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  Minimally invasive facet joint fusionUSPTO Application #: 20060111779Title: Minimally invasive facet joint fusion Abstract: A minimally invasive facet joint fusion including a method, instrumentation and autograft, cadaveric allograft or FDA approved pre-made, pre-shaped synthetic cortical bone grafts consistent with the description and Claims herein for use in minimally invasive, outpatient, arthroscopic spine surgery or classic open surgery and, more specifically, to fuse spinal facet joints from T12-L1 through L5-S1. This method serves as a primary or a revision surgery. (end of abstract)
Agent: Larson And Larson - Largo, FL, US Inventor: David Ari Petersen USPTO Applicaton #: 20060111779 - Class: 623017110 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Implantable Prosthesis, Bone, Spine Bone The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060111779. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX [0003] Not Applicable BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention relates generally to minimally invasive spine surgery and, more particularly, to using an arthroscopic type portal or open facet joint fusion surgical method, instrumentation and either pre-made, pre-shaped synthetic cortical bone or harvested and compacted iliac crest grafts, autologous or cadaveric allografts. The instrumentation, graft and fusion method is limited to the forty-eight facet joints located on the spine, C1-C2 through L5-S1. [0005] The use of pre-shaped, harvested or synthetic bone as a structural fixation for facet joint fusion offers three distinct advantages over pedicle or compression screws, which are presently used in facet fusion procedures: (1) using bone instead of metal allows for natural bone ingrowth and a stronger, permanent fusion; (2) the natural or synthetic graft cannot work its way loose over time, a concern with screw type fixation; and, (3) the graft is self-leveling, which eliminates any concern of vertebral tilting. [0006] The instrumentation, grafts and method are specifically designed for use in an arthroscopic type portal for stand-alone procedures and provides a stronger, unique and superior fusion when used as an adjunct to instrumented vertebral fusion by eliminating the risk of collateral post-operative facet joint pain resulting from additional stress placed on facet joints by the instrumentation itself. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] A minimally invasive facet joint fusion for the treatment of a diseased or painful facet joint that is not appropriate for resurfacing or replacement comprises a method, instrumentation and autograft, cadaveric allograft or FDA approved pre-made, pre-shaped synthetic cortical bone graft for use in minimally invasive, outpatient, arthroscopic spine surgery or classic open surgery and, more specifically, to fuse spinal facet joints from C1-C2 through L5-S1. This method serves as a primary or a revision surgery. [0008] The present invention accomplishes a superior spinal facet joint fusion by providing a method, instrumentation and grafting alternatives to facilitate fusion using Arthroscopic portal or open surgical techniques of the C1-C2 through L5-S1 spinal facet joints. [0009] According to one broad aspect of the present invention, the Arthroscopic Facet Joint Fusion method comprises a punch or drill that creates a hole through both levels of the facet joint in a conical pattern. The hole is filled with either the patient's own harvested and compacted bone plug using iliac crest autograft, pre-made, pre-shaped shaped cortical cadaveric allograft (the autograft or allograft formed by a unique bone plug press or machining) or FDA approved pre-made, pre-shaped synthetic grafts. [0010] The punch or drill may include any number of components capable of performing the creation of a hole through both sides of the spinal facet joint using an arthroscope or similar portal to access the joint or during classic open surgery. By way of example only, the punch may include a hand actuator that will create sufficient pressure to create a specific sized hole through both sides of the spinal facet joint using a mechanical arrangement similar to that of common pliers resized to work through an arthroscopic opening. Additionally, a drill guide may be placed and a specifically sized and shaped drill head may be used to create the opening. [0011] The bone plug press (graft forming or compression instrument) may include any number of components capable of using harvested autograft, cadaveric allograft cortical bone or a synthetic alternative to match the bone tunnel made by the punch or drill. By way of example only, the bone plug press may include a mechanism similar to common pliers or a more standard hand press that will transfer sufficient force to form bone plugs by squeezing the handles together to form the bone plug and compress the bone or synthetic alternative to the proper density and shape. [0012] The impactor or press may include any number of components capable of pushing and compressing the bone plug into the bone tunnels. A suture or metallic overlay may also be applied to provide additional structural stability to the joint during graft incorporation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING [0013] Many advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art with a reading of this specification in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals are applied to like elements and wherein: [0014] FIG. 1 represents the punch and press mechanism described herein according to the present invention. [0015] FIG. 3 represents a properly completed procedure and the resultant facet joint fusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0016] In the United States alone, about 10% of the entire population will suffer from back pain sometime in the next 12 months. More people will contract back pain in the next year than any other injury or disease except the common cold and flu. About one third will not recover and have to live with persistent, disabling symptoms. The number is cumulative year after year. [0017] One of the root causes of back pain, particularly the persistent and disabling kind, are facet joints, small joints located behind adjacent vertebrae in the spine that allow for spinal motion. Continue reading... Full patent description for Minimally invasive facet joint fusion Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Minimally invasive facet joint fusion patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Minimally invasive facet joint fusion or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Implant device used in minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty Next Patent Application: Minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty Industry Class: Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Minimally invasive facet joint fusion patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 1.06758 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , |
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