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  Minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplastyUSPTO Application #: 20060111780Title: Minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty Abstract: A minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty method using a unique metallic overlay, instrumentation and surgical protocol to resurface the superior facet of the inferior vertebrae limited to the facet joints located on the lumbar spine, Occiput-C1 through L5-S1. Using related new instrumentation and a surgical protocol invented to prepare the joint, a metallic overlay is mechanically crimped in place without the use of cement or pedicle screws. Permanent fixation occurs when bone in-grows onto a rough, porous surface on the inside of the implant. This hemi-arthroplasty method resurfaces half of the facet joint to provide for smooth, pain free joint articulation in deteriorated or diseased spinal facet joints without the need for major surgery or rehabilitation at considerably less risk to the patient. This procedure may also be used to prophylactically resurface the joint to minimize or eliminate future deterioration caused by the additional stress to facet joints from disc replacements or instrumented vertebral fusion. Instrumentation includes a newly invented planer, director probe with slap-hammer, vertebral separator, osteotome, broach, crimper and facet joint prosthetic implant for use in surgically resurfacing facet joints located from Occiput-C1 through L5-S1 using a minimally invasive outpatient facet joint hemi-arthroplasty method developed specifically for that purpose. (end of abstract) Agent: Herbert W. Larson Larson & Larson, P.A. - Largo, FL, US Inventor: David Ari Petersen USPTO Applicaton #: 20060111780 - 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 20060111780. 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, a unique pre-made, pre-shaped metallic implant implanted using an arthroscopic type portal or classic open surgical method to achieve a spinal facet joint hemi-arthroplasty to resurface any or all of the forty-eight superior facets of the inferior Occiput-C1 through L5-S1 vertebrae The use of pre-shaped metallic overlay for facet joint resurfacing of diseased, painful, deteriorated or overstressed joints offers three distinct advantages over larger prosthetic implants, which are presently used in facet arthroplasty procedures: (1) using a thin metallic overlay allows for minimally invasive insertion that is safer, less traumatic and requires far less recovery time compared to a prosthetic; (2) the overlay does not require the use of cements, pedicle screws or other fixation methods that can work their way loose over time; and, (3) the implant has two fins to provide lateral stability and two teeth to provide temporary fixation and a rough or porous inner surface amenable to bone in growth providing permanent natural fixation. The implant also has a polished outside that allows for smooth, natural, pain free articulation of the joint. [0005] The implant and method are specifically designed for use in an arthroscopic type portal for stand-alone procedures and may also be used in classic open surgery. This implant provides a unique, stronger and superior resurfacing and may be used for, but not limited to: (1) an adjunct to instrumented vertebral fusion when implanted in the two facet joints immediately above and below the two joints adjoining the instrumentation thereby eliminating the risk of collateral post-operative facet joint pain resulting from additional stress placed on facet joints, (2) when used to resurface adjoining facet joints directly above and below a disk replacement by eliminating the risk of collateral post-operative facet joint pain resulting from additional stress placed on facet joints by the disk replacement, and, (3) as a stand-alone treatment for diseased, painful or deteriorated facet joints. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The invention accomplishes its goal of resurfacing a painful, diseased or deteriorated spinal facet joints by providing a method, resurfacing implant and instrumentation to replace the joint surface with a small metal on bone overlay. The overlay, constructed of cobalt chrome or such other biocompatible metal or metallic alloy appropriate for joint hemi-arthroplasties, is one size for adults and one size for children, similarly sized for different facet joints or groups of joints in the spine and are attached to the joint using a straightforward process without the need for screws or cements and with the aid of custom designed instruments. The facet joint may be accessed using an arthroscopic type portal eliminating the need for open surgery, hospitalization and long recovery periods. The procedure may also be performed as an adjunct other procedures such as instrumented fusion and disc replacement in a traditional open surgery. Because the side that attaches to bone is porous, the bone heals onto it, permanently fixing it into place. A uniquely designed set of blades and teeth provides temporary fixation to the joint and prevents migration. A unique crimping system allows the implant to be fixed into place, holding it firmly until bone in growth is complete. The side making contact with the joint is highly polished providing a smooth, virtually frictionless surface that undergoes virtually no wear and tear. The inside is rough or porous providing an amenable surface for bone in growth. [0007] According to one broad aspect of the invention, the system comprises a surgical technique, uniquely designed instrumentation and a unique metallic prosthetic overlay. The metallic overlay is generally shaped to the natural contour of the bone it resurfaces and is highly polished on the outside to provide frictionless articulation of the joint and rough or porous on the inside to promote and provide a surface to allow the natural bone to grow into the overlay, providing a permanent fixation. In the interim between implantation and bone in-growth, the overlay is mechanically crimped into place using two teeth opposed to each other and one to two blades on the inside of the implant that bite into the bone to prevent lateral migration. The overlay is further held into place by the natural pressure of the inferior and superior sides of the joint as they come together in their natural position. [0008] The system includes any number of instruments allowing preparation of the joint and the implant to be placed using a minimally invasive surgical arthroscopic technique to access to the joint that include a director probe to determine the correct facet joint angle, a separator to assist with separation of the vertebrae to improve access to the joint, an osteotome to make a small cut in the bone to prepare the surface for the implant, a broach to prepare the bone to match the implant shape, an impactor to impact the implant into place and a crimp to fix the implant to prevent migration prior to healing and a unique implant. By way of example only, the director may include a planer blade or rasp to remove any bone spurs or overgrowth and to flatten the facet joint surface in preparation for implant placement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING [0009] 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: [0010] FIG. 1 represents an inside view of the implant showing the teeth and blades used for temporary fixation. [0011] FIG. 2 represents a properly completed procedure and the resultant facet resurfacing using the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0012] 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. [0013] One of the root causes of back pain, particularly persistent and disabling back pain, are facet joints, small joints located behind adjacent vertebrae in the spine that allow for spinal motion. [0014] Present surgical solutions available for the millions of people with facet joint dysfunctions are complex, invasive, high-risk operations requiring pedicle screws for fixation and significant reduction or elimination of natural joints and replacement with prosthetic apparatus such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,610,091, 6,579,319, 6,565,605, 6,132,464, 6,113,637 and U.S. Patent Application 2003/0028250. In general, the present art requires prolonged recovery times, from 6 to 24 months, and offers uncertain outcomes. High risk equates to frequent litigation, which forces non-surgical symptomatic treatment while the disease or consequences of injury progressively worsen. [0015] With the advent of new, safer and less invasive surgical techniques and technology, the growth of spine surgery now outpaces every other orthopedic surgery segment. Its growth is further fueled by an enormous demand. Facet Joint Hemi-Arthroplasty solves these problems in two ways: [0016] 1. It can be a minimally invasive, low risk, fast (about 20 minutes per joint in an outpatient setting compared to about three hours in a hospital followed by a three day stay), and has a recovery time measured in a few weeks (compared to 6 to 24 months); and, [0017] 2. It promises a high success rate, does not preclude other surgical options, and is non-limiting and permanent. Continue reading... Full patent description for Minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Minimally invasive facet joint hemi-arthroplasty patent application. Patent Applications in related categories: 20080167717 - Non-metallic implant devices and intra-operative methods for assembly and fixation - This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying ... ###  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 hemi-arthroplasty or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Minimally invasive facet joint fusion Next Patent Application: Spinal plug for a minimally invasive facet joint fusion system 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 hemi-arthroplasty patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.12921 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , |
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