VERTEBRAL FACET JOINT PROSTHESIS AND METHOD OF FIXATION
Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.
1 . A device for treating spinal disorders while preserving movement at a facet joint, the device comprising a prosthesis having a first face and a second face, wherein the first face is adapted to be secured to the adjacent articular surface of a facet, and the second surface is configured for sliding contact with an adjacent structure.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device:
is dimensioned to substantially fit within a joint capsule of the facet joint; and
has a thickness generally equal to the normal anatomic spacing between the two facets of the facet joint.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device:
has a curve adapted to match the natural shape of a facet;
has a size adapted to fit substantially within a joint capsule of the facet joint; and
has a thickness approximately equal to the normal anatomic spacing between the two facets of the facet joint.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyethylene, fluoropolymers, hydrogels, elastomers, ceramics, zirconia, alumina, silicon nitride, metal(s), titanium, titanium alloy, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, and combinations of these materials.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the second face of the device comprises a highly polished surface.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the first face comprises a roughened surface.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the first face comprises a porous surface.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one face of the device is sufficiently malleable to be capable of generally conforming to the adjacent surface or structure under normal anatomical loads.
9 - 61 . (canceled)
62 . A prosthesis for treating facet joint dysfunction, the prosthesis comprising:
a first body with a first face and a second face;
a second body with a first face and a second face; wherein
the first face of each body is adapted to articulate with the first face of the other body; and
the second face of each body is adapted to engage a facet of a facet joint.
63 . (canceled)
64 . The device of claim 62 , wherein at least one face of the prosthesis is sufficiently malleable to be capable of generally conforming to the adjacent surface or structure under normal anatomical conditions.
65 - 80 . (canceled)
81 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the first face comprises at least one projection extending therefrom.
82 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the prosthesis further comprises a circular outer edge that extends between the first face and the second face and at least one hole defining an interior surface that is contiguous with the circular outer edge of the prosthesis.
83 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein the prosthesis:
is dimensioned to substantially fit within a joint capsule of the facet joint; and
has a thickness generally equal to the normal anatomic spacing between the two facets of the facet joint.
84 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein the prosthesis:
has a curve adapted to match the natural shape of a facet;
has a size adapted to fit substantially within a joint capsule of the facet joint; and
has a thickness approximately equal to the normal anatomic spacing between the two facets of the facet joint.
85 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein the prosthesis comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyethylene, fluoropolymers, hydrogels, elastomers, ceramics, zirconia, alumina, silicon nitride, metal(s), titanium, titanium alloy, cobalt chromium, stainless steel, and combinations of these materials.
86 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein the first face of each body comprises a highly polished surface.
87 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein the second face of each body comprises a roughened surface.
88 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein the second face of each body comprises a porous surface.
89 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein the second face of each body comprises at least one projection extending therefrom.
90 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein at least one of the first body and the second body further comprises a circular outer edge that extends between the first face and the second face and at least one hole defining an interior surface that is contiguous with the circular outer edge of the body.
91 . The prosthesis of claim 62 , wherein at least one face of the prosthesis is sufficiently malleable to be capable of generally conforming to the adjacent surface or structure under normal anatomical loads.