Facet arthroplasty devices and methods

Abstract

Devices and surgical methods treat various types of adult spinal pathologies, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, and kypho-scoliosis. Various types of spinal joint replacement prostheses, surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements, and surgical instruments are used to perform the surgical procedures.

1 . An article comprising: 
 a posterior spinal prosthesis comprising a unitary body with at least three attachment points attachable to a spinal structure, said unitary body comprising a single flexure assembly centrally positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of said flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member.    
   
   
       2 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein said flexure assembly comprises a first joint member that has a convex contour that articulates with a second joint member that has a curved contour that corresponds to and glides over the convex contour of the first joint member.  
   
   
       3 . The article according to  claim 2 , wherein said curved contour of second joint member is a concave contour.  
   
   
       4 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein said flexure assembly is adapted to flex omnidirectionally.  
   
   
       5 . The article according to  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of pedicle screws attached to or integrally formed with said spinal prosthesis.  
   
   
       6 . An article comprising: 
 a posterior spinal prosthesis comprising a body with at least three attachment points attachable to a spinal structure, said body comprising a single flexure assembly centrally positioned between first and second attachment members, wherein flexure of said flexure assembly permits movement of the first attachment member relative to the second attachment member.    
   
   
       7 . The article according to  claim 6 , wherein said flexure assembly comprises a first joint member that has a convex contour that articulates with a second joint member that has a curved contour that corresponds to and glides over the convex contour of the first joint member.  
   
   
       8 . The article according to  claim 7 , wherein said curved contour of second joint member is a concave contour.  
   
   
       9 . The article according to  claim 6 , wherein said flexure assembly is adapted to flex omnidirectionally.  
   
   
       10 . The article according to  claim 6 , further comprising a plurality of pedicle screws attached to or integrally formed with said spinal prosthesis.