Facet distraction device, facet joint implant, and associated methods

摘要

In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides devices, implants, and methods for distracting and/or stabilizing a facet joint of the spine of a patient or other similar joint or bony structures, optionally including modifying the facet joint and implanting an implant in the facet joint so as to distract the foramen in order to reduce compression on nerve roots.

主权项

1. A facet joint stabilization method, comprising:
drilling a first hole in a facet joint of a spine of a patient, the facet joint comprising a first facet and a second facet; drilling a second hole in the facet joint, wherein the second hole is offset from the first hole; positioning a facet joint stabilization device in the first and second holes, the facet joint stabilization device comprising: an elongated body section having a length extending along an axis when viewed from a top surface of the facet joint stabilization device and having a width when viewed from the top surface extending at least substantially perpendicular to the length, wherein the length is greater than the width; a substantially solid first lobe section protruding outwardly from the body section; and a substantially solid second lobe section protruding outwardly from the body section, wherein the facet joint stabilization device is positioned in the first and second holes such that the substantially solid first lobe section engages bone material from the first facet and such that the substantially solid second lobe section engages bone material from the second facet, wherein the first lobe section and the second lobe section are offset with respect to one another in relation to the body section such that the first lobe section is positioned along a different portion of the length of the body section on a first side of the body section opposite from a second side of the body section on which the second lobe section is positioned, wherein the first lobe section is not symmetrical with respect to the second lobe section about the axis, and wherein the facet joint stabilization device is positioned in the first and second holes such that the first lobe section is positioned in the first hole and the second lobe section is positioned in the second hole.