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 . A method for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, comprising: positioning a central spacer of a stabilization device between posterior elements of adjacent vertebrae; and attaching arms extending from opposed sides of the central spacer to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae; wherein the stabilization device provides resistance to movement of the adjacent vertebrae.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein attaching arms extending from opposed sides of the central spacer to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae comprises attaching a first pair of arms extending from the central spacer to a superior vertebra, and attaching a second pair of arms extending from the central spacer to an inferior vertebra.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first and second pairs of arms is pliable to provide resistance to movement of the adjacent vertebrae.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein attaching arms extending from opposed sides of the central spacer to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae comprises attaching a first portion of a first arm to a first vertebra and attaching a first portion of a second arm to the first vertebra, wherein a second portion of each of the first and second arms engages a spinous process of a second vertebra that is adjacent to the first vertebra.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the second portion of the first arm is coupled to the second portion of the second arm to form a unshaped member that extends around the spinous process of the second vertebra.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the central spacer is adapted to limit extension of the adjacent vertebrae.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising, prior to attaching arms, attaching a first pair of arms to the central spacer, and attaching a second pair of arms to the central spacer.