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 prosthesis for the replacement of at least two facets located on a mammalian vertebra, comprising:
 at least one bone contacting surface that is adapted to be secured to a surface of the vertebra; and   at least two bearing surfaces for articulating with other facets, said at least two bearing surfaces being connected to said at least one bone contacting surface, wherein the prosthesis comprises a base portion configured to contact and conform to a spinous process.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising fixation elements for securing said at least one bone contacting surface to the vertebra. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said fixation elements are screws. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said at least bone contacting surface is porous coated to allow for bone ingrowth. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said bearing surfaces are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of a ceramic, a metal and a polymer. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said prosthesis is configured so that said at least two bearing surfaces are adapted to replace a pair of inferior facets. 
     
     
         7 . A method for replacing at least two facets on a mammalian vertebra, comprising the steps of:
 resecting a pair of facets on the vertebra; and   attaching a prosthesis to the vertebra so that a pair of bearing surfaces on the prosthesis are positioned in place of the resected facets, wherein the prosthesis comprises a base portion configured to partially encompass the spinous process therein.   
     
     
         8 . A prosthesis for the replacement of a pair of spinal facets, said prosthesis comprising:
 a first vertical member having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for disposition against, and attachment to, a first pedicle of a vertebra, and said second end comprising a convex bearing surface for engagement with a facet of an adjacent vertebra; and   a second vertical member having a first end and a second end, said first end being adapted for disposition against, and attachment to, the other pedicle of the vertebra, said second end comprising a bearing surface with a facet of an adjacent vertebra   wherein the prosthesis comprises one or more curved base portions that are attachable to a lamina.   
     
     
         9 . The prosthesis of  claim 8 , wherein said first vertical member, said second vertical member and said bridge are formed so that said prosthesis is displaced from the lamina of the vertebra when said first end of said first vertical member is disposed against, and attached to, the first pedicle of a vertebra and said first end of said second vertical member is disposed against, the attached to, the other pedicle of the vertebra.