Prosthetic facet and facet joint replacement device

Abstract

Spinal stabilization devices, systems, and methods are described. Foramenal spacers including a rigid member adapted to maintain the integrity of the foramenal space. Facet joint stabilizing members and prosthetic facet joints that augment or replace the native facet joint are also described. Lateral spinal stabilization systems that may be attached to the lateral surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies are described. Also described are anterior spinal stabilization systems that are to be attached to the anterior surfaces of adjacent vertebral bodies. Several variations of dynamic spinal stabilization devices and systems are described. Each of the foregoing devices, systems, and methods may be used independently, in combination with the other devices, systems, and methods described herein, and/or in combination with prosthetic intervertebral discs.

1 . A prosthetic device operative to replace in a spine, a facet on an upper vertebral body, a facet on an adjacent lower vertebral body, and the facet joint between those facets, from which spine the facets and facet joint to be replaced have been removed, comprising:
 a.) an elongated upper attachment arm curved forward and operative to conform to and to attach at an upper end to a prepared facet site on the lateral posterior of the upper vertebral body, the facet site being prepared by the removal of the facet and the facet joint, and the elongated upper attachment arm being attached at an opposite end to a compressible stabilizing member,   b.) an elongated lower attachment arm curved rearward and operative to conform to and to attach at a lower end to a prepared facet site on the lateral posterior of the lower vertebral body, the facet site being prepared by the removal of the facet and the facet joint, and the elongated lower attachment arm being attached at an opposite end to the compressible stabilizing member, and,   c.) the compressible stabilizing member fixedly attached to the upper and lower attachment arms.   
     
     
         2 . The prosthetic device of  claim 1  where the compressible stabilizing member further comprises an upper endplate fixedly attached to the elongated upper attachment arm and a lower endplate fixedly attached to the elongated lower attachment arm. 
     
     
         3 . The prosthetic device of  claim 1  where the compressible stabilizing member is oriented with respect to the upper and lower attachment arms to substantially match the orientation of the removed facet joint with respect to the upper and lower vertebrae after implantation of the device. 
     
     
         4 . The prosthetic device of  1  further including fasteners operative to attach the upper and lower attachment arms to the upper and lower vertebral bodies. 
     
     
         5 . The prosthetic device of  claim 4  where the fasteners comprise screws. 
     
     
         6 . The prosthetic device of  claim 1  where the compressible stabilizing member comprises a polymeric element. 
     
     
         7 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2  where the compressible stabilizing member comprises a polymeric element situated between the upper endplate and the lower endplate. 
     
     
         8 . The prosthetic device of  claim 1  where the compressible stabilizing member comprises a hydrogel element. 
     
     
         9 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2  where the compressible stabilizing member comprises a hydrogel element situated between the upper endplate and the lower endplate. 
     
     
         10 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2  where the compressible stabilizing member further comprises a plurality of fibers wound between and interconnecting the upper endplate and lower endplate. 
     
     
         11 . The prosthetic device of  claim 7  where the compressible stabilizing member further comprises a plurality of fibers wound between and interconnecting the upper endplate and lower endplate. 
     
     
         12 . The prosthetic device of  claim 1  operative for posterior implantation to the spine. 
     
     
         13 . A prosthetic device operative to replace in a spine, a facet on an upper vertebral body, two facets on a mid vertebral body, a facet on a lower vertebral body, and the facet joints between those facets, from which spine the facets and facet joints to be replaced have been removed, comprising:
 a.) an elongated upper attachment arm curved forward and operative to conform to and to attach at an upper end to a prepared facet site on the lateral posterior of the upper vertebral body and fixedly attached to an opposite end to a first compressible stabilizing member,   b.) an elongated middle attachment arm having i.) a curved upper portion fixedly attached to the first compressible stabilizing member, ii.) a central portion curved and operative to conform to and to attach at a prepared facet site on the lateral posterior of the mid vertebral body and iii.) a curved lower portion fixedly attached to a second compressible stabilizing member, and   c.) an elongated lower attachment arm curved rearward and operative to conform to and to attach at a lower end to a prepared facet site on the lateral posterior of the lower vertebral body and fixedly attached at an opposite end to the second compressible stabilizing member.   
     
     
         14 . The prosthetic device of  claim 13  where the first compressible stabilizing member further comprises an upper endplate fixedly attached to the elongated upper attachment arm and a lower endplate fixedly attached to the elongated mid attachment arm and the second compressible stabilizing member further comprises an upper endplate fixedly attached to the elongated mid attachment arm and a lower endplate fixedly attached to the elongated lower attachment arm. 
     
     
         15 . The prosthetic facet and facet joint replacement device of  claim 13  further including fasteners operative to attach the upper, mid, and lower attachment arms to the upper, mid, and lower vertebral bodies. 
     
     
         16 . The prosthetic facet and facet joint replacement device of  claim 15  where the fasteners comprise screws. 
     
     
         17 . The prosthetic facet and facet joint replacement device of  claim 13  where the first and second compressible stabilizing members each comprise a polymeric element. 
     
     
         18 . The prosthetic device of  claim 14  where each compressible stabilizing member comprises a polymeric element situated between the respective upper endplates and lower endplates. 
     
     
         19 . The prosthetic device of claim of  claim 13  where the first and second compressible stabilizing members each comprise a hydrogel element. 
     
     
         20 . The prosthetic device of  claim 14  where each compressible stabilizing member comprises a hydrogel element situated between the respective upper endplates and lower endplates. 
     
     
         21 . The prosthetic device of  claim 14  where the first and second compressible stabilizing members each comprise a plurality of fibers wound between and interconnecting the respective upper endplate and lower endplate. 
     
     
         22 . The prosthetic device of  claim 18  where the first and second compressible stabilizing members each comprise a plurality of fibers wound between and interconnecting the respective upper endplate and lower endplate.