Implantable facet fusion devices

Abstract

Implantable devices for the treatment of degenerative facet joint disease, and more specifically to implantable devices for the immobilization or fusion of degenerated facet joints, particularly of the cervical spine are provided. The devices may be easily inserted into the facet joint, promoting fusion and initiating a natural healing response. Also provided are methods of treating degeneration of a facet joint using these implantable devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An implantable device for cervical facet fusion, comprising:
 an elongate main body extending between a first, leading end and a second, trailing end, the first, leading end terminating into a tapered nose, the elongate main body being configured for insertion into a cervical facet, and   a plurality of cutting fins extending from the elongate main body, each of the cutting fins having a tapered body lengthwise and a sharp, cutting edge, the cutting fins collectively forming a discontinuous helical thread spiraling down the length of the elongate main body.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the tapered nose includes a sharp cutting edge. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further including a tool-engaging opening at the second, trailing end. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate main body is cannulated. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further being biologically active. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the device includes a biologically active coating. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the device is formed of a biologically active material. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the device includes a biologically active material. 
     
     
         9 . A method of treating degeneration of a facet joint, comprising:
 providing an implantable device having an elongate main body extending between a first, leading end and a second, trailing end, the first, leading end terminating into a tapered nose, the elongate main body being configured for insertion into a cervical facet, and a plurality of cutting fins extending from the elongate main body, each of the cutting fins having a tapered body lengthwise and a sharp, cutting edge, the cutting fins collectively forming a discontinuous helical thread spiraling down the length of the elongate main body;   drilling a pilot hole into a targeted site of the facet joint to be treated;   inserting the implantable device into the pilot hole; and   delivering the implantable device into the targeted site.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the facet joint is a cervical facet joint. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of drilling causes debridement. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the pilot hole has a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the implantable device. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the pilot hole is non-linear. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further including the step of using an articular drill bit to drill the pilot hole. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of inserting a guidewire to the targeted site of the facet joint to be treated. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of identifying a second targeted site of a facet joint to be treated, the second targeted site located on an opposite side of the spine. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further including repeating the steps of drilling, inserting and delivering to the second, targeted site. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the implantable device is placed along a plane of the facet joint. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the implantable device is placed across the facet joint.