U.S. patent application number 15/264205 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-05 for facet lamina plate system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Thunder Road Properties, LP. The applicant listed for this patent is Thunder Road Properties, LP. Invention is credited to Kenneth Jarolem.
Application Number | 20170000528 15/264205 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51531116 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170000528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jarolem; Kenneth |
January 5, 2017 |
FACET LAMINA PLATE SYSTEM
Abstract
An apparatus for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient
is provided. The apparatus may include a first connection device
configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint of
the spine of the patient. Additionally, the apparatus may include a
second connection device configured to be positioned directly
through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient.
Furthermore, the apparatus may include a plate configured to engage
the first and second connection devices after the first and second
connection devices are positioned through the first and second
facet joints respectively. The plate may include a first slot
configured to engage the first connection device and a second slot
configured to engage the second connection device. The first slot
may be perpendicular to the second slot, and the first slot may be
perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.
Inventors: |
Jarolem; Kenneth; (Davie,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Thunder Road Properties, LP |
Davie |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Thunder Road Properties, LP
Davie
FL
|
Family ID: |
51531116 |
Appl. No.: |
15/264205 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13826984 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
9451996 |
|
|
15264205 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/7064 20130101;
A61B 17/86 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/70 20060101
A61B017/70; A61B 17/86 20060101 A61B017/86 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A system for securing facet joints of a spine of a patient, the
system comprising: a first screw configured to be positioned
through a first facet joint of the spine of the patient; a second
screw configured to be positioned through a second facet joint of
the spine of the patient; and a plate configured to engage the
first and second screws after the first and second screws are
positioned through the first and second facet joints respectively,
the plate comprising: a first slot comprising an opening extending
to an edge of the plate and configured to engage the first screw
after the first screw is positioned through the first facet joint;
and a second slot comprising an opening extending to an edge of the
plate and configured to engage the second screw after the second
screw is positioned through the second facet joint, wherein the
first slot is perpendicular to the second slot and the first slot
is perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the plate is configured to
extend up over the lamina of the spine and engage a spinous process
of the spine when the plate is engaged with the first and second
screws.
23. The system of claim 21, wherein the first and second screws
each include a head located at distal ends of the first and second
screws, wherein each head enables the plate to be secured to the
first and second screws when the plate is engaged.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein each head is wider than the
first and second slots of the plate.
25. The system of claim 23, wherein each head is configured to be
flush with a surface of the plate when the plate is engaged with
the first and second screws.
26. The system of claim 21, wherein the first and second screws
each include a head located at distal ends of the first and second
screws, wherein each head is shaped such that when the plate is
engaged with the first and second screws, a portion of the head of
the first screw rests on a pair of indentations adjacent to the
first slot and a portion of the head of the second screw rests on a
pair of indentations adjacent to the second slot.
27. The system of claim 21, wherein the plate is configured to
extend over the spinous process and have a U-shaped structure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present application relates to medical devices and
instruments related to spine surgeries, and, more particularly, to
a facet lamina plate system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Over the years, substantial progress has been made in
medical technology, medical devices, and surgical techniques. This
progress has dramatically improved patient survival rates, life
expectancies, and quality of living, while also, often times,
simultaneously reducing the incidence of serious complications or
side effects. Despite such progress, continuous improvements to
such medical technology, medical devices, and surgical techniques
are needed to provide physicians with the most effective and safe
treatments and procedures that are utilized to treat patients. As
an example, back surgeries such as spinal fusions, discectomies,
foraminotomies, laminectomies, and spinal disc replacements, while
often very useful in treating various back-related conditions, are
typically quite invasive and may potentially have unwanted or
unintended consequences. Such consequences may include, but are not
limited to, failed back syndrome, pseudoarthrosis, implant failure,
the migration or subsidence of grafts, infection, bleeding, nerve
damage, continued back pain after surgery, or a variety of other
consequences. Fortunately, such consequences are often rare,
particularly when such surgeries are performed by skilled surgeons.
Nevertheless, an increasing number of people are undergoing various
types of back surgeries each year. Additionally, there continues to
be tremendous increases in medical costs associated with these
procedures. As a result, the incidence of unintended or unwanted
consequences may rise in a similar fashion. Therefore, providing
additional options to physicians for conducting such surgeries is
desirable, particularly because such options may aid in reducing
such consequences.
SUMMARY
[0003] A facet lamina plate system and accompanying methods for
utilizing the facet lamina plate system are disclosed. The facet
lamina plate system may be utilized during spinal fusion surgeries
such as, but not limited to, traditional spinal fusion surgeries,
posterior lumbar spinal fusions, supplemental fixations performed
after anterior lumbar fusions, or any other suitable type of spinal
fusion surgery. Spinal fusion surgeries are utilized to treat a
variety of conditions such as, but not limited to, degenerative
disc disease, spinal tumors, spinal disc herniations, vertebral
fractures, scoliosis, spondylosis, and spondylolisthesis. Spinal
fusion surgeries involve fusing or joining together two or more
vertebrae of a patient's spine. Often times, supplementary bone
grafts, either from the patient or a donor, are utilized in
conjunction with the patient's own natural bone growth processes to
facilitate a successful fusion. Such spinal fusion surgeries have
become increasingly common, and it is estimated that hundreds of
thousands of these types of surgical procedures are performed in
the world each year.
[0004] In particular, the facet lamina plate system may be
implanted into a patient's spine during a surgical procedure, such
as a spinal fusion procedure or other appropriate procedure.
Initially, a surgeon performing the surgical procedure may create
an incision in the patient's back and insert a first connection
device directly through a first facet joint of the spine of the
patient. The first facet joint may be a facet joint that needs to
be fused. Once the first connection device is inserted through the
first facet joint, the surgeon may insert a second connection
device directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the
patient. The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect
to the first facet joint and may be located at the same level as
the first facet joint. As with the first facet joint, the second
facet joint may also be associated with the vertebrae that needs to
be fused. After the first and second connection devices have been
inserted through the first and second facet joints respectively,
the surgeon can engage first and second slots of a plate with the
first and second connection devices respectively. In one
embodiment, the first slot of the plate may be perpendicular to the
second slot of the plate, and the first slot may be perpendicular
to a long axis of the spine of the patient. However, other
arrangements for the slots of the plate are also contemplated in
the pending disclosure. Once the plate is engaged with the first
and second connection devices in a desired position, the surgeon
can tighten or otherwise ensure that the first and second
connection devices are firmly affixed to the first and second facet
joints respectively. The surgeon may then suture or otherwise close
the incision. As a result, the facet lamina plate system stabilizes
the spinal segment with the goal of facilitating a successful
spinal fusion.
[0005] In one embodiment, a facet lamina plate system for securing
facet joints of a spine of a patient may be provided. The facet
lamina plate system may include a first connection device that may
be configured to be positioned directly through a first facet joint
of the spine of a patient. Additionally, the system may include a
second connection device that may be configured to be positioned
directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient.
The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect to the
first facet joint and may be located at the same level as the first
facet joint. Furthermore, the system may include a plate that may
be configured to engage the first and second connection devices
after the first and second connection devices have been positioned
through the first and second facet joints respectively. The plate
may include a first slot that may be configured to engage the first
connection device, and a second slot that may be configured to
engage the second connection device. The first slot of the plate
may be configured to be perpendicular to the second slot and the
first slot may be perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the
patient.
[0006] In another embodiment, a method for securing facet joints
and vertebrae of a spine of a patient may be provided. The method
may include positioning a first connection device directly through
a first facet joint of the spine and a second connection device
directly through a second facet joint of the spine of the patient.
The second facet joint may be contralateral with respect to the
first facet joint and may be located at the same level as the first
facet joint. Also, the method may include engaging a plate with the
first and second connection devices after positioning the first and
second connection devices through the first and second facet
joints. The plate may include first and second slots such that the
first slot may be configured to engage the first connection device
and the second slot may be configured to engage the second
connection device when engaging the plate. Notably, the first slot
may be perpendicular to the second slot and the first slot may be
perpendicular to a long axis of the spine of the patient.
[0007] In yet another embodiment, another facet lamina plate system
for securing facet joints and vertebrae of a spine of a patient may
be provided. The facet lamina plate system may include a plate that
is positionable in proximity to first and second facet joints of
the patient's spine. The first and second facet joints may be right
and left facet joints located at the same spinal level of a patient
respectively. The plate may include a first interface and a second
interface. Additionally, the system may include a first connection
device configured to be positioned directly through the first facet
joint of the spine of the patient by inserting a shaft portion of
the first connection device through a hole in the first interface.
The first connection device may be positioned through the first
facet joint after the plate is positioned in proximity to the first
and second facet joints, wherein a head portion of the first
connection device may be configured to rest adjacent to a surface
of an indentation in the first interface. The indentation of the
first interface may be adjacent to the hole of the first interface.
Furthermore, the system may include a second connection device that
may be configured to be positioned directly through the second
facet joint of the spine of the patient by inserting a shaft
portion of the second connection device through a hole in the
second interface. The second connection device may be positioned
through the second facet joint after the plate is positioned in
proximity to the first and second facet joints. A head portion of
the second connection device may be configured to rest adjacent to
a surface of an indentation in the second interface, which may be
located adjacent the hole of the second interface.
[0008] In another embodiment, a facet lamina plate kit may be
provided. The facet lamina plate kit may include a plurality of
connection devices. A first connection device of the plurality of
connection devices may be configured to be positioned directly
through a first facet joint of a spine of a patient. A second
connection device of the plurality of connection devices may be
configured to be positioned directly through a second facet joint
of the spine of the patient. The second facet joint may be
contralateral with respect to the first facet joint and may be
located at the same level as the first facet joint. The facet
lamina plate kit may further include a plate that may be configured
to engage the plurality of connection devices. In one embodiment,
the plate may be configured to engage the first and second
connection devices after the first and second connection devices
have been positioned through the first and second facet joints
respectively. The plate of the facet lamina plate kit may include a
first slot that may be configured to engage the first connection
device. Additionally, the plate may include a second slot that may
be configured to engage the second connection device. The first
slot may be positioned perpendicular to the second slot, and the
first slot may be positioned perpendicular to a long axis of the
spine of the patient when the plate is implanted.
[0009] In still another embodiment, another facet lamina plate kit
may be provided. The facet lamina plate kit may include a plate and
a plurality of connection devices. The plate may be configured to
be positionable in proximity to a first facet joint and a second
facet joint of a spine of a patient. The plate may include a first
interface and a second interface. A first connection device of the
plurality of connection devices may be configured to be positioned
directly through the first facet joint of the spine of the patient
by inserting a shaft portion of the first connection device through
a hole in the first interface. In one embodiment, the first
connection device may be positioned through the first facet joint
after the plate is positioned in proximity to the first and second
facet joints, wherein a head portion of the first connection device
may be configured to rest adjacent to a surface of an indentation
in the first interface. The indentation in the first interface may
be located adjacent to the hole of the first interface. A second
connection device may be configured to be positioned directly
through the second facet joint of the spine of the patient by
inserting a shaft portion of the second connection device through a
hole in the second interface. The second facet joint may be
contralateral with respect to the first facet joint and may be
located at the same level as the first facet joint. The second
connection device may be positioned through the second facet joint
after the plate is positioned in proximity to the first and second
facet joints. A head portion of the second connection device may be
configured to rest adjacent to a surface of an indentation in the
second interface. The indentation of the second interface may be
adjacent to the hole of the second interface.
[0010] These and other features of the facet lamina plate systems,
methods, and kits are described in the following detailed
description, drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is an anteroposterior view of a spine of a patient
that has a facet lamina plate system implanted onto the spine
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an anteroposterior view of a spine of a patient
featuring a pair of connection devices inserted directly through
facet joints of the spine, wherein the connection devices are a
part of the facet lamina plate system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a lateral view of a spine of a patient featuring
the pair of connection devices of FIG. 2 inserted into facet joints
of the spine of the patient.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded top view of the facet lamina plate
system of FIG. 1 featuring a pair of connection devices and a plate
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the facet lamina plate system of
FIG. 1 featuring two connection devices engaged with slots of a
plate of the system.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of the facet lamina plate system of
FIG. 1 featuring two connection devices engaged with slots of a
plate of the system.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an exploded top view of a facet lamina plate
system according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an anteroposterior view of a spine implanted with
the facet lamina plate system of FIG. 7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a lateral view of a spine implanted with the facet
lamina plate system of FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded top view of a facet lamina plate
system according to yet another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 11 is an angled anteroposterior view of a spine
implanted with the facet lamina plate system of FIG. 10.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an anteroposterior view of a spine implanted with
the facet lamina plate system of FIG. 10.
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exploded top view of a facet lamina plate
system according to still another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 14 is an angled anteroposterior view of a spine
implanted with the facet lamina plate system of FIG. 13.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a lateral view of a spine of a patient implanted
with the facet lamina plate system of FIG. 13.
[0026] FIG. 16 features a method for securing facet joints of a
spine of a patient according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are
described with respect to facet lamina plate systems 100, 700,
1000, 1300, corresponding kits, and methods for securing facet
joints of a spine of a patient. Notably, in one embodiment, the
facet lamina plate systems 100, 700, 1000, 1300 may be utilized
during spinal fusion surgeries such as, but not limited to,
traditional spinal fusion surgeries, posterior lumbar spinal
fusions, supplemental fixations performed after anterior lumbar
fusions, or other types of spinal fusion surgery. In particular,
the facet lamina plate systems 100, 700, 1000, 1300 may be
implanted onto a patient's spine during a spinal fusion procedure,
or other appropriate procedure. In a preferred embodiment, which is
illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, a surgeon may create an incision in the
patient's back to implant a facet lamina plate system 100, and
insert a first connection device 135 of the facet lamina plate
system 100 directly through a first facet joint 160 of the spine
155 of the patient. The first facet joint 160 may be a facet joint
that is associated with the vertebrae of the spine 155 that need to
be fused by the surgeon.
[0028] Once the first connection device 135 is inserted through the
first facet joint 160, the surgeon may insert a second connection
device 145 of the facet lamina plate system 100 directly through a
second facet joint 162 of the spine 155 of the patient. The second
facet joint may be a contralateral facet joint with respect to the
first facet joint, and may be located at the same level as the
first facet joint. The second facet joint 162 may also be
associated with the vertebrae that need to be fused. The surgeon
may then engage first and second slots 110 and 115 of a plate 105
of the facet lamina plate system 100 with the first and second
connection devices 135 and 145 respectively. After the plate 105 is
engaged with the first and second connection devices 135, 145 in a
desired position, the surgeon can then tighten or otherwise affix
the first and second connection devices 135, 145 to the first and
second facet joints 160, 162 respectively to ensure that the plate
105 and the connection devices 135, 145 are implanted the spine
155. Once the facet lamina plate system 100 is implanted, the
surgeon may then suture or otherwise close the incision in the
patient's back. As a result, the facet lamina plate system
facilitates the mechanism by which the patient's vertebrae can be
fused in an effective manner, while also providing long-lasting
and/or permanent fixation.
[0029] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-6 in
further detail, the facet lamina plate system 100, according to one
embodiment of the invention, is schematically illustrated. The
facet lamina plate system 100 may include a plate 105, a first
connection device 135, and a second connection device 145. Notably,
the facet lamina plate system 100 may be implanted onto the spine
155 of a patient. In FIGS. 1-3, the spine 155 of the patient is
illustratively shown as including at least a first vertebra 156, a
second vertebra 157, a third vertebra 158, a first facet joint 160
between the first and second vertebrae 156 and 157, a second facet
joint 162 between the first vertebra 156 and second vertebra 157, a
third facet joint 161 between the second vertebra 157 and the third
vertebra 158, a spinous process 165, a first transverse process
170, a second transverse process 171, and lamina 175. Of course,
the spine 155 may include any of the other traditional structural
features of a spine such as, but not limited to, vertebral bodies,
pedicles, a spinal canal, and other such structural features.
[0030] Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 4-6, the plate
105 of the facet lamina plate system 100 may be utilized to provide
a supporting mechanism to help achieve an effective fusion. In one
embodiment, the plate 105 may be rectangular in shape. However, the
plate 105 may also conform to the shape of the spine 155, conform
to the shape of the lamina 175, conform to the shape of the facet
joints 160, 161, 162, have a square shape, have a "U" shape, or
have any other desired shape that may assist in achieving fusion of
vertebrae. In one embodiment, the plate 105 may be made of
titanium, however, any suitable material may be utilized such as,
but not limited to, steel, suitable non-metallic compounds,
plastics, or any other suitable material. In one embodiment, the
plate 105 may include a first slot 110 having a pair of
indentations 120, 121 adjacent to either side of the first slot
110. Additionally, the plate 105 may include a second slot 115
having a pair of indentations 125, 126 adjacent to either side of
the second slot 115. The plate 105 may further include a notch 130
that may be configured to engage a bottom portion (or any other
desired portion) of the spinous process 165 of the spine 155 once
the plate 105 is implanted onto the spine 155 of the patient. In
one embodiment, the first slot 110 may be positioned perpendicular
to the second slot 115, and the first slot may be configured to be
perpendicular to a long axis of the spine 155 when the plate 105 is
implanted onto the spine 155 of the patient. In certain other
embodiments, the first slot 110 and the second slot 115 may be
positioned at any desired angle with respect to each other or with
respect to the spine 155.
[0031] With regard to the first slot 110 of the plate 105,
indentation 120 may be positioned on one side adjacent to the first
slot 110 and indentation 121 may be positioned on the other side
adjacent to the first slot 110. Illustratively, the positioning of
the indentations 120, 121 with respect to the first slot 110 may be
seen in FIGS. 4-5. With regard to the second slot 115, indentation
125 may be positioned on one side adjacent to the second slot 115
and indentation 126 may be positioned on the other side adjacent to
the second slot 115. Illustratively, the positioning of the
indentations 125, 126 may be seen in FIGS. 4-5. In one embodiment,
each of the indentations 120, 121, 125, 126 may be
half-hemispherical interfaces as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. In
another embodiment, the indentations 120, 121, 125, 126 may be
interfaces such that when first and second connection devices 135
and 145 are inserted into the slots 110 and 115 respectively, a
portion of the head 137 of the first connection device 135 can rest
on the indentations 120 and 121, and a portion of the head 147 of
the second connection device 145 can rest on the indentations 125
and 126. The resting of the portion of the head 137 in the
indentations 120 and 121, and the resting of the portion of the
head 147 in the indentations 125 and 126 are schematically shown in
FIGS. 5-6. When the heads 137 and 147 rest on the indentations 120,
121, 125, and 126, it may create, in essence, a ball-cup interface,
which can allow the seating of the connection devices 135 and 145
on the plate 105 to occur at varying desired angles and can allow
the plate 105 to move with respect to the connection devices 135
and 145 at various degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, the
plate 105 may include any number of slots 110 and 115, and a
portion of the heads 137 and 147 of the first and second connection
devices 135 and 145 may be wider than the widths of the first and
second slots 110 and 115.
[0032] With regard to the first connection device 135 of the facet
lamina plate system 100, the first connection device 135 may
include a head 137, a shaft portion 139, and a tip 141. Similarly,
the second connection device 145 of the facet lamina plate system
100 may include a head 147, a shaft portion 149, and a tip 151. In
certain embodiments, the first connection device 135 and the second
connection device 145 may be screws, tapping screws, self-drilling
screws, fasteners, nails or any other type of connection device. In
certain embodiments, the first and second connection devices 135
and 145 may be made of titanium, stainless steel, plastics, or any
other suitable material. The head portions 137 and 147 may have
slots 138 and 148 respectively, which may be configured to receive
an end of a screwdriver or other similar device so that the first
and second connection devices may be screwed into the facet joints
160, 162 or into other desired areas of the spine 155 by using the
screwdriver. In one embodiment, instead of having slots 138 and 148
as shown in FIGS. 5-7, the head portions 137 and 147 may have
star-shaped slots configured to receive a star-shaped end of a
screwdriver or other similar device. In certain other embodiments,
the head portions 137 and 147 may have any type of notch or slot
contained therein. In addition to the head portions 137 and 147,
the first connection device 135 may include a shaft portion 139,
and the second connection device 145 may include may include a
shaft portion 149. In one embodiment, the shaft portions 139 and
149 may have threading similar to a traditional screw so that the
first and section connection devices 135 and 145 may be screwed in
readily into the facet joints 160 and 162 or other desired
locations of the spine 155. Also, the first connection device 135
may include a tip 141, and the second connection device may include
a tip 151. The tips 141 and 151 may be pointed much like the end of
a traditional screw such that the first and second connection
devices 135 and 145 can experience minimal resistance when being
positioned through the facet joints 160 and 162 or other desired
locations. In certain embodiments, a greater or lesser number of
connection devices 135 and 145 may be utilized.
[0033] During an operation, a surgeon may implant the facet lamina
plate system 100 onto a spine 155 of a patient in the following
manner. Initially, the surgeon may create an incision in the
patient's back to expose the spine 155 of the patient for a spinal
fusion surgical procedure. Once the spine 155 is exposed, the
surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such as vertebrae 156 and 157, or
other spinal structures that need to be fused during the procedure.
After the surgeon has located the first facet joint 160 and the
second facet joint 162, the surgeon may utilize a drill or other
tool to drill directly through each of the facet joints 160 and 162
to create holes for the first connection device 135 and the second
connection device 145 to be inserted into by the physician. At this
point, the physician may position the first connection device 135
into the hole drilled in the first facet joint 160 and the second
connection device 145 into the hole drilled in the second facet
joint 162 either by hand or by utilizing a tool, such as a
screwdriver or other similar tool. In one embodiment, the first and
second connection devices 135 and 145 may be inserted into the
pedicles of the vertebrae 156 and 157 as well. In one embodiment,
instead of using a drill or other similar device to drill holes
into the facet joints 160 and 162, the surgeon may utilize the
first and second connection devices 135 and 145 themselves to
create the holes through the first and second facet joints 160 and
162. For example, if the first and second connection devices 135
and 145 are self-drilling or tapping screws, the surgeon can simply
tap on the head 137 of the first connection device 135 to insert
the first connection device 135 directly through the first facet
joint 160. Similarly, the surgeon can tap on the head 147 of the
second connection device 145 to insert the second connection device
146 directly through the second facet joint 162.
[0034] Once the first and second connection devices 135 and 145 are
positioned in the first and second facet joints 160 and 162
respectively, the surgeon can then engage the first slot 110 of the
plate 105 with the first connection device 135 and engage the
second slot 115 of the plate 105 with the second connection device
145. As noted herein, the first slot 110 may be perpendicular to
the second slot 115, and the first slot may be perpendicular to a
long axis of the spine 155 when the plate 105 is engaged with the
first and second connection devices 135 and 145. By having the
first slot 110 and the second slot 115 of the plate 105 being
perpendicular with respect to each other, this may maximize the
ability to initially place the first and second connection devices
135 and 145 in an optimal position prior to engaging the plate 105
with the first and second connection devices 135 and 145.
Additionally, if the slots 110 and 115 are perpendicular with
respect to each other, this may also ensure that once the plate 105
is engaged with the first and second connection devices 135 and
145, the plate 105 is effectively secured in an optimally desired
position, while also ensuring that the plate 105 does not move
unnecessarily once secured. In one embodiment, once the plate 105
is engaged with the first slot 110 and the second slot 115, the
notch 130 of the plate 105 may be configured to engage the spinous
process 165. By engaging the notch 130 with the spinous process
165, this may provide an additional means of securing the plate 105
to the vertebrae 156 and 157 and to the first and second connection
devices 135 and 145.
[0035] In one embodiment, once the plate 105 is engaged with the
first and second connection devices 135 and 145, the surgeon can
further secure the first and second connection devices 135 and 145
of the facet lamina plate system 100 by, for example, utilizing a
screwdriver or other device to fully tighten the first and second
connection devices 135 and 145 onto the facet joints 160 and 162.
This may allow the facet lamina plate system 105 to be securely
implanted onto the spine 155 of the patient. At this point, the
surgeon may close the incision over the facet lamina plate system
100 so that the patient can begin the healing process. In one
embodiment, the facet lamina plate system 100 can be permanently
implanted onto the patient's spine 155. However, in other
embodiments, the facet lamina plate system 100 can be removed if a
revision surgery is necessary, or if the surgeon determines that
vertebrae 156 and 157 have been effectively fused after a period of
time and that the patient no longer needs the facet lamina plate
system 100 implanted onto the spine 155.
[0036] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 7-9,
another facet lamina plate system 700 is schematically illustrated.
In this embodiment, instead of inserting the first and second
connection devices 135, 145 in the facet joints 160, 162 before
engaging a plate or implant, the first and second connection
devices 135, 145 may be inserted into the facet joints 160, 162
after a plate or implant is positioned over the facet joints 160,
162 first. The facet lamina plate system 700 may include the first
and second connection devices 135 and 145, one or more implants
705, an interface 710, an indentation 712 within the interface 710,
and a hole 715. Each implant 705 may be utilized to cover the facet
joints, such as facet joints 160 and 162, and may be configured to
extend up over the lamina 177. By allowing each implant 705 to
cover a particular facet joint 160 or 162, or both, the first and
second connection devices 135 and 145 may be directly inserted
through the facet joints 160 and 162. The interface 710 of the
implant 705 may be an area of the implant 705 that may be
configured to receive either the first or second connection device
135, 145 to secure the implant 705 to a particular facet joint 160,
162. In one embodiment, the interface 710 may include the
indentation 712, which may be configured to allow a portion of a
head 137, 147 of the first or second connection devices 135, 145 to
rest adjacent to a surface of the indentation 712 when the first or
second connection device 135, 145 is inserted through hole 715 of
the interface 710. In one embodiment, the indentation 712 may be
hemispherical in shape or any other shape that may conform to the
shape of the heads 137, 147 of the first and second connection
devices 135 and 145.
[0037] During a surgical procedure, a surgeon may implant the facet
lamina plate system 700 onto a spine 155 of a patient in the
following manner. To begin the surgical procedure, the surgeon may
create an incision in the patient's back to expose the spine 155 of
the patient for the surgical procedure. Once the spine 155 is
exposed, the surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such as vertebrae
156 and 157, that need to be fused. After the surgeon has located
the first facet joint 160 and the second facet joint 162, the
surgeon may utilize a drill or other tool to drill directly through
each of the facet joints 160 and 162 to create holes for the first
connection device 135 and the second connection device 145 to be
inserted into by the physician. At this point, the physician may
position the implant 705 over a particular facet joint, such as
facet joint 162 in this example, into a desired position. The
surgeon may then insert, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second
connection device 145 through the hole 715 in the interface 710 to
secure the implant 705 onto the facet joint 162. The surgeon may
repeat the process for facet joint 160 if another implant 705 is
needed for facet joint 160. Once the implant 705 is secured, the
surgeon can close the incision to allow the patient to heal.
[0038] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 10-12,
yet another facet lamina plate system 1000 is schematically
illustrated. The facet lamina plate system 1000 may include the
first and second connection devices 135 and 145, a plate 1005, a
left interface 1010, a right interface 1011, a left indentation
1012, a right indentation 1013, a left hole 1015, a right hole
1016, a notch 1020, and a notch 1025. The plate 1005 may be
utilized to cover the facet joints, such as facet joints 160 and
162, and can engage the spinous process 165. When the plate 1005 is
positioned in a desired position over the facet joints 160 and 162,
the first and second connection devices 135 and 145 may be directly
inserted through the facet joints 160 and 162 after the plate 1005
is positioned. The interfaces 1010 and 1011 may be areas of the
plate 1005 that may be configured to receive the first and second
connection devices 135 and 145 to secure the plate 1005 to the
facet joints 160 and 162. In one embodiment, the left interface
1010 may include an indentation 1012, which may be configured to
allow a portion of a head 137, 147 of the first or second
connection devices 135, 145 to rest adjacent to a surface of the
indentation 1012 when the first or second connection device 135,
145 is inserted through hole 1015 of the interface 1010. Similarly,
the right interface 1011 may include an indentation 1013, which may
be configured to allow a portion of a head 137, 147 of the first or
second connection devices 135, 145 to rest adjacent to a surface of
the indentation 1013 when the first or second connection devices
135, 145 is inserted through the hole 1016 of the interface 1011.
In one embodiment, the indentations 1012 and 1013 may be partially
hemispherical in shape or any other shape that may conform to the
shape of the heads 137, 147 of the first and second connection
devices 135 and 145.
[0039] The facet lamina plate system 1000 may be implanted onto a
spine 155 of a patient in the following exemplary manner. The
surgeon may create an incision in the patient's back to expose the
spine 155 of the patient for a surgical procedure. Once the spine
155 is exposed, the surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such as
vertebrae 156 and 157, that need to be fused during the procedure.
Once the surgeon has located the facet joints 160, 162, the surgeon
may utilize a drill or other tool to drill directly through each of
the facet joints 160 and 162 to create holes for the first
connection device 135 and the second connection device 145 to be
inserted into. The surgeon may then position the plate 1005 over
the facet joints 160 and 162 into a desired position. The notch
1020 of the plate 1005 may engage a bottom portion of the spinous
process 165 so as to ensure a secure fit. The notch 1025 may exist,
in part, to minimize the amount of material in the plate 1005 that
is used for the facet lamina plate system 1000 and to prevent the
plate 1005 from unnecessarily touching other areas of the spine
155. The surgeon may then insert, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
first and second connection devices 135 and 145 through the holes
1015 and 1016 of the plate 1005 respectively to secure the plate
1005 onto the facet joints 160 and 162. Once the facet lamina plate
system 1000 is secured, the surgeon can close the incision and
complete the surgical procedure.
[0040] Referring to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 13-15,
still another facet lamina plate system 1300 is schematically
illustrated. The facet lamina plate system 1300 may include the
first and second connection devices 135 and 145, a plate 1305, a
left interface 1310, a right interface 1311, a left indentation
1312, a right indentation 1313, a left hole 1315, a right hole
1316, and a notch 1325. The plate 1305 may be utilized to cover the
facet joints, such as facet joints 160 and 162, extend up over the
lamina 177, and can engage the top of the spinous process 165. When
the plate 1305 is positioned in a desired position over the facet
joints 160 and 162 and the spinous process 165, the first and
second connection devices 135 and 145 may be directly inserted
through the facet joints 160 and 162 shortly afterwards. The
interfaces 1310 and 1311 may be areas of the plate 1305 that may be
configured to receive the first and second connection devices 135
and 145 to secure the plate 1305 to the facet joints 160 and 162.
In one embodiment, the left interface 1310 may include an
indentation 1312, which may be configured to allow a portion of a
head 137, 147 of the first or second connection devices 135, 145 to
rest adjacent to a surface of the indentation 1312 when the first
or second connection device 135, 145 is inserted through hole 1315
of the interface 1310. Similarly, the right interface 1311 may
include an indentation 1313, which may be configured to allow a
portion of a head 137, 147 of the first or second connection
devices 135, 145 to rest adjacent to a surface of the indentation
1313 when the first or second connection devices 135, 145 is
inserted through the hole 1316 of the interface 1311. In one
embodiment, the indentations 1312 and 1313 may be partially
hemispherical in shape or may be any other shape that may conform
to the shape of the heads 137, 147 of the first and second
connection devices 135 and 145.
[0041] In one embodiment, the facet lamina plate system 1300 may be
implanted onto a spine 155 of a patient in the following exemplary
manner. The surgeon may begin the surgical procedure by creating an
incision in the patient's back to expose the spine 155 of the
patient for the procedure. Once the spine 155 is exposed, the
surgeon can locate the vertebrae, such as vertebrae 156 and 157,
that need to be fused during the procedure. Once the surgeon has
located the facet joints 160, 162, the surgeon may utilize a drill
or other tool to drill directly through each of the facet joints
160 and 162 to create holes for the first connection device 135 and
the second connection device 145 to be inserted into. The surgeon
may then position the plate 1305 over the facet joints 160 and 162
and over a top portion of the spinous process 165 into the desired
position. The notch 1325 of the plate 1005 may engage the top
portion of the spinous process 165 so as to ensure a secure fit.
The surgeon may then insert, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the first
and second connection devices 135 and 145 through the holes 1315
and 1316 respectively to secure the plate 1305 onto the facet
joints 160 and 162. Once the facet lamina plate system 1300 is
secured, the surgeon can close the incision and complete the
surgical procedure.
[0042] Notably, the facet lamina plate systems 100, 700, 1000, 1300
may also be provided as a kit to various surgeons, hospitals, or
other users. The kit may separately include the plate 105, plate
705, plate 1005, plate 1305, the first connection device 135, and
the second connection device 145, or various combinations of any of
these components. In an embodiment, the kit may be configured to
include additional plates of varying shapes and sizes, along with
connection devices that correspond to the additional plates of
varying shapes and sizes. In another embodiment, each of the items
that are part of the facet lamina plate systems 100, 700, 1000,
1300 may be packaged separately. The kit may also include
instructions for assembling and disassembling the facet lamina
plate systems 100, 700, 1000, 1300. Additionally, the kit may
include instructions for performing spinal fusion surgeries using
the facet lamina plate systems 100, 700, 1000, 1300 as well.
Furthermore, the instructions may include various steps for using
the facet lamina plate systems 100, 700, 1000, 1300 based on the
type of procedure to be performed on a particular patient.
[0043] Referring now also to FIG. 16, an exemplary method 1600 for
securing facet joints of a spine of a patient is schematically
illustrated. The method 1600 may include, at step 1602, creating an
incision in a patient's back to expose the spine 155 of the patient
in preparation of a spinal fusion surgery or other suitable
surgery. In one embodiment, the incision may be created at a
location where vertebrae of the spine 155 need to be fused. At step
1604, the method 1600 may include positioning a first connection
device 135 directly through a first facet joint 160 of the spine
155 of the patient. The method 1600 may then include, at step 1606,
positioning a second connection device 145 directly through a
second facet joint 162 of the spine 155 of the patient. Once the
first and second connection devices 135, 145 are positioned through
the first and second facet joints 160,162 respectively, the method
1600 may include engaging the plate 105 with the first and second
connection devices 135, 145, at step 1608. In one embodiment, the
plate may be plate 705, plate 1005, plate 1305, or any other
suitable plate. In one embodiment, when the plate 105 is engaged
with the first and second connection devices 135, 145, the first
slot 110 and the second slot 115 of the plate 105 may be engaged
with the first and second connection devices 135, 145
respectively.
[0044] At step 1610, the method 1600 may include determining if the
plate 105 is in a position to secure the first and second facet
joints 160, 162 and the vertebrae 156, 157 of the patient such that
an effective fusion of the vertebrae 156, 157 may occur. If it is
determined that the plate 105 is not in a position to secure the
facet joints 160,162 and the vertebrae 156, 157, the method 1600
may include, at step 1612, adjusting the position of the plate 105
so that the plate 105 is in a position to secure the facet joints
160, 162 and the vertebrae 156, 157 effectively. If, however, it is
determined that the plate 105 is in a position to secure the facet
joints 160, 162, and the vertebrae 156, 157, the method 1600 may
include, at step 1614, further securing the first and second
connection devices 135, 145 and the plate 105 in the position to
secure the facet joints 160, 162 and the vertebrae 156, 157. In one
embodiment, securing the first and second connection devices 135,
145 and the plate 105 may mean tightening or otherwise affixing the
first and second connection devices 135, 145 to ensure rigid
fixation of the vertebrae 156, 157. At step 1616, the method 1600
may include closing the incision in the patient's back after
securing the first and second connection devices 135, 145 and the
plate 105 to the facet joints 160162, and the vertebrae 156,
157.
[0045] Furthermore, it is important to note that the methods,
devices, and kits described herein may incorporate any of the
functionality, components, and/or features described herein or
otherwise and are not intended to be limited to the description
provided above.
[0046] The illustrations of arrangements described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of
various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all the elements and features of
apparatuses and methods that might make use of the structures
described herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those
of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other
arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that
structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made
without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are
also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain
proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be
minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0047] Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated
and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the
specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover
any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and
arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above
arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described
herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon
reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is intended that the
disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s)
disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this
invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and
arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims.
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