IP Library › Patent Application 11939540
Patent Application
App. No. 11/939,540

FACET ARTHROPLASTY DEVICES AND METHODS

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
11/939,540
Abstract

Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.

Claims (16)

1 . A facet joint prosthesis for replacing a natural facet joint comprising first and second facets, the prosthesis comprising: a) a superior facet joint component having a superior outer surface adapted to attach to a superior facet, b) an inferior facet joint component having an inferior outer surface adapted to attach to an inferior facet, and c) a ligament adapted to constrain relative movement between the facets.

2 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the superior and inferior components are integral.

3 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the superior and inferior components are not integral.

4 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the ligament comprises a first attachment end portion adapted to attach to a first portion of the superior facet joint component.

5 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the ligament comprises a first attachment end portion adapted to attach to a natural vertebra.

6 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the ligament comprises a first attachment end portion adapted to attach to the first facet.

7 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the ligament comprises a first attachment end portion adapted to attach to an anchor adapted to attach to a natural vertebra.

8 . The prosthesis of claim 8 wherein the anchor is a pedicle screw.

9 . The prosthesis of claim 1 adapted to limit extension.

10 . The prosthesis of claim 1 adapted to limit axial compression.

11 . The prosthesis of claim 1 adapted to limit flexion.

12 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein at least one of the superior or the inferior components has a convex articulating surface.

13 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein at least one of the superior and inferior components has a conforming articulating surface.

14 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the ligament has a flexible portion.

15 . The prosthesis of claim 14 wherein the flexible portion is curved.

16 . The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the ligament is inflexible.

Assignments (8)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 21, 2011
From: FACET SOLUTIONS, INC.; FSI ACQUISITION SUB, LLC
To: GMEDELAWARE 2 LLC
Reel/Frame 025675/0193 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jan 20, 2011
From: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
To: FSI ACQUISITION SUB, LLC
Reel/Frame 025671/0863 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jan 19, 2011
From: TRIPLEPOINT CAPITAL LLC
To: FSI ACQUISITION SUB LLC
Reel/Frame 025662/0549 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 4, 2010
From: FSI ACQUISITION SUB, LLC
To: TRIPLEPOINT CAPITAL LLC
Reel/Frame 024329/0620 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 12, 2010
From: ARCHUS ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
To: FACET SOLUTIONS, INC.
Reel/Frame 023767/0857 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 5, 2009
From: FSI ACQUISITION SUB, LLC
To: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 023471/0325 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 2, 2008
From: TOTAL FACET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: ARCHUS ORTHOPEDICS, INC.
Reel/Frame 020308/0088 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jan 2, 2008
From: REILEY, MARK
To: TOTAL FACET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 020307/0355 →