Pedicle-based facet joint fixation systems and methods
View Patent ↗The present disclosure provides pedicle-based facet fixation systems and methods. The pedicle-based construct utilized includes a pedicle screw, pedicle anchor, or the like that is selectively secured to a pedicle of a spine of a patient. The pedicle-based construct is selectively coupled to one end of a rod or other elongate member. The other end of the rod or other elongate member is selectively coupled to a clamping mechanism. This clamping mechanism is selectively secured to a facet joint of the spine of the patient, engaging one or both of the associated superior facet and inferior facet. In operation, the pedicle-based construct, rod or other elongate member, and clamping mechanism securely grasp and compress the facet joint, thereby fixing it.
1. A pedicle-based facet fixation method, comprising:
securing a pedicle-based construct comprising a pedicle screw to a pedicle of a spine of a patient;
positioning a rod within the pedicle-based construct;
engaging the rod to a first facet through a fixed clamp coupled to the rod; and
securing the pedicle-based construct relative to the fixed clamp to lock the rod in a position to provide compression force on the first facet for facet fixation.
2. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 1 , further comprising:
distracting a sliding clamp coupled to the rod to a second facet associated with the first facet; and
locking the sliding clamp in a desired position.
3. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 2 , wherein the first facet comprises an inferior facet and wherein the second facet comprises a superior facet.
4. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the sliding claim and the fixed clamp comprises a plurality of teeth for gripping a facet.
5. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 2 , wherein the step of locking the sliding clamp in a desired position comprises using at least one of a ratchet mechanism and a plurality of serrations to prevent the sliding clamp from moving away from the locking clamp.
6. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 1 , wherein the method is performing without placing a screw through any of the patient's facets.
7. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 1 , wherein the pedicle-based construct further comprises a tulip.
8. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 7 , wherein the step of positioning a rod within the pedicle-based construct tulip comprises positioning a portion of the rod within the tulip.
9. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 8 , wherein the step of positioning a rod within the pedicle-based construct tulip comprises positioning a ball positioned on the rod within the tulip.
10. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 1 , wherein the rod comprises a hump portion operable to provide clearance of the facet joint.
11. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of approximating a second clamp with the fixed clamp to provide compression on a facet joint positioned between the first facet and a corresponding second facet.
12. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 11 , further comprising the step of rotating the second clamp with respect to the fixed clamp.
13. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 12 , wherein the rod comprises:
a first section; and
a second section selectively rotatable with respect to the first section.
14. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 13 , wherein the rod further comprises a mechanism to secure the first section and the second section in position such that the first section cannot rotate with respect to the second section.
15. The pedicle-based facet fixation method of claim 11 , wherein the second clamp comprises a sliding clamp.