IMPLANT AND METHOD FOR FACET IMMOBILIZATION
Devices and methods are provided for immobilizing facet joints of the vertebral column. Embodiments of the invention provide an implant that is inserted in a facet joint from which cartilage has been removed, and which retains the approximate original spacing of the facets in the joint. A retaining arrangement, such as an adhesive, a threaded fastener, or a screw is then used to secure the implant in the joint.
1 . A device for treating spinal disorders by inhibiting movement at a facet joint, the device comprising:
an implant having a first face and a second face, wherein an entire periphery of the implant has a thickness that is greater than a thickness measured from the first face to the second face of a central region of the implant;
wherein the first face is configured to be secured to the adjacent articular surface of a first facet of the facet joint, and the second face is configured to be secured to the adjacent articular surface of a second facet of the facet joint.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the implant is dimensioned to fit substantially within a joint capsule of the facet joint, and has a thickness that is approximately the same as the normal anatomic spacing between the first and second facets of the facet joint.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the shape of the first face of the implant is configured to conform to the articular surface of the first facet of the facet joint, and the second face of the implant is configured to conform to the articular surface of the second facet of the facet joint.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises at least one of a polymer, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyethylene, a ceramic, zirconia, alumina, silicon nitride, a metal, titanium, a titanium alloy, cobalt chromium, or a stainless steel.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the implant comprises at least one of an autograft material or an allograft material.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the first face and the second face comprises a roughened surface.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the first face and the second face comprises a porous surface.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the implant has an average thickness that is between about 0.5 mm and about 3 mm.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the implant has an average thickness that is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the implant has an average lateral dimension that is between about 5 mm and about 25 mm.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the implant has an average lateral dimension that is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm.
12 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to be bonded to the articular surfaces of the first and second facets using at least one of an adhesive or a sealant.
13 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising an anchoring arrangement configured to maintain the first face in a fixed position relative to the adjacent articular surface of the first facet, and to maintain the second face in a fixed position relative to the adjacent articular surface of the second facet.
14 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the anchoring arrangement is configured to provide a compressive force between the implant and each of the adjacent articular surfaces of the facet joint.
15 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises a rigid fastener.
16 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises a threaded retainer.
17 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises at least one of a bolt or a screw.
18 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises a bone screw.
19 . The device of claim 13 , wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises a threaded retainer that is curved along a primary axis thereof.
20 - 29 . (canceled)
30 . A device for treating spinal disorders by inhibiting movement at a facet joint, the device comprising:
an implant having a first face and a second face, wherein the implant is a circular disc dimensioned to fit substantially within a joint capsule of the facet joint, wherein at least a portion of a periphery of the implant has a thickness that is greater than a thickness measured from the first face to the second face of a central region of the implant;
wherein the first face is configured to be secured to the adjacent articular surface of a first facet of the facet joint, and the second face is configured to be secured to the adjacent articular surface of a second facet of the facet joint.