FACET COMPRESSION SYSTEM AND RELATED SURGICAL METHODS
The present invention provides a facet compression system, including: an articulating facet washer; one or more of a rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible cable coupled at its proximal end to the articulating facet washer; and one of a deployable and a deployed anchoring device coupled to a distal end of the cable; wherein the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer, thereby compressing and immobilizing a facet joint of a spine of a patient. Optionally, the articulating facet washer is operable for pivoting in multiple planes relative to a structure disposed therethrough. Optionally, the articulating facet washer is operable for rotating relative to a structure disposed therethrough. Optionally, the deployable anchoring device includes an overwrapped compression cap. Optionally, the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer via one or more of a zip tie ratchet mechanism, a crimping mechanism, and a screw mechanism.
1 . A facet compression system, comprising:
an articulating facet washer;
one or more of a rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible cable coupled at its proximal end to the articulating facet washer; and
one of a deployable and a deployed anchoring device coupled to a distal end of the cable;
wherein the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer, thereby compressing and immobilizing a facet joint of a spine of a patient.
2 . The facet compression system of claim 1 , wherein the articulating facet washer is operable for pivoting in multiple planes relative to a structure disposed therethrough.
3 . The facet compression system of claim 1 , wherein the articulating facet washer is operable for rotating relative to a structure disposed therethrough.
4 . The facet compression system of claim 1 , wherein the deployable anchoring device comprises an overwrapped compression cap.
5 . The facet compression system of claim 1 , wherein the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer via one or more of a zip tie ratchet mechanism, a crimping mechanism, and a screw mechanism.
6 . A surgical method for placing a facet compression system, comprising:
providing an articulating facet washer;
providing one or more of a rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible cable coupled at its proximal end to the articulating facet washer; and
providing one of a deployable and a deployed anchoring device coupled to a distal end of the cable;
wherein the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer, thereby compressing and immobilizing a facet joint of a spine of a patient.
7 . The surgical method for placing the facet compression system of claim 6 , wherein the articulating facet washer is operable for pivoting in multiple planes relative to a structure disposed there through.
8 . The surgical method for placing the facet compression system of claim 6 , wherein the articulating facet washer is operable for rotating relative to a structure disposed therethrough.
9 . The surgical method for placing the facet compression system of claim 6 , wherein the deployable anchoring device comprises an overwrapped compression cap.
10 . The surgical method for placing the facet compression system of claim 6 , wherein the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer via one or more of a zip tie ratchet mechanism, a crimping mechanism, and a screw mechanism.
11 . A facet compression system, comprising:
an articulating facet washer;
one or more of a rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible cable coupled at its proximal end to the articulating facet washer; and
an articulating anchoring device coupled to a distal end of the cable;
wherein the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer, thereby compressing and immobilizing a facet joint of a spine of a patient.
12 . The facet compression system of claim 11 , wherein the articulating facet washer is operable for pivoting in multiple planes relative to a structure disposed therethrough.
13 . The facet compression system of claim 11 , wherein the articulating facet washer is operable for rotating relative to a structure disposed therethrough.
14 . The facet compression system of claim 11 , wherein the deployable anchoring device comprises an overwrapped compression cap.
15 . The facet compression system of claim 11 , wherein the cable is selectively tensioned at the articulating facet washer via one or more of a zip tie ratchet mechanism, a crimping mechanism, and a screw mechanism.