| 摘要 |
A spinal facet joint implant suitable for minimally invasive implantation and capable of transitioning from a compact first configuration to an expanded second configuration is made of a swellable and compressible fluid absorbing polymer. The implant is dimensioned and configured, while in the first configuration, to fit within the lumen of a surgical needle. In the expanded, second configuration, the implant exerts pressure within the facet joint which helps keep the facet joint from collapsing and anchors the implant in place. A spinal facet joint implant herein may also be dimensioned and configured to occupy a portion of the capsule of a facet joint. A spinal facet joint implant for treating inflammation made from a fluid absorbing polymer absorbs and sequesters inflammatory agents as it absorbs synovial fluid in situ. Methods of making and implanting a spinal facet implant are provided.
|
