FACET JOINT REPLACEMENT INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS

摘要

A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, a superior implant with a superior articular surface, and an optional crossbar. The inferior implant and the superior implant are each polyaxially adjustably connected to fixation elements which anchor the implants to adjacent vertebrae. The optional crossbar may be polyaxially adjustably connected to bilateral implants. The system components may be provided in kits which provide components of various sizes and shapes. A set of surgical instruments may facilitate implantation of the facet joint replacement system by providing tools for bone preparation, trialing, implant insertion, implant alignment, and lock-out of modular interconnections.

主权项

1. A facet joint replacement device, said device comprising:
a superior facet joint replacement component configured to replace a natural superior articular facet on a first vertebra of a spine; an inferior facet joint replacement component, said inferior facet joint replacement component comprising a first coupling portion configured to engage a complementary first coupling portion of the superior implant to couple the inferior component to the superior component in a predetermined orientation, wherein the first coupling portion of the inferior component comprises a clip having a pair of pins separated from a pair of prongs, wherein the pair of pins are shaped to engage the superior facet joint replacement component and the pair of prongs are shaped to engage the inferior facet joint replacement component, and wherein the pair of pins are cylindrical and have a constant diameter over their entire length and the pair of prongs are configured as flanges, correspond to a gripping feature on the inferior facet joint implant, and are separated by a slot substantially centered between the pair of prongs to enable the pair of prongs to independently move with respect to each other.