Methods and apparatus for accessing and treating the facet joint

Abstract

Methods and systems are disclosed for accessing and treating the interior of the facet joint for vertebral distraction and immobilization. The systems include a number of tools that facilitate access to the facet joint, distraction of the articulating decortication of the articulating surfaces, and delivery of implants and agents into the facet joint for fusion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for minimally invasively accessing an interior region of a facet joint, the facet joint comprising first and second articulating subchondral surfaces defining first and second boundaries of a facet cavity, the facet joint further comprising a facet capsule defining a third boundary of the facet cavity, the apparatus comprising: an elongate handle having a proximal end and a distal end; and a blade disposed at the distal end of the handle, the blade comprising a flat leading edge and configured so that placement of the blade through the facet capsule and into the facet cavity generates a slit-shaped aperture in the facet capsule, the slit-shaped aperture extending substantially parallel to the first and second articulating subchondral surfaces, the blade and distal end configured to be passable through a minimally invasive route leading to the facet capsule.