Vertebral facet joint drill and method of use
US9517077B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 13, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 24, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/7064
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and methods for creating lumens in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. An embodiment of the invention can be a tool that can cut a curved lumen through the articular process. The tool can have a lumen-forming arm with a rotating drill contained within that can be powered by a drill motor. The lumen-forming arm can be axially translated to cut a path through the articular process. Methods of using the resulting lumens to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.