Spinal stabilization systems and methods

Abstract

Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. In a first aspect, a foramenal spacer includes a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. In a second aspect, facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints are provided to augment or replace the native facet joint. In a third aspect, lateral spinal stabilization systems are adapted to be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. In a fourth aspect, anterior spinal stabilization systems are adapted to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. In a fifth aspect, several embodiments of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods is suitable for use independently, in combination with other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs known in the art.

1 . A foramenal spacer, comprising: 
 a first support member having an external surface configured to engage the pedicle surface of a first vertebral body of a patient;    a second support member having an external surface configured to engage the pedicle surface of a second vertebral body of a patient, said second vertebral body being adjacent to said first vertebral body;    said first support member and said second member being connected together such that a foramenal height between said first vertebral body and said second vertebral body is maintained at no less than a minimum foramenal height when said foramenal spacer is interposed between said first vertebral body and second vertebral body.    
     
     
         2 . The foramenal spacer of  claim 1 , wherein said first support member and said second support member define a passage therebetween.  
     
     
         3 . The foramenal spacer of  claim 2 , wherein said first support member and said second support member are capable of rotational movement relative to one another.  
     
     
         4 . The foramenal spacer of  claim 2 , wherein said first support member and said second support member are capable of expansive movement relative to one another.  
     
     
         5 . A method for augmenting a facet joint between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body of a patient, comprising: 
 providing a facet stabilizer, said facet stabilizer including a first endplate, a second endplate, and a core member interposed between said first endplate and said second endplate; and    implanting said facet stabilizer between the facets comprising said facet joint.    
     
     
         6 . A method for mammalian spinal stabilization, comprising: 
 implanting a prosthetic intervertebral disc between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body of a patient; and    implanting a stabilizer system configured to engage said superior vertebral body and said inferior vertebral body of said patient.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said stabilizer system comprises a spacer interposed between the spinous processes of each of said superior vertebral body and said inferior vertebral body.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said stabilizer system further comprises a restrictor band attached to each of said superior vertebral body and said inferior vertebral body.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said stabilizer system further comprises a disc member embedded in said spacer, said disc member comprising an upper endplate, a lower endplate, and a core member located between said upper endplate and said lower endplate.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said stabilizer system comprises a first attachment member connected to said superior vertebral body, a second attachment member connected to said inferior vertebral body, and a stabilizer member connected to each of said first attachment member and said second attachment member.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said stabilizer member comprises a shape memory material.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of said first attachment member and said second attachment member is rotatable, and wherein rotation of at least one of said first attachment member and said second attachment member causes force from movement of one of said superior vertebral body or said inferior vertebral body to be transferred to said other of said superior vertebral body or said inferior vertebral body.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said stabilizer system comprises a first member attached to and configured to impart a distracting force between each of said superior vertebral body and said inferior vertebral body, and a second member attached to and configured to impart an attracting force between each of said superior vertebral body and said inferior vertebral body.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said first attachment member is connected to a transverse process of said superior vertebral body, and said second attachment member is connected to a transverse process of said inferior vertebral body.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said stabilizer system further comprises a pot configured to receive and retain a filler material.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said stabilizer system is attached to lateral surfaces of said superior vertebral body and said inferior vertebral body.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein said stabilizer system is attached to anterior surfaces of said superior vertebral body and said inferior vertebral body.