Prothesis for the replacement of a posterior element of a vertebra

摘要

Prosthetic replacement for a posterior element of a vertebra comprising portions that replace the natural lamina and the four natural facets. The prosthetic replacement may also include portions that replace one or more of the natural spinous process and the two natural transverse processes. If desired, the prosthesis replacement may also replace the natural pedicles. A method for replacing a posterior element of a vertebra is also provided.

主权项

1. A prosthesis for replacing a posterior element of a first natural vertebra of a spine, the first natural vertebra comprising a natural vertebral body, right and left natural pedicles extending from the natural vertebral body, a natural posterior arch extending between the natural pedicles, right and left natural superior articular processes extending from the natural posterior arch and the natural pedicles, and right and left natural inferior articular processes extending from the natural posterior arch, the prosthesis comprising:
a right prosthetic mount configured to attach the prosthesis to a right natural pedicle location of the first vertebra; a left prosthetic mount configured to attach the prosthesis to a left natural pedicle location of the first vertebra; an interconnecting structure formed monolithically with the prosthetic mounts and extending therebetween, wherein the interconnecting structure comprises a prosthetic spinous process that extends between the left prosthetic mount and the right prosthetic mount; and a first articular structure coupled to the interconnecting structure configured to constrain motion of the first vertebra relative to an adjacent second vertebra of the spine by articulating with a natural or prosthetic articular structure on the second vertebra.