
cervical facet joint 901. As described above, the joint inserts or
inter-facet spacers 910 can be wedge-shaped as needed to restore
anatomical curvature of the cervical spine and to distract, or the
joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 910 can be of substantially
uniform thickness. The implants 900 each comprise a joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 910 with an outer surface 970 that interacts
with the bone of the cervical facet joint 901. On the upper implant
900, the surface 970 that interacts with the bone is the upper
surface 970 and on the lower implant 900, the surface 970 that
interacts with the bone is the lower surface 970. Each surface 970
can comprise a bone in growth surface 980 to create a porous
surface and thereby promote bone in growth and fixation. One such
treatment can be with plasma spray titanium, and another, with a
coating of sintered beads. Alternatively, the implant 900 can have
casted porous surfaces 970, where the porous surface is integral to
the implant 900. As a further alternative, the surfaces 970 can be
roughened in order to promote bone in growth into these defined
surfaces of the implants 900. In other embodiments, the surfaces
970 can be coated with materials that promote bone growth such as
for example bone morphogenic protein ("BMP"), or structural
materials such as hyaluronic acid ("HA"), or other substances which
promote growth of bone on other external surfaces 970 of the
implant 900. These measures facilitate fixation of the implants 900
in the facet joint, but do not result in fusion of the joint,
thereby retaining facet joint mobility, while also accomplishing
distraction of the joint.
[0080] FIG. 13 depicts yet another embodiment 1000 of the implant
of the present invention. In this embodiment 1000, the joint
inserts or inter-facet spacers 1010 of two implants 1000 are
positioned in a cervical facet joint 1001. As described above, the
joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1010 can be wedge-shaped as
needed to restore anatomical curvature of the cervical spine and to
distract, or the joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1010 can be
of substantially uniform thickness. The implants 1000 each comprise
a joint insert or inter-facet spacer 1010 with an outer surface
1070 that interacts with the bone of the cervical facet joint 1001.
On the upper implant 1000, the surface 1070 that interacts with the
bone is the upper surface and on the lower implant 1000, the
surface 1070 that interacts with the bone is the lower surface. As
set forth above, each outer surface 1070 can comprise a bone in
growth surface 1080 to create a porous surface and thereby promote
bone in growth and fixation, without facet joint fusion and loss of
mobility. In one preferred embodiment, the bone in growth surface
1080 can be created with plasma spray titanium, and/or with a
coating of sintered beads. In an alternative preferred embodiment,
the implant 1000 can have casted porous surfaces 1070, where the
porous surface is integral to the implant 1000. In a further
alternative preferred embodiment, the surfaces 1070 can be
roughened in order to promote bone in growth into these defined
surfaces of the implants 1000. In other preferred embodiments, the
surfaces 1070 can be coated with materials that promote bone growth
such as for example BMP, or structural materials such as HA, or
other substances which promote growth of bone on other external
surfaces 1070 of the implant 1000.
[0081] The implant 1000 can have a posterior alignment guide 1090.
The posterior alignment guides 1090 of each implant 1000 can be
continuous with the joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1010. The
posterior alignment guides substantially conform to the bone of the
vertebrae when the joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1010 are
inserted into the cervical facet joint 1001. The posterior
alignment guides 1090 are used to align the implants 1000 so that
the joint inserts 1010 contact each other and not the bones of the
cervical facet joint 1001 when the joint inserts 1010 or
inter-facet spacers are positioned in the cervical facet joint
1001.
[0082] FIG. 14 depicts a further embodiment 1100 of the implant of
the present invention. In this embodiment 1100, the joint inserts
1110 of two implants 1100 are inserted into the cervical facet
joint 1101. Each of the joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1110
is continuous with a cervical facet joint extender or
facet-extending surface 1192. The bone contacting surfaces 1170 of
the joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1110 are continuous with,
and at an angle to, the bone contacting surfaces 1193 of the
cervical facet joint extenders 1192, so that the cervical facet
joint extenders 1192 conform to the bones of the vertebrae exterior
to the cervical facet joint 1101. The conformity of the cervical
facet joint extenders 1192 is achieved for example by forming the
cervical facet joint extenders 1192 so that when the join inserts
or inter-facet spacers 1110 are positioned, the cervical facet
joint extenders 1192 curve around the bone outsider the cervical
facet joint 1101.
[0083] The cervical facet joint extenders have a second surface
1184 that is continuous with the joint articular surfaces 1182 of
the joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1110. The second surfaces
1184 extend the implant 1100 posteriorly to expand the joint
articular surfaces 1182 and thereby to increase contact and
stability of the spine at least in the region of the implants 1100.
It is to be understood that such facet joint extenders 1192 can be
added to the other embodiments of the invention described and
depicted herein.
[0084] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 15 shows two implants 1200
positioned in a cervical facet joint 1201, having bony in growth
surfaces as one preferred method of fixation, and using screws as
another preferred method of fixation. In this embodiment, each of
two implants 1200 has a joint insert or inter-facet spacer 1210
positioned in a cervical facet joint 1201. As described above, the
joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1210 can be wedge-shaped as
needed to restore anatomical curvature of the cervical spine and to
distract, or the joint inserts or inter-facet spacers 1210 can be
of substantially uniform thickness. The implants 1200 each comprise
a joint insert 1210 with an outer surface 1270 that interacts with
the bone of the cervical facet joint 1001. On the upper implant
1200, the surface 1270 that interacts with the bone is the upper
surface and on the lower implant 1200, the surface 1270 that
interacts with the bone is the lower surface. As set forth above,
each outer surface 1270 can comprise a bone in growth surface 1280
to create a porous surface and thereby promote bone in growth and
fixation. In one preferred embodiment, the bone in growth surface
1280 can be created with plasma spray titanium, and/or with a
coating of sintered beads. In an alternative preferred embodiment,
the implant 1200 can have casted porous surfaces 1270, where the
porous surface is integral to the implant 1200. In a further
alternative embodiment, the surfaces 1270 can be roughened in order
to promote bone in growth into these defined surfaces of the
implants 1200. In other preferred embodiments, the surfaces 1270
can be coated with materials that promote bone growth such as for
example BMP, or structural materials such as HA, or other
substances which promote growth of bone on other external surfaces
1270 of the implant 1200.
[0085] Screw fixation or other appropriate fixation also can be
used with implants 1200 for fixation in the cervical facet joint
1201. The joint insert or inter-facet spacer 1210 is continuous
with a posterior sheath 1220 bent at an angle from the joint insert
or inter-facet spacer 1210 to align substantially parallel with the
bone, preferably the lateral mass or lamina. The posterior sheath
1220 can have a bore 1230 which can accept a bone screw 1240,
preferably into the lateral mass or lamina. Alternatively, the bore
1230 can accept any other appropriate and/or equivalent fixation
means for fixing the embodiment 1200 to the spine.
[0086] FIG. 16 depicts a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment 1300, two joint inserts or
inter-facet spacers 1310 are positioned in the cervical facet joint
1301. The joint inserts each have outer surfaces 1370 that interact
with the bone of the vertebrae forming the cervical facet joint.
These outer surfaces 1370 of the embodiment 1300 can be treated to
become bone in growth surfaces 1380, which bone ingrowth surfaces
1380 contribute to stabilizing the two joint inserts or inter-facet
spacers 1310 of the implant 1300. In one preferred embodiment, the
bone ingrowth surface 1380 can be created with plasma spray
titanium, and/or with a coating of sintered beads. In an
alternative preferred embodiment, the implant 1300 can have casted
porous surfaces 1370, where the porous surface is integral to the
implant 1300. In a further alternative embodiment, the surfaces
1370 can be roughened in order to promote bone ingrowth into these
defined surfaces of the implants 1300. In other preferred
embodiments, the surfaces 1370 can be coated with materials that
promote bone growth such as for example BMP, or structural
materials such as HA, or other substances which promote growth of
bone on other external surfaces 1370 of the implant 1300. This
fixation stabilizes the implant 1300 in the facet joint without
fusing the joint, and thus the implant preserves joint mobility,
while accomplishing distraction and increasing foraminal
dimension.
[0087] Also shown in FIG. 16 are articular inner surfaces 1382 of
the implants 1300. These surfaces can be formed from a metal and
polyethylene, the material allowing flexibility and providing for
forward bending/flexion and backward extension of the cervical
spine. The embodiment 1300 of FIG. 16 can be made in at least two
configurations. The first configuration includes a flexible spacer
1382 made, by way of example, using polyethylene or other suitable,
flexible implant material. The flexible spacer 1382 can be
permanently affixed to the upper and lower joint insert or
inter-facet spacer 1310. The spacer 1382 can be flat or
wedge-shaped or have any other shape that would correct the
curvature of the spine. In other configurations, the spacer 1382
can be affixed to only the upper insert or inter-facet spacer 1310
or to only the lower insert 1310. Alternatively, a spacer 1382 can
be affixed to each of an upper insert or inter-facet spacer 1310
and a lower insert or inter-facet spacer 1310 with the upper insert
or inter-facet spacer 1310 and the lower insert or inter-facet
spacer 1310 being separate units.
[0088] FIG. 17 shows a further preferred embodiment of the implant
of the present invention. In this embodiment 1400, the implant has
a roller 1496 mounted on a joint insert or inter-facet spacer 1410,
the roller being a further means of preserving joint mobility while
accomplishing distraction. Both the roller 1496 and the joint
insert or inter-facet spacer 1410 are positioned in the cervical
facet joint 1401. The joint insert or inter-facet spacer 1410 as in
other embodiments has a bone-facing surface 1470 and joint
articular surface 1482. The bone-facing surface 1470 can interact
with the lower bone of the cervical facet joint 1401.
Alternatively, the bone-facing surface can interact with the upper
bone of the cervical facet joint 1401. Between the bone-facing
surface 1470 and the joint articular surface 1482 is an axis about
which the roller 1496 can rotate. The roller 1496 rotates in a
cavity in the joint insert 1410, and interacts with the top bone of
the cervical facet joint 1401. Alternatively, where the bone-facing
surface 1470 of the joint insert or inter-facet spacer 1410
interacts with the top bone of the cervical facet joint 1401, the
roller 1496 rotates in a cavity in the joint insert or inter-facet
spacer 1410 and interacts with the lower bone of the cervical facet
joint 1401. The rotation of the roller 1496 allows flexion and
extension of the cervical spine. Alternatively, a roller such as
roller 1496 can be secured to an upper and a lower insert such as
inserts 410 in FIG. 7. As depicted in FIG. 18, a plurality of
rollers 1496 also is possible.
[0089] FIG. 19 depicts a further embodiment of the implant of the
present invention. In this embodiment, two implants 1500 are
implanted in the cervical facet joint 1501. Screw fixation or other
appropriate fixation is used with implants 1500 for fixation in the
cervical facet joint 1501. The joint insert or inter-facet spacer
1510 is continuous with a posterior sheath 1520 bent at an angle
from the joint insert or inter-facet spacer 1510 to align
substantially parallel with the bone, preferably the lateral mass
or lamina. The posterior sheath 1520 of each implant 1500 can have
a bore 1530 which can accept a bone screw 1540, preferably into the
lateral mass or lamina. Alternatively, the bore 1530 can accept any
other appropriate and/or equivalent fixation means for fixing the
embodiment 1500 to the spine. The head of the screw 1540 in each
posterior sheath 1520 of each implant 1500 has a groove 1598 or
other mechanism for retaining an elastic band 1597. The elastic
band 1597 is looped around each of the two screws 1540 to restrain
movement of the cervical spine without eliminating facet joint
mobility. The band 1597 preferably can restrain flexion and lateral
movement. The elastic band 1597 can be made of a biocompatible,
flexible material.
[0090] FIG. 20 shows an alternative to use of an elastic band as in
FIG. 19. In the embodiment in FIG. 20, the elastic band is replaced
with a spring restraint 1699, which extends between the heads of
two screws 1640, one screw fixing each of two implants 1600 in the
cervical facet joint 1601.
[0091] FIG. 21 shows another alternative to using an elastic band
and/or a spring as in FIGS. 19 or 20. In FIG. 21, magnets 1795 are
used for restraint between the two screws 1740. The magnet 1795 can
either be comprised of two opposing magnetic fields or two of the
same magnetic fields to operate to restrain movement. The head of
one of the two screws 1740 is magnetized, and the head of the other
screw 1740 is magnetized with either the same or opposite field. If
the magnets 1795 have the same polarity, the magnets 1795 repel
each other and thus limit extension. If the magnets 1795 have
opposite polarities, the magnets 1795 attract each other and thus
limit flexion and lateral movement.
[0092] FIGS. 22A-24B, depict a further embodiment 1800 of the
implant of the present invention. In this embodiment, a facet joint
spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert)1810 is
connected with a lateral mass plate (also referred to as an
anchoring palte) 1820 with a hinge 1822. The hinge 1822 allows the
lateral mass plate 1820 to bend at a wide range of angles relative
to the artificial facet joint and preferably at an angle of more
than 90 degrees, and this flexibility facilitates positioning and
insertion of the facet joint spacer (or insert) or inter-facet
spacer (or insert)1810 into a patient's facet joint, the anatomy of
which can be highly variable among individuals. This characteristic
also applies to embodiments described below, which have a hinge or
which are otherwise enabled to bend by some equivalent structure or
material property. The hinge 1822 further facilitates customizing
the anchoring of the implant, i.e., the positioning of a fixation
device. The hinge enables positioning of the lateral mass plate
1820 to conform to a patient's cervical spinal anatomy, and the
lateral mass plate 1820 accepts a fixation device to penetrate the
bone. The facet joint spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or
insert)1810 can be curved or rounded at a distal end 1812 (FIG.
23A), and convex or dome-shaped on a superior surface 1813 to
approximate the shape of the bone inside the facet joint. The
inferior surface 1815 can be flat or planar. Alternatively, the
inferior surface 1815 can be concave. As another alternative, the
inferior surface 1815 can be convex.
[0093] The lateral mass plate 1820, when implanted in the spine, is
positioned outside the facet joint, preferably against the lateral
mass or against the lamina. The lateral mass plate 1820 has a bore
1830 therethrough. The bore 1830 can accept a bone screw 1840, also
referred to as a lateral mass screw, to secure the lateral mass
plate 1820 preferably to the lateral mass or alternatively to
another part of the spine, and thus to anchor the implant. The
lateral mass screw 1840 preferably has a hexagonal head to accept
an appropriately-shaped wrench. As described below, the head
accepts a compatible probe 1826 from a locking plate 1824.
[0094] The locking plate 1824 includes a keel 1828 with a wedge
shaped distal end to anchor the implant, preferably in the lateral
mass or in the lamina, outside the facet joint and to prevent
rotation of the lateral mass plate 1820 and the locking plate 1824.
The keel 1828 aligns with a groove 1823 through an edge of the
lateral mass plate 1820 to guide and align the keel 1828 as the
keel 1828 cuts into a vertebra.
[0095] As noted above, the locking plate 1824 includes a probe 1826
that fits against the head of the lateral mass screw 1840. The
locking plate further includes a bore 1831 that can accept a
machine screw (not shown) which passes through to an aligned bore
1829 in the lateral mass plate 1820 to hold the locking plate 1824
and the lateral mass plate 1820 together without rotational
displacement relative to each other. The locking plate 1824 thus
serves at least two functions: (1) maintaining the position of the
lateral mass screw 1840 with the probe 1826, so that the screw 1840
does not back out; and (2) preventing rotation of the implant with
the keel 1828 and machine screw relative to the cervical vertebra
or other vertebrae.
[0096] It is to be understood that other mechanisms can be used to
lock the locking plate 1824 to the lateral mass plate 1820. For
example, the locking plate can include a probe with barbs that can
be inserted into a port in the lateral mass plate. The barbs can
become engaged in ribs that define the side walls of the port in
the lateral mass plate.
[0097] In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 25A, 25B, the
lateral mass plate 1920 includes a recessed area 1922 for receiving
the locking plate 1924 so that the locking plate 1924 is flush with
the upper surface 1925 of the lateral mass plate 1920 when the
probe 1926 is urged against the lateral mass screw 1940 and the
keel 1928 is inserted into the lateral mass or the lamina of the
vertebra. In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIGS. 25A, 25B,
the shape and contours of the facet joint spacer (or insert) or
inter-facet spacer (or insert) 1910 can facilitate insertion of the
facet joint spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert)
1910 into the cervical facet joint. In this embodiment, the facet
joint spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert) 1910 has
a rounded distal end 1912. The distal end 1912 is tapered in
thickness to facilitate insertion. The tapered distal end 1912
meets and is continuous with a proximal mid-section 1916 which, in
this preferred embodiment, has a uniform thickness, and is
connected flexibly, preferably with a hinge 1922, to the lateral
mass plate 1920, as described above. The facet joint spacer (or
insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert) 1910, with its proximal
mid-section 1916 and tapered distal end 1912, is curved downward,
causing a superior surface 1913 of the facet joint spacer (or
insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert) 1910 to be curved. The
curve can cause the superior surface 1913 to be convex, and the
convexity can vary among different implants 1900 to suit the
anatomical structure of the cervical facet joint(s) of a patient.
An inferior surface 1915 accordingly can be preferably concave,
flat, or convex. The curved shape of the implant can fit the shape
of a cervical facet joint, which is comprised of an inferior facet
of an upper vertebra and a superior facet of a lower adjacent
vertebra. The convex shape of the superior surface 1913 of the
facet joint spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert)
1910 fits with a concave shape of the inferior facet of the upper
cervical vertebrae. The concave shape of the inferior surface 1915
of the facet joint spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or
insert) 1910 fits with the convex shape of the superior facet of
the cervical vertebrae. The degree of convexity and concavity of
the facet joint spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or
insert) inferior and superior surfaces can be varied to fit a
patient's anatomy and the particular pairing of adjacent cervical
vertebrae to be treated. For example, a less-curved facet joint
spacer (or insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert) 1910 can be
used where the patient's cervical spinal anatomy is sized (as
described below) and found to have less convexity and concavity of
the articular facets. Generally for the same level the input for
the right and left facet joint will be similarly shaped. It is
expected that the similarity of shape of the facet joint spacer (or
insert) or inter-facet spacer (or insert) and the smooth, flush
surfaces will allow distraction of the facet joint without loss of
mobility or damage to the bones of the cervical spine. Further, and
preferably, the width of the mid-section 1916 is from 1.5 mm to 2.5
mm.
[0098] Except as otherwise noted above, the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 22A-24B is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B.
Accordingly the remaining elements on the 1900 series of element
numbers is preferably substantially similar to the described
elements in the 1800 series of element numbers, as set forth above.
Thus, by way of example, elements 1923, 1928, 1929 and 1930 are
similar, respective elements 1823, 1828, 1829 and 1830.
[0099] FIG. 30 is a flow chart of the method of insertion of an
implant of the invention. The embodiment 1800 or 1900 of the
present invention preferably is inserted in the following manner
(only elements of the embodiment 1800 will be set forth herein, for
purposes of the written description of a method of the invention).
First the facet joint is accessed. A sizing tool 2200 (see FIGS.
29A-C) can be inserted to select the appropriate size of an implant
of the invention for positioning in the cervical facet joint. This
step may be repeated as necessary with, if desired, different sizes
of the tool 2200 until the appropriate size is determined. This
sizing step also distracts the facet joint and surrounding tissue
in order to facilitate insertion of the implant. Then, the natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 1810 is
urged between the facets into the facet joint. The facet itself is
somewhat shaped like a ball and socket joint. Accordingly, in order
to accommodate this shape, the natural or artificial joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer 1810 can have a rounded leading edge shaped
like a wedge or tissue expander to cause distraction of the facet
joint as the natural or natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer spacer or inter-facet spacer is urged into the
facet joint of the spine. The natural or artificial facet joint
spacer or inter-facet spacer 1810 also includes the convex surface
1813 in order to more fully accommodate the shape of the facet
joint of the spine. However, as set forth above and as depicted in
FIG. 25B, it is possible in the alternative to have a curve-shaped
natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 1910
with a convex superior surface 1913 and a concave inferior surface
1915, the distal end 1912 tapering to facilitate insertion, while
the remainder of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 1910, (i.e., the proximal section 1916) has a
uniform thickness.
[0100] Once the natural or artificial joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 1810 is positioned, the lateral mass plate 1820 is pivoted
downward about the hinge 1822 adjacent to the vertebrae and
preferably to the lateral mass or to the lamina. Thus the lateral
mass plate 1820 may be disposed at an angle relative to the natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 1810 for a
representative spine configuration. It is to be understood that as
this embodiment is hinged the final position of the lateral mass
plate 1820 relative to the natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer 1810 will depend on the actual spine
configuration. It is to be understood that embodiments of the
invention can be made without a hinge, as long as the connection
between the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer and the lateral mass plate is flexible enough to allow the
lateral mass plate to be bent relative to the natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer in order to fit the
anatomy of the patient. Once the lateral mass plate 1820 is
positioned, or prior to the positioning of the lateral mass plate
1820, a bore can be drilled in the bone to accommodate the bone
screw 1824. Alternatively the screw 1824 can be self-tapping. The
screw is then placed through the bore 1830 and secured to the bone,
preferably the lateral mass or the lamina, thereby holding the
natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 1810
in place. In order to lock the bone screw 1824 in place and to lock
the position of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 1810 and the lateral mass plate 1820 in place,
the locking plate 1824 is positioned over the lateral mass plate
1820. So positioned, the probe 1826 is positioned through the bore
1830 and against the head of the bone screw to keep the bone screw
from moving. The keel 1828, having a sharp chisel-shaped end,
preferably can self-cut a groove in the bone so that the keel 1828
is locked into the bone as the keel 1828 is aligned by, and
received in, a groove 1831 of the lateral mass plate 1820.
Alternatively, a groove can be pre-cut in the bone to receive the
keel 1828. As this occurs the bore 1829 of the locking plate 1824
aligns with the threaded bore 1831 of the lateral mass plate 1820
and a machine screw can be inserted to lock the locking plate
relative to the lateral mass plate. This locking prevents the
lateral mass plate 1820 and the natural or artificial facet joint
spacer or inter-facet spacer 1810 from rotating and, as previously
indicated, prevents the bone screw 1840 from backing out from the
vertebra. Preferably the implant is between the C5 and C6 vertebrae
level, or the C6 and C7 vertebrae level. It is noted that two
implants preferably will be implanted at each level between
vertebrae. That is, an implant 1800 will be placed in a right facet
joint and also in a left facet joint when viewed from a posterior
view point. This procedure can be used to increase or distract the
foraminal area or dimension of the spine in an extension or in
neutral position (without having a deleterious effect on cervical
lordosis) and reduce the pressure on the nerves and blood vessels.
At the same time this procedure preserves mobility of the facet
joint.
[0101] FIGS. 26A-27B show a further embodiment of the implant of
the invention, with the embodiment 2000 implanted in the cervical
spine as depicted in FIGS. 27A and 27B. The implant 2000 comprises
a first natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2010 and a second natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer 2010. Each natural or artificial facet joint
spacer or inter-facet spacer can have a distal end 2012 that is
tapered or wedge-shaped in a way that facilitates insertion into
the cervical facet joints on both sides of two adjacent cervical
vertebrae at the same level. The natural or artificial facet joint
spacers or inter-facet spacers further can be dome-shaped, or
convex on a superior surface 2013, to approximate the shape of the
cervical facets of the cervical facet joints.
[0102] The first and second natural or artificial facet joint
spacer or inter-facet spacer s 2010 are bridged together by a
collar 2015. The collar 2015 passes between the spinous processes
of the adjacent cervical vertebrae. As can be seen in FIG. 26B, the
implant can preferably be "V" shaped or "boomerang" shaped. The
entire implant 2000 or the collar 2015 of the implant can be made
of a flexible material such as titanium, so that it is possible to
bend the collar 2015 so that it conforms preferably to the shape of
the lateral mass or the lamina of the cervical vertebrae of the
patient and thereby holds the implant in place with the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer s 2010 inserted
in the cervical facet joints. Bores 2029 are preferably are
provided through implant 2000 adjacent to the natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2010 respectively. These
bores 2029 can receive bone screws to position the implant 2000
against the lateral mass or the lamina as shown in FIGS. 27A, 27B.
The description of the embodiment 2100, in FIGS. 28A, 28B provide
further details concerning the method of affixing the implant 2000
to the vertebrae. The implant 2100 also can be made of PEEK or
other materials as described herein. Embodiment 2000 (the
"boomerang" shape depicted in FIG. 27B) further can have a locking
plate as, for example, the locking plate 1824 in FIG. 22A. The
locking plate for embodiment 2000 (not shown) can have the same
features as locking plate 1824, that is: (1) a probe 1826 that
interacts with the bone screws to prevent the bone screws from
backing out of the bone, the likely consequence of which would be
displacement of the implant 2000; and (2) a keel 1828 with a chisel
end to embed in the bone and thus to prevent rotational
displacement of the implant. However, given the collar 2015
configuration of embodiment 2000, a chisel may not serve the same
purpose as with the embodiments set forth above, which lack a
collar stabilized by two bone screws. Therefore, a locking plate on
embodiment 2000 can be provided without a keel.
[0103] FIGS. 28A and 28B depict a further embodiment of the implant
of the invention 2100. In this embodiment 2100, the collar 2115 can
be made of a flexible material such as titanium, of a substantially
inflexible material, or of other materials described herein.
Substantial flexibility can also be derived from connecting a first
natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2110
with the collar 2115 using a first hinge 2117, and connecting a
second natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2110 with the collar 2115 using a second hinge 2117. Using
the first hinge 2117 and the second hinge 2117, the collar 2115 can
be pivoted downward to conform to a particular patient's cervical
spinal anatomy. In other words, the degree of pivoting will vary
among different patients, and the first hinge 2117 and second hinge
2117 allow the implant 2100 to accommodate the variance.
[0104] In the hinged embodiment 2100, and similar to the embodiment
2000, the collar 2115 can have a first bore 2129 inferior to the
first hinge 2117, and a second bore 2129 inferior to the second
hinge 2117. A first bone screw penetrates the first bore 2130 and
into the lateral mass or the lamina, and the second bone screw
penetrates the second bore 2130 and into the lateral mass or the
lamina, the first and second bone screws serving to anchor the
implant. A bore, preferably in the lateral mass, can be drilled for
the first bone screw and for the second bone screw. Alternatively,
the bone screws can be self-tapping. A first locking plate similar
to the plate 1924 (FIG. 25A) can be secured about the head of the
first bone screw and a second locking plate can be secured about
the head of the second bone screw to prevent displacement of the
first and second bone screws 2140. The first locking plate can
block the first bone screw with a probe and the second locking
plate can block to the second bone screw with a probe.
[0105] It should be noted that embodiments 2000 and 2100 also can
be configured for accommodating treatment of cervical spinal
stenosis and other cervical spine ailments where only a single
cervical facet joint between adjacent vertebrae requires an
implant, i.e., where treatment is limited to one lateral facet
joint. In that case, the collar 2015, 2115 extends medially without
extending further to join a second natural or artificial facet
joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2010, 2110. For the hinged
embodiment 2100, the implant comprises a single hinge 2117, and the
collar 2115 has only one bore 2129 to accept one bone screw to
secure the implant 2100.
[0106] FIGS. 29A-E, depict a sizing and distracting tool 2200 of
the invention. Sizing tool 2200 has a handle 2203 and a distal head
2210 that is shaped as a natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer (e.g., 1810) of an implant of the invention.
That is, the head 2210 preferably will have essentially the same
features as the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 1810, but the dimensions of the head 2210 will
vary from one tool 2200 to the next, in order to be able to use
different versions of the sizing tool 2200 to determine the
dimensions of the cervical facet joint that is to be treated and
then to select an appropriately-sized implant. The head 2210
preferably can be used to distract the facet joint prior to the
step of implanting the implant in the facet joint. In this regard,
the head 2210 is rounded at the most distal point 2212, and can be
a tapered to facilitate insertion into a cervical facet joint. The
head 2210 also can have a slightly convex superior surface 2213,
the degree of convexity varying among different sizing tools 2200
in order to determine the desired degree of convexity of an implant
to be implanted in the cervical facet joint. The head 2210 may have
a uniform thickness along a proximal mid-section 2216. Accordingly,
the inferior surface 2215 preferably can be concave. Alternatively,
the proximal mid-section 2212 maybe convex on the superior surface
1813 without being uniform in thickness. Thus, the inferior surface
2215 can be flat or planar. The head also can be curved.
[0107] The head 2210 has a stop 2218 to prevent over-insertion of
the head 2210 of the sizing tool 2200 into the facet joint. The
stop 2218 can be a ridge that separates the head 2210 from the
handle 2203. Alternatively, the stop 2218 can be any structure that
prevents insertion beyond the stop 2218, including pegs, teeth, and
the like.
[0108] Different sizing tools 2200 covering a range of dimensions
of the head 2210 can be inserted successively into a cervical facet
joint to select the appropriate size of an implant to position in
the cervical spine, with the appropriate convexity and concavity of
the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer.
Each preferably larger head also can be used to distract the facet
joint.
[0109] FIG. 31A depicts a posterior view of a further embodiment
2300 of the implant of the invention. Embodiment 2300, as well as
all of the embodiments herein, can benefit from some or all of the
advantages described herein with regard to the other embodiments
described herein. Further, FIG. 31A, embodiment 2300 has a natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2310 that
can have a tapered or thinned distal end 2312 so that the distal
end 2312 facilitates insertion of the natural or artificial facet
joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2310 into a cervical facet
joint. The distal end 2312 can be rounded, as seen in the plan view
of FIG. 31A, in order to conform to the roundness of the facet
joint. The natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2310 further can be curved so that a superior surface 2313
of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2310 is convex, and an inferior surface 2315 is concave, to
approximate the natural shape of the cervical facet joint that is
to receive the implant 2300. The curve can have a uniform
thickness, or it can have a varied thickness. Further, the lateral
edges of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 2310 are curved or rounded, for distribution of
load-bearing stress. As with other embodiments described herein,
the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer
2310 also can be made of a flexible, biocompatible material, such
as PEEK, to maintain joint mobility and flexibility.
[0110] The natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2310 is connected flexibly with a lateral mass plate 2320,
the flexible connection preferably being a hinge 2322. As seen in
the plan view of FIG. 31A, the implant 2300 is substantially
hour-glass shaped. This shape, as well as the shape of FIG. 32,
will be discussed further below. The hinge 2322 is narrower than
the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer
2310, with the hinge 2322 sitting at substantially the isthmus 231
7between the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 2310 and the lateral mass plate 2320. The curved
edges, or fillets, about the hinge 2322 serve to distribute more
evenly the load-bearing stress on the implant 2300, and thus
prevent concentrating the stress about the edges.
[0111] The hinge 2322 allows the implant 2300 to bend at the hinge
2322, bringing a lateral mass plate 2320 adjacent to the lateral
mass and/or lamina of the patient's spine, and to conform to a
particular patient's anatomy. The lateral mass plate 2320 is made
of a biocompatible flexible material, preferably titanium or any
other biocompatible flexible material as described herein, for
example PEEK, that will support the use of bone screws and other
hardware, as described below. The lateral mass plate 2320 bends
downward at the hinge 2322 over a wide range of angles relative to
the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer
2310, and preferably at an angle of more than 90 degrees, and this
flexibility facilitates positioning and insertion of the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer. This
flexibility of the lateral mass plate 2320 relative to the natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2310 further
facilitates positioning of the lateral mass plate relative to the
lateral mass and/or the lamina of the patient's spine. Once the
lateral mass plate 2320 is positioned adjacent to the bone,
preferably the lateral mass of a cervical vertebra, a first bone
screw, such as bone screw 1840, can be inserted through a first
bore 2330 through the lateral mass plate 2320 and embedded into the
bone of the lateral mass of the cervical vertebra.
[0112] The lateral mass plate 2320 further comprises a second bore
2329 which is preferably positioned medially, relative to the first
bore 2330. Thus, viewing the implant from a posterior perspective
as in FIG. 31A, the second bore 2329 in the lateral mass plate 2320
can be positioned either to the left or to the right of the first
bore 2330. The position of the second bore 2329 will depend upon
whether the implant 2300 is intended to be inserted into a cervical
facet joint on the left or right side of a patient. Specifically,
an implant 2300 to be inserted into a right-side cervical facet
joint (i.e., the patient's rights side) will have a second bore
2329 positioned to the left of the first bore 2330 as in FIG. 31A,
when implant 2300 is viewed from a posterior perspective, while an
implant 2300 to be inserted into a left-side cervical facet joint
will have a second bore 2329 positioned to the right of the first
bore 2330, when implant 2300 is viewed from a posterior
perspective.
[0113] The second bore 2329 through the lateral mass plate 2320 is
adapted to accept a second screw 2390 (FIG. 31B), which preferably
is a locking screw with a chisel point 2391. The locking screw 2390
is received by the second bore 2329 and the chisel point 2391
self-cuts a bore into the bone. The locking screw 2390 preferably
is inserted through the second bore 2329 and embedded in the bone,
after the bone screw is embedded in the bone through the first bore
2330. The position of the second bore 2329, i.e., medial to the
first bore 2330, positions the locking screw 2390 so that it embeds
in stronger bone tissue than if the second bore 2329 were located
more laterally. The locking screw, in combination with the bone
screw, prevents rotational and/or backward displacement of the
implant 2300. As the locking screw 2390 is received by the second
bore 2329, the head 2392 of the locking screw 2390 aligns with the
head of the first bone screw in the first bore 2330, blocking the
head of the first bone screw to prevent the first bone screw from
backing out of the bone of the vertebra and the first bore
2330.
[0114] FIG. 32 depicts a further embodiment 2400 of the implant of
the invention, from a posterior view. Embodiment 2400 is adapted to
be implanted in a manner that preserves the anatomy of the cervical
facet joint, in particular, the soft tissues around the cervical
facet joint, including the joint capsule.
[0115] Implant 2400, like implant 2300 and other implants disclosed
above, has a natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 2410, flexibly connected, preferably by a hinge
2422, to a lateral mass plate 2420. As can be seen in FIG. 32, the
implant 2400 including the natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer 2410 and the hinge 2422 is substantially "P"
shaped. As explained below, its "P" shape assists in the insertion
of the implant 2400 into the facet joint with most of the facet
capsule and facet capsule ligament and other soft tissue associated
with the facet joint still left intact. The natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer, as above for implant 2300
and the other implants disclosed above, can have a superior surface
2413 of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2410 that is convex, and an inferior surface 2415 that is
concave, or any appropriate shaping to approximate the natural
shape of the cervical facet joint that is to receive the implant
2400. The thickness of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer 2410 can be uniform, or varied. The natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410 also
can be made of a flexible, biocompatible material, such as PEEK, to
maintain joint mobility and flexibility. The hinge 2422 can have
smooth, rounded edges, for distribution of load stress, as
disclosed above. Other features and advantages of the other
embodiments can be, if desired, incorporated into the design of the
embodiment of FIG. 32. For example, the natural or artificial facet
joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410 further can have a tapered
or thinned edge 2412 so that the edge 2412 facilitates insertion of
the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer
2410 into a cervical facet joint. The edge 2412 can be curved. In
this embodiment 2400, however, the thinned edge 2412 of the natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410
preferably is not at the distal end of the natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2400 as is the thinned
edge 2312 of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 2300; rather, the thinned edge 2412 preferably
is positioned laterally, toward the hinge 2422 of the implant 2400.
The thinned edge 2412 coincides substantially with a lateral
curvature 2440 of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 2410, which is pronounced relative to the
curvature on the medial side of the implant 2400, i.e., a "P"
shape. In other words, the curved part of the head of the "P" 2440
corresponds to the thinned edge 2412, and serves as the leading
edge of the implant 2400 to begin insertion of the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410 into a
cervical facet joint, preferably through an incision in the soft
tissue of the facet joint. The "P" shape narrows at isthmus 2417
where the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2410 that is joined by the hinge 2422 with the lateral mass
plate 2420. The smooth or rounded edges or fillets serve to
distribute stresses on the implant 2400. The above described "P"
shape of implant 2400 allows the implant 2400 to be pivoted into
place into a facet joint as described below. The thinned edge 2412
and leading lateral curvature 2440 of the natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410 are adapted to
facilitate urging implant 2400 into the cervical facet joint,
through the incision in the joint capsule. The implant 2400 then is
pivoted into position so that the lateral mass plate 2420 can be
bent downward, relative to the natural or artificial facet joint
spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410, to align with and lie adjacent
to the lateral mass and/or the lamina. The lateral mass plate 2420
is then fastened to the bone.
[0116] The lateral mass plate 2420 of implant 2400, like the
lateral mass plate for implant 2300, is flexibly connected,
preferably by the smooth-edged hinge 2422, to the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410 at the
narrow lower part of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer. The lateral mass plate 2420 is made of a
biocompatible flexible material, preferably titanium or any other
biocompatible flexible material such as PEEK that will support the
use of bone screws and other hardware, as described below.
[0117] The lateral mass plate 2420 bends downward at a wide range
of angles relative to the natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer 2410, and preferably at an angle of more than
90 degrees. The flexibility of the lateral mass plate 2420 relative
to the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2410 further facilitates positioning of the lateral mass
plate 2420 relative to the lateral mass and/or the lamina of the
patient's spine.
[0118] Like embodiment 2300, described above, the lateral mass
plate 2420 has first bore 2430, which is adapted to receive a bone
screw 2440, to help anchor implant 2400 in position. The lateral
mass plate 2420 further includes a second bore 2429 adapted to be
positioned medially, relative to the first bore 2430, as disclosed
above for implant 2300. The position of the second bore 2429, when
viewing implant 2400 from a posterior perspective (FIG. 32), will
depend upon whether implant 2400 is intended to be implanted into a
left-side or right-side cervical facet joint of a patient. Thus,
implant 2400 with the second bore 2429 positioned to the left of
the first bore 2430 is intended to be implanted in a right-side
cervical facet joint of a patient, as depicted in FIG. 32, while an
implant 2400 with a second bore 2429 positioned to the right of the
first bore 2430 is intended to be implanted in a left-side cervical
facet joint of a patient.
[0119] The second bore 2429 through the lateral mass plate 2420 is
adapted to receive a second screw 2490 with head 2492, which
preferably is a locking screw with a chisel point, such as screw
2390. The function and purpose of the bone screw disposed through
bore 2430 and the locking screw disposed through bore 2429 are as
described above with respect to the implant 2300.
[0120] The present invention further includes a method of
implanting the implant 2400 (FIGS. 33A, 33B). To insert the natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410, a
facet joint is accessed and an incision or a pair of incisions is
made in the capsular ligament, the joint capsule, and the synovial
membrane so that the thinned edge 2412 of the implant 2400 can be
urged into the cervical facet joint through these tissues. The
capsular ligament and the joint capsule and other soft tissues
around the cervical facet joint are allowed to remain substantially
intact, except for the small incision, and will be sutured and
allowed to heal around the implant 2400. If desired, the cervical
facet joint can be distracted prior to urging the curved section
2440 with the thinned edge 2412 of the natural or artificial facet
joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410 into the cervical facet
joint. Once the curved section 2440 of the natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410 with the thinned edge
2412 is urged into the cervical facet joint, implant 2400 is
pivoted, preferably about 90 degrees, so that the second bore 2429
is placed medially relative to the first bore 2430. This allows the
natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2410
to be positioned in the facet joint. It is noted that the overall
size, including the isthmus 2417, of the artificial fact joint
2410, as that of 2310, can be somewhat smaller than in prior
embodiments to allow the natural or artificial facet joint spacer
or inter-facet spacer to be positioned within the edges of the
facet joint with the joint capsule substantially intact. The
lateral mass plate 2420 then can be bent downward about the hinge
2422 into position adjacent the lateral mass or lamina of the spine
of the patient, which position will depend upon the anatomy of an
individual patient's cervical spine.
[0121] Once the lateral mass plate 2420 is positioned adjacent to
the bone, preferably the lateral mass of a cervical vertebra, a
first bone screw can be inserted through the first bore 2430
through the lateral mass plate 2420 and become embedded into the
bone of the lateral mass of the cervical vertebra to anchor the
implant 2400. After the bone screw is embedded, a locking screw is
inserted through the second bore 2429 of the lateral mass plate
2420, the second bore 2429 medial to the first bore 2430. The
locking screw has a chisel end that allows the locking screw to dig
into the bone without use of a tool to pre-cut a bore.
Alternatively, a bore can be pre-cut and a locking screw without a
chisel end can be used. As the locking screw is embedded in the
bone, the locking head of the locking screw is brought into
proximity with the head of the bone screw to block its backward
movement so that the implant 2400 remains anchored with the bone
screw, i.e., so that the bone screw cannot back out of the bone.
The embedded locking screw also serves to prevent rotational
displacement of implant 2400, while blocking backward displacement
of the first bone screw.
[0122] FIG. 34A depicts a posterior view of another embodiment 2500
of the implant of the invention. Embodiment 2500, as well as all of
the embodiments herein, can benefit from some or all of the
features and advantages with regard to the other embodiments
described herein. As shown, embodiment 2500 has a natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 that can
have a tapered or thinned distal end 2512. The natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 further
can be curved so that a superior surface 2513 of the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 is convex,
and an inferior surface 2515 is concave, to approximate the natural
shape of the cervical facet joint that is to receive the implant
2500. In one embodiment, the inferior surface 2515 is substantially
flat whereby the superior surface 2513 is convex (FIG. 34B). As
shown in FIG. 34B, the convex superior surface 2513 tapers downward
at an increased angle toward the inferior surface 2515 at the
distal end 2512. This contour of the superior surface 2513 aids in
smooth insertion of the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or
inter-facet spacer 2510 into the facet joint. As with other
embodiments described above, the natural or artificial facet joint
spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 also can be made of a flexible,
biocompatible material, such as PEEK, to maintain joint mobility
and flexibility.
[0123] The natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet
spacer 2510 is connected flexibly with the lateral mass plate 2520,
preferably with a hinge 2522. The hinge 2522 allows the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 and the
lateral mass plate 2520 of the implant 2500 to bend with respect to
one another between an extended position and a bent or folded
position as discussed above. Once the lateral mass plate 2520 is
positioned adjacent to the bone, preferably the lateral mass of a
cervical vertebra, a first bone screw, such as bone screw 1840, can
be inserted through a first bore 2530 through the lateral mass
plate 2520 and embedded into the bone of the lateral mass of the
cervical vertebra. In addition, once the lateral mass plate 2520 is
secured with the first bone screw, a second bone screw can be
inserted through a second bore 2529 in the lateral mass plate 2520,
whereby the second bone screw would be embedded into the bone of
the lateral mass of the cervical vertebra. Details of the first and
second bores are discussed above.
[0124] The lateral mass plate 2520 is made of a biocompatible
flexible material, preferably titanium or any other biocompatible
flexible material as described herein, for example PEEK, that will
support the use of bone screws and other hardware, as described
below. The lateral mass plate 2520 bends downward about the hinge
2522 over a wide range of angles relative to the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510. In
another embodiment, any other type of interface between the natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 and the
lateral mass plate 2520 is contemplated (e.g. ball and socket
joint). This flexibility facilitates positioning and insertion of
the natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer
2510.
[0125] FIG. 34B depicts a side view of the natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer and lateral mass plate in
accordance with one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 34B, the natural
or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510
includes an hyper-extension tab 2522 in one embodiment. The
hyper-extension tab 2522 prevents the natural or artificial facet
joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 as well as the lateral mass
plate 2520 from moving in a direction beyond the extended position
which is shown in FIGS. 34A and 35B. The lateral mass plate 2520
preferably includes a recess 2511 at the interface between the
lateral mass plate 2520 and the natural or artificial facet joint
spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 which seats the tab 2522 in the
extended position which is shown in FIG. 34A. When the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 is bent at
an angle, the tab 2522 is not in contact with the recess 2511.
However, the tab 2522 comes into contact with the recess 2511 when
in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 34A. In addition, the
tab 2522, when seated in the recess 2511, prevents the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 and
lateral mass plate 2520 from moving beyond the extended position.
This features aids in placing the implant into the facet joint as
the implant is prevented from bending back beyond the extended
position shown in FIG. 34B. This arrangement, however, allows the
lateral mass plate 2520 to bend down to meet the spine when the
natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510
is implanted in the facet joint.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 34A, the lateral mass plate 2520 preferably
includes a third bore 2502 located near a rear edge, whereby the
third bore 2052 preferably receives an engaging rod 2616 (FIG. 35B)
of an implantation tool 2600 described below. The third bore 2502
preferably extends through the superior and inferior surfaces of
the lateral mass plate, although not necessarily. Although the
third bore 2502 is circular in shape, any other shape is
contemplated which engages a correspondingly shaped engaging rod
2616 (FIG. 35B). The rear edge 2504 of the lateral mass plate 2520
can be engaged by the engagement head 2606 (FIG. 35B) of the
implantation tool 2600 as described below.
[0127] In addition, the lateral mass plate 2520 preferably includes
one or more winged protrusions, such as tabs, wing lets or ears,
2508 which protrude from the side edges of the lateral mass plate
2520. FIG. 34A illustrates the implant 2500 having two winged
protrusions 2508. The protrusions 2508 serve as guides to
successfully couple the implant 2500 to the implantation tool 2600.
In addition, the protrusions act as an engaging mechanism which
secures the implant 2500 to the tool 2600. It should be noted that
the winged protrusions 2508 are preferred and the implant 2500 can
be configured in any other appropriate design to ensure that the
implant 2500 is able to be effectively guided and secured to the
implantation tool 2600.
[0128] FIG. 35A depicts an implantation tool in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 35A, the tool
2600 preferably includes a handle 2602 having a proximal end and a
distal end. The tool 2600 includes an actuating switch 2608 as well
as a shaft 2604 extending from the distal end of the handle 2602.
As shown in FIG. 35A, the shaft 2604 preferably extends axially
with the handle 2602, although the shaft 2604 may be at an angle
with respect to the handle 2602. Extending from the shaft 2604 is
an engagement head 2606, whereby the engagement head is preferably
oriented at an angle with respect to the shaft 2604 and/or the
handle 2602. The angle of the head 2606 relative to the shaft 2604
aids the surgeon in the process of implanting the implant 2500 in
the spine. This angle allows the surgeon to slip the natural or
artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 into the
facet joint with the tool 2600 preferably about a right angle to
the spine. Preferably the head is at an angle between 45 and 90
degrees relative to the handle 2604. However, other angles are
contemplated.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 35B, the engagement head 2606 preferably
has a forked configuration and includes a pair of side walls 2610,
an engagement seat 2612 as well as a receiving space 2618 which is
defined as the area between the side walls 2610 and the seat 2612.
The engagement head 2606 preferably includes a retractable engaging
rod 2616 which extends partially into the receiving space 2618. The
side walls 2610 each have an inner side which includes a slot 2612
whereby the slots 2612 face the receiving space 2618. The slots
2612 are dimensioned to slidably receive the wing protrusions 2508
of the lateral mass plate 2520 as well as secure the lateral mass
plate 2520 to the engagement head 2606. The engagement seat 2612
receives the rear edge 2504 of the lateral mass plate 2520.
[0130] In one embodiment, the engagement head 2606 preferably
includes the engaging rod 2616, as shown in FIG. 35B. The engaging
rod 2616 is dimensioned to fit within the third bore 2502 in the
lateral mass plate 2520. The engaging rod 2616 is coupled the
switch 2608 on the handle 2602, whereby actuation of the switch
2608 causes the engaging rod 2616 to retract. Upon being retracted,
the engaging rod 2616 disengages the third bore 2502 and allows the
implant 2500 to be disengaged from the engagement head 2606. It is
preferred that the tool 2600 includes a spring or other urging
means to urge the engaging rod 2616 to the extended position, as
shown in FIG. 35B. In another embodiment, the engaging rod 2616 is
freely moveable between the extended and retracted positions
without a biasing force applied thereto.
[0131] It should be noted that the engaging rod 2616 is shown as
being a circular cylinder in FIGS. 35A and 35B. However, it is
contemplated that the engaging rod 2616 can have any other shape
which conforms to the shape of the third bore 2502 in the lateral
mass plate 2520. In another embodiment, the engagement head 2606
does not include an engaging rod 2616 but some other mechanism to
secure the implant 2500 to the tool 2600. In yet another
embodiment, the slots 2612 in the side walls 2610 can be used to
retain the implant 2500 in the head 2606 without the use of an
engaging mechanism.
[0132] In preferred operation, to engage the implant 2500 with the
tool 2600, the implant 2600 is oriented to be right side up such
that the rear surface 2504 of the implant 2500 will conform and
mate with the engagement seat 2614. The implant 2500 is aligned
with the forked portion of the engagement head 2606, whereby the
winged protrusions 2508 of the implant 2500 are inserted into the
slot openings 2612. Upon registering the winged protrusions 2508
into the corresponding slots 2612, the lateral mass plate 2520 is
guided into engagement by the slots 2612 until the rear edge 2504
mates with the engagement seat 2614. Preferably the engaging rod
2616 is then inserted into the third bore 2502, thereby securing
the lateral mass plate 2520 to the engagement head 2606. In one
embodiment, the user manually actuates the switch 2608 to retract
the engaging rod 2616 to allow the lateral mass plate 2520 to be
inserted completely in the receiving space. The switch 2608 is then
manually released when the bore 2502 and engaging rod 2616 are
aligned such that the engaging rod 2616 then extends and engages
the third bore 2502. In another embodiment, contact between the
superior surface of the lateral mass plate 2520 and the engaging
rod 2616 causes the engaging rod 2616 to slightly retract while the
plate 2520 is moved into the engagement seat 2614. Once the lateral
mass plate 2520 is seated, the third bore 2502 preferably registers
with the engaging rod 2616, whereby the urging force causes the
engaging rod 2616 to automatically engage the third bore 2502.
[0133] During the surgical procedure, the natural or artificial
facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer 2510 is inserted into the
distracted facet joint as described in detail above. Upon the
natural or artificial facet joint spacer or inter-facet spacer
2510being satisfactorily inserted in the facet joint, the user
preferably actuates the switch 2608 to disengage the engaging rod
2616 from the third bore 2502. The surgeon then draws the tool 2600
away from the facet joint, whereby the lateral mass plate 2520
slides out of the received area and is guided by the slots 2612.
The lateral mass plate 2520 is then anchored into the vertebral
body as discussed above.
[0134] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise
forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent
to practitioners skilled in this art. The embodiments were chosen
and described in order to explain the principles of the invention
and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and
with various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *