Prostheses and Methods of Replacement of Natural Facet Joints with Artificial Facet Joint Surfaces

Abstract

Cephalad and caudal vertebral facet joint prostheses and methods of use are provided. The cephalad prostheses are adapted and configured to be attached to a lamina portion of a vertebra without blocking a pedicle portion of the cephalad vertebra. In some embodiments, the prosthesis is attached with a non-invasive support member, such as a clamp. In other embodiments, a translaminar screw may be used for additional fixation.

1 . A method of surgery comprising:
 providing a spinal implant adapted and configured to replace a portion of a first vertebra;   attaching the spinal implant to the first vertebra via a fixation mechanism, wherein the fixation mechanism comprises a non-invasive support member adapted and configured to attach to the first vertebra, wherein the support member comprises first and second vertebra contact surfaces; and   articulating the spinal implant to provide movement between the first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebra.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distance between the first and second vertebra contact surfaces is adjustable. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising attaching the fixation mechanism to a spinous process of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising attaching the fixation mechanism to a lamina of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the fixation mechanism is further adapted and configured to be in contact with the lamina portion of the vertebra on at least two opposing sides of the lamina portion of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing an attachment mechanism to attach the spinal implant to the fixation mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the attachment mechanism is adapted and configured such that the spinal implant is moveable in a cephalad or caudal direction with respect to the fixation mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . A method of surgery comprising:
 providing a spinal implant adapted and configured to replace a portion of a joint;   attaching the spinal implant to a first vertebra via a fixation mechanism, wherein the fixation mechanism is configured to contact the first vertebra without any penetration of any bone portion of the first vertebra; and   articulating the spinal implant to provide movement between the first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebra.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising attaching the fixation mechanism to a spinous process of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising attaching the fixation mechanism to a lamina portion of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the fixation mechanism is further adapted and configured to be in contact with the lamina portion of the first vertebra on at least two opposing sides of the lamina portion of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the fixation mechanism is further adapted and configured to be in contact with the lamina portion of the vertebra on four sides of the lamina portion of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising attaching the spinal implant to a first vertebra via a fixation mechanism without blocking access to a pedicle portion of the vertebra. 
     
     
         14 . A method of surgery comprising:
 providing a spinal implant adapted and configured to replace a portion of a joint;   attaching the spinal implant to a first vertebra via a fixation mechanism, wherein the spinal implant is attached to the fixation mechanism via an attachment mechanism; and   articulating the spinal implant between the first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebra.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment mechanism is adapted and configured to traverse a midline of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising attaching the fixation mechanism to a lamina portion of the first vertebra. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the fixation mechanism is adapted and configured to be in contact with the lamina portion of the first vertebra on at least two opposing sides of the lamina portion. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment mechanism is adapted and configured such that the spinal implant is moveable in a cephalad or caudad direction with respect to the fixation mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a location element moveable in a cephalad or caudad direction with respect to the fixation mechanism. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the fixation mechanism comprises a clamp.