Cervical distraction method

Abstract

A device and method for a minimally invasive surgical implantation to reduce radicular symptoms by inserting an expandable cervical distraction implant in the facet joint and distracting the adjacent cervical vertebrae to increase the foraminal dimension. The implant, when positioned in the cervical facet joint, expands to via delivery of an inflation medium to increase the space between the vertebrae, thereby increasing the foraminal area or dimension, and reducing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels of the cervical spine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A facet joint distraction system comprising:
 an access tool configured to access a facet joint, the joint comprising an inferior articulating surface of an upper vertebra and a superior articulating surface of a lower vertebra; and   a delivery tool comprising an elongated, tubular body, the tool configured to deliver a joint distraction device into the facet joint.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the facet joint is the cervical facet joint. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the delivery tool comprises a catheter. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the access tool is an introducer needle.