System and method for facet joint replacement

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 may include a crosslink extending across a vertebral sagittal plane. The inferior implant may comprise an inferior strut, and a polyaxially adjustable, lockable mechanism which may couple the inferior articular surface with a first end of the inferior strut, and couple the inferior articular surface with the crosslink. A second end of the inferior strut may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable, lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The superior implant may be secured to a polyaxially adjustable lockable fixation assembly securable in a vertebra. The positions of the inferior articular surface and the first end of the inferior strut are independently translatable along a medial-lateral axis of the vertebra prior to lockout by the lockable mechanism. The crosslink may be placed into the lockable mechanism from a posterior approach.

主权项

1. An implantation system comprising:
a left fixation member implantable in a first vertebra; a right fixation member implantable in the first vertebra; a crosslink operably connected to the left fixation member and the right fixation member, wherein the crosslink comprises a half-pipe body; a left inferior implant operably connected to the crosslink, the left inferior implant comprising a left inferior articular surface; and a right inferior implant operably connected to the crosslink, the right inferior implant comprising a right inferior articular surface, wherein the left inferior implant comprises an inferior strut securable to the left fixation member and the crosslink, wherein the left inferior implant further comprises an attachment mechanism comprising a saddle to permit insertion of the crosslink into the saddle.