CERVICAL DISTRACTION METHOD

摘要

A device and method for a minimally invasive surgical implantation to reduce radicular symptoms by inserting an expandable cervical distraction implant in the facet joint and distracting the adjacent cervical vertebrae to increase the foraminal dimension. The implant, when positioned in the cervical facet joint, expands to via delivery of an inflation medium to increase the space between the vertebrae, thereby increasing the foraminal area or dimension, and reducing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels of the cervical spine.

主权项

1. A method of implanting an implant in a facet joint comprising an inferior articulating surface of an upper vertebra and a superior articulating surface of a lower vertebra, the method comprising:
minimally invasively accessing the facet joint with a guide tool; minimally invasively routing the implant into the facet joint by routing along the guide tool the implant in a non-expanded configuration and operably coupled to a distal end of a delivery tool, the implant comprising an upper wall, a lower wall, a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the upper wall and lower wall comprise an inelastic material and the implant is configured to transition to an expanded configuration from the non-expanded configuration; and acting at the implant with the delivery tool to cause the implant to transition from the non-expanded configuration to the expanded configuration, the transition of the implant causing the upper wall to act against the inferior articulating surface and the lower wall to act against the superior articulating surface.