System for securing joints together
US6540747B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00023
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for securing first and second opposing facet joints together, comprising: a cannulated drill having a side opening; and an extendible member received within the cannula of the cannulated drill, the extendible member having a distal end which passes out of the side opening in a direction radially outwards from the axis of the cannulated drill as the extendible member is advanced distally through the cannula of the drill. The drill can be rotated such that the extendible member ablates opposite contacting surfaces of first and second facet joints, promoting fusion between the first and second facet joints. A facet screw passing through a hole drilled by the cannulated drill through the first facet joint and into the second facet joint is tightened into position to immobilize the first and second facet joints together.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.