Visco-elastic facet joint implant

摘要

A visco-elastic facet joint implant for insertion into a facet joint between an inferior facet formed on a superior vertebral body and a superior facet formed on an inferior vertebral body. The facet implant includes a visco-elastic implant element molded into an anatomically fitted shape to optimally fit between the facet joint and one or more bone fixation elements to secure the visco-elastic implant element to the superior and/or inferior vertebral bodies. In use, the visco-elastic facet joint implant includes a first end for engaging the superior vertebral body, a middle portion for passing through the facet joint and an optional second end for engaging the inferior vertebral body.

主权项

1. A facet joint implant for insertion into a facet joint between an inferior facet formed on a superior vertebral body and a superior facet formed on an inferior vertebral body, the facet implant comprising:
a first implant element including a first end for engaging the superior vertebral body via one or more bone fixation elements, a middle portion for passing through the facet joint and a second end, the implant element being manufactured from a substantially flat elongated strip of visco-elastic material that is adaptable to an anatomy of the vertebral bodies, wherein the middle portion is configured having a substantially flat shape, wherein the middle portion includes an extension, the extension passing through the facet joint so that the first implant element may be disposed along side the facet joint in an implanted position, and such that the second end is positioned to engage the inferior vertebral body via one or more second bone fixation elements; further wherein first and second implant elements are integrally formed and include a superior portion for passing through an interspinous space.