Facet joint implants and delivery tools
A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.
1. A spinal joint distraction system, comprising:
a driver assembly comprising:
a first tubular shaft having a longitudinal axis; and
first and second implant engagement faces positioned on a distal end of the first tubular shaft, each face configured to engage at least a portion of a spinal implant; and
a delivery device comprising:
a second tubular shaft defining a lumen;
a receiving assembly including the lumen for receiving the driver assembly, the receiving assembly positioned on a proximal end of the second tubular shaft; and
a pair of tines extending from a distal end of the second tubular shaft, the tines adapted to penetrate a facet joint,
wherein, the second tubular shaft slidably receives the driver assembly.
2. The spinal joint distraction system of claim 1 further comprising a chisel including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end including a tip.
3. The spinal joint distraction system of claim 2 wherein the tip of the chisel is a single or doubly chamfered tip.
4. The spinal joint distraction system of claim 2 wherein the shaft of the chisel is adapted to be received within an inner radius of the second tubular shaft.
5. The spinal joint distraction system of claim 1 further comprising a decorticator comprising a tubular shaft portion having a distal portion with an abrasive distal end.
6. The spinal joint distraction system of claim 5 wherein the abrasive distal end of the distal portion of the tubular shaft portion of the decorticator includes a plurality of teeth.
7. The spinal joint distraction system of claim 5 wherein the tubular shaft portion of the decorticator has a shaft adapted to be received by the second tubular shaft.
8. The spinal joint distraction system of claim 1 further comprising an implant received by the implant engagement faces, the implant comprising a first surface opposite a second surface, each of the first and second surfaces including teeth.