Polyaxial adjustment of facet joint prostheses
US9056016B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2310/00179
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Prostheses, systems, and methods are provided for replacement of natural facet joints between adjacent vertebrae using polyaxial attachment mechanisms for securing the prostheses to the vertebrae. A cephalad prosthesis attached to a superior adjacent vertebra replaces the inferior half of a natural facet joint. A caudal prosthesis attached to an inferior adjacent vertebra replaces the superior half of a natural facet joint. Both the cephalad and caudal prostheses are configured with artificial facet joint structures that include articulating surfaces that cooperate and form an artificial articular configuration. The polyaxial attachment mechanism permits adjustment of the position of the artificial facet joint structure along more than one axis at or after the time the cephalad or caudal prosthesis is attached to a vertebra.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.