SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACET JOINT REPLACEMENT WITH DETACHABLE COUPLER

摘要

A facet joint replacement system includes an inferior implant with an inferior articular surface, and a superior implant with a superior articular surface. The implants may be coupled together by a detachable coupler which can align and rigidly hold the inferior and superior articular surfaces in a preferred alignment relative to one another. In one method of implantation, the superior and inferior implants may be aligned and coupled together with the coupler, and then secured to fixation members anchored in adjacent vertebrae. Alternatively, a first implant may be secured to a fixation member anchored in a first vertebra, and a second implant coupled to the coupler, aligned with the first implant and then secured to a fixation member anchored in a second vertebra. A tool may grip, position and/or deliver the coupler and the implants.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a superior implant for securing to a first vertebra of a spine, the superior implant having at least one tube; an inferior implant for securing to a second vertebra of the spine; and a coupler coupled to the superior implant and the inferior implant, wherein the coupler comprises a clip having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being linked by a connecting portion, the coupler having a first post extending from the first end and a second post extending from the second end, wherein at least one of the first and second posts are configured to be inserted into the at least one tube to align the inferior implant with the superior implant.