Vertebral facet joint drill and method of use

摘要

Devices and methods for creating lumens in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. An embodiment of the invention can be a tool that can cut a curved lumen through the articular process. The tool can have a lumen-forming arm with a rotating drill contained within that can be powered by a drill motor. The lumen-forming arm can be axially translated to cut a path through the articular process. Methods of using the resulting lumens to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.

主权项

1. A method for forming a through lumen in a first articular process of a vertebral facet joint, comprising:
accessing the first articular process; positioning a spacer having a spacer aperture between a first articulating surface of the first articular process and a second articulating surface of a second articular process; positioning a lumen-forming arm comprising a drill bit against an outside surface of the first articular process; rotating the drill bit by coupling a rotational power source to the drill bit; andmanipulating the lumen-forming arm through the first articular process to penetrate a the first articulating surface of the first articular process and pass through the spacer aperture, forming the through lumen.