Lateral mass fixation system

Abstract

A device for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion. The proximal portion may be detachable from the distal portion and may be hollow or solid. A system for accessing and guiding at least one fixation device to a spine may include a distal portion configured to fit in a facet of the spine, a proximal portion extending from the distal portion, and a slidable guide device for sliding over the facet guide device to guide at least one instrument to the spine.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An assembly for accessing a facet joint between a first vertebra and a second vertebra adjacent said first vertebra, said assembly comprising:
 a facet access portion comprising:
 a proximal elongated body portion comprising a first central longitudinal axis, and 
 at least one distal blade portion configured for insertion into said facet joint; and 
   a guide portion defining at least a first lumen, wherein said first lumen comprises a second central, longitudinal axis,   wherein said first and second central longitudinal axes are distinct and parallel, and wherein said first lumen of said guide portion provides access to a posterior portion of one of the first vertebra and the second vertebra, and further wherein the first lumen of the guide portion is configured to receive and guide at least one instrument to said posterior portion.   
     
     
         22 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the at least one instrument comprises one of a drill, a rasp and a decorticator. 
     
     
         23 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein said at least one distal blade portion extends distally beyond a distal end of said first lumen. 
     
     
         24 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the guide portion further comprises a second lumen, and further wherein said second lumen is adapted to receive the proximal elongated body portion of said facet access portion such that said at least one distal blade portion also extends distally beyond a distal end of said second lumen. 
     
     
         25 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the posterior portion consists of a portion of a lateral mass of said first vertebra or second vertebra. 
     
     
         26 . The assembly of  claim 21 , wherein the facet joint is a cervical facet joint. 
     
     
         27 . A method for accessing a facet joint between a first vertebra and a second vertebra adjacent said first vertebra, said method comprising:
 accessing said facet joint from a posterior approach with a facet access portion of an assembly, the facet access portion comprising a proximal elongated body portion comprising a first central longitudinal axis, and at least one distal blade portion configured for insertion into said facet joint;   positioning said at least one distal blade portion into said facet joint;   accessing a posterior portion of one of the first vertebra and the second vertebra with a guide portion of said assembly, said guide portion defining at least a first lumen, wherein said first lumen comprises a second central, longitudinal axis that is distinct from and parallel to said first central longitudinal axis; and   introducing at least one instrument through said first lumen to access said posterior portion.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said at least one instrument is a drill, said method further comprising forming a hole in said posterior portion using the drill. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said posterior portion is a lateral mass of one of the first vertebra and second vertebra. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29 , wherein said facet joint is a cervical facet joint. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the guide portion further comprises a second lumen, said second lumen comprising a third central longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the second longitudinal axis of the at least one lumen and said third longitudinal axis of said second lumen are distinct and parallel. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein at least one of the first and second lumens is configured to receive the elongated body portion of said facet access portion. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the facet access portion comprises a chisel. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said accessing a posterior portion of one of the first vertebra and second vertebra comprises accessing a superior lateral mass of the facet joint. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said accessing a posterior portion of one of the first vertebra and second vertebra comprises accessing an inferior lateral mass of the facet joint. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising removing the drill from the first lumen and delivering a fixation device into said hole. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein said fixation device comprises at least one bone screw. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein said facet joint is a cervical facet joint, and said posterior portion is a lateral mass of the first vertebra or second vertebra.