METHODS FOR FACET JOINT TREATMENT

摘要

A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint has a superior facet with a superior articular face and an inferior facet with an inferior articular face. An implant delivery cannula is used to position a superior resurfacing implant and an inferior resurfacing implant between the superior articular face and the inferior articular face.

主权项

1. A method of treating a facet joint of a patient, wherein the facet joint comprises a superior facet having superior articular face and an inferior facet having an inferior articular face and wherein the method comprises:
extending a distal end of an implant delivery cannula between the superior and inferior articular faces, wherein the implant delivery cannula comprises a channel extending therethrough and a shoulder mechanism mounted proximate a distal end thereof and wherein the shoulder mechanism comprises a concave stop surface; positioning a superior resurfacing body and an inferior resurfacing body in an adjacent relationship in the channel and proximate a distal end of a pusher tool; receiving a portion of at least one of the superior facet and the inferior facet in the concave stop surface to restrict lateral movement of the distal end of the implant delivery cannula with respect to the at least one of the superior facet and the inferior facet; moving the superior and inferior resurfacing bodies through the channel with the pusher tool until the superior and inferior resurfacing bodies are between the superior and inferior articular faces while at least a portion of the superior and inferior resurfacing bodies are within the channel; and moving the implant delivery cannula and the pusher tool away from the superior and inferior articular faces so that the superior resurfacing body is adjacent the superior articular face and the inferior resurfacing body is adjacent the inferior articular face.