US20050240265A1 - Crossbar spinal prosthesis having a modular design and related implantation methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Modular spinal prosthesis having one of both of adaptable and configurable components are provided. The modular spinal prosthesis described herein provide an artificial articular configuration to replace damaged, worn or otherwise removed spinal facet elements.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE
• This application is a continuation in part of commonly assigned U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/831,657 to Tokish et al., filed Apr. 22, 2004, and entitled “Anti-Rotation Fixation Element for Spinal Prosthesis,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention generally relates to devices and surgical methods for the treatment of various types of spinal pathologies. More specifically, the present invention is directed to several different types of highly configurable and anatomically adaptable spinal joint replacement prostheses and surgical procedures for performing spinal joint replacements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The humanspinal column10, as shown inFIG. 1, is comprised of a series of thirty-three stackedvertebrae12 divided into five regions. The cervical region includes seven vertebrae, known as C1-C7. The thoracic region includes twelve vertebrae, known as T1-T12. The lumbar region contains five vertebrae, known as L1-L5. The sacral region is comprised of five fused vertebrae, known as S1-S5, while the coccygeal region contains four fused vertebrae, known as Co1-Co4.
• FIG. 2 depicts a superior plan view of a normalhuman lumbar vertebra12. Although human lumbar vertebrae vary somewhat according to location, they share many common features. Eachvertebra12 includes avertebral body14. Two short boney protrusions, thepedicles16, extend backward from each side of thevertebral body14 to form avertebral arch18.
• At the posterior end of eachpedicle16, thevertebral arch18 flares out into broad plates of bone known as thelaminae20. Thelaminae20 fuse with each other to form aspinous process22. Thespinous process22 serves for muscle and ligamentous attachment. A smooth transition from thepedicles16 to thelaminae20 is interrupted by the formation of a series of processes.
• Twotransverse processes24 thrust out laterally, one on each side, from the junction of thepedicle16 with thelamina20. Thetransverse processes24 serve as levers for the attachment of muscles to thevertebrae12. Four articular processes, two superior26 and two inferior28, also rise from the junctions of thepedicles16 and thelaminae20. The superiorarticular processes26 are sharp oval plates of bone rising upward on each side of the vertebrae, while theinferior processes28 are oval plates of bone that jut downward on each side.
• The superior and inferiorarticular processes26 and28 each have a natural bony structure known as a facet. The superiorarticular facet30 faces medially upward, while the inferior articular facet31 (seeFIG. 3) faces laterally downward. Whenadjacent vertebrae12 are aligned, thefacets30 and31, capped with a smooth articular cartilage and encapsulated by ligaments, interlock to form afacet joint32, also known as a zygapophyseal joint.
• Thefacet joint32 is composed of a superior facet and an inferior facet. The superior facet is formed by the vertebral level below thejoint32, and the inferior facet is formed by the vertebral level above thejoint32. For example, in the L4-L5 facet joint, the superior facet of thejoint32 is formed by bony structure on the L5 vertebra (i.e., a superior articular surface and supportingbone26 on the L5 vertebra), and the inferior facet of thejoint32 is formed by bony structure on the L4 vertebra (i.e., an inferior articular surface and supportingbone28 on the L4 vertebra).
• Anintervertebral disc34 between eachadjacent vertebra12 permits gliding movement between thevertebrae12. The structure and alignment of thevertebrae12 thus permit a range of movement of thevertebrae12 relative to each other.
• Back pain, particularly in the “small of the back” or lumbosacral (L4-S1) region, is a common ailment. In many cases, the pain severely limits a person's functional ability and quality of life. Such pain can result from a variety of spinal pathologies.
• Through disease or injury, the laminae, spinous process, articular processes, or facets of one or more vertebral bodies can become damaged, such that the vertebrae no longer articulate or properly align with each other. This can result in an undesired anatomy, loss of mobility, and pain or discomfort.
• For example, the vertebral facet joints can be damaged by either traumatic injury or by various disease processes. These disease processes include osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylolysis, and degenerative spondylolisthesis. The damage to the facet joints often results in pressure on nerves, also called “pinched” nerves, or nerve compression or impingement. The result is pain, misaligned anatomy, and a corresponding loss of mobility. Pressure on nerves can also occur without facet joint pathology, e.g., a herniated disc.
• One type of conventional treatment of facet joint pathology is spinal stabilization, also known as intervertebral stabilization. Intervertebral stabilization prevents relative motion between the vertebrae. By preventing movement, pain can be reduced. Stabilization can be accomplished by various methods. One method of stabilization is spinal fusion. Another method of stabilization is fixation of any number of vertebrae to stabilize and prevent movement of the vertebrae.
• Another type of conventional treatment is decompressive laminectomy. This procedure involves excision of part or all of the laminae and other tissues to relieve compression of nerves.
• These traditional treatments are subject to a variety of limitations and varying success rates. None of the described treatments, however, puts the spine in proper alignment or returns the spine to a desired anatomy or biomechanical functionality. In addition, stabilization techniques hold the vertebrae in a fixed position thereby limiting a person's mobility and can compromise adjacent structures as well.
• Prostheses, systems, and methods exist which can maintain more spinal biomechanical functionality than the above discussed methods and systems and overcome many of the problems and disadvantages associated with traditional treatments for spine pathologies. One example of such prosthesis is shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 4 shows an artificial cephalad and caudalfacet joint prosthesis36 and50 for replacing a natural facet joint.Cephalad joint prosthesis36 replaces the inferior facet of a natural facet joint.Cephalad prosthesis36 has abearing element38 with abearing surface40. Caudaljoint prosthesis50 replaces the superior facet of a natural facet joint.Caudal prosthesis50 has abearing element52 with abearing surface54.Conventional fixation elements56 attach cephalad and caudal facetjoint prostheses36 and50 to a vertebra in an orientation and position thatplaces bearing surface40 in approximately the same location as the natural facet joint surface the prosthesis replaces. The prosthesis may also be placed in a location other than the natural facet joint location.
• The prosthesis illustrated inFIG. 4 addresses the immediate problem of facet joint degeneration and restores biomechanical motion. However, this exemplary prosthesis, in addition to others, would benefit from design features having more modular components or a design that lends itself to attaching to the spinal bone in a greater variety of orientations and/or locations. In general, the desire for these kinds of design changes are referred to generally as prosthesis customization.
• Prosthesis customization to patient specific disease state and anatomy are among the challenges faced when implanting a prosthesis. The challenges are amplified in the implantation of spinal prostheses that restore facet biomechanical function and vertebral body motion. Current prostheses designs have not provided prosthesis systems having modular designs that are configurable and adaptable to patient specific disease state and anatomy.
• There is a need in the field for prostheses and prosthetic systems having configurable designs and that are adaptable to a wide variety of spinal anatomy and disease states to replace injured and/or diseased facet joints, which cause, or are a result of, various spinal diseases. There is also a need for surgical methods to install such prostheses. Additionally, there is also a need for prostheses and prosthetic systems to replace spinal fusion procedures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a facet joint prosthesis to replace, on a vertebral body, a portion of a natural facet joint having a support component sized to span a portion of the vertebral body and adapted to receive a pair of prosthetic facet elements; and a pair of prosthetic facet elements positionable relative to the support component to replace a portion of a natural facet joint. In a further embodiment the support component is sized to span a portion of a vertebral body is between a left lamina and a right lamina or between the left pedicle and the right pedicle. In still further embodiments, there is a kit comprising a plurality of support components having different lengths. In another embodiment, the support component is further adapted to have an adjustable width. In yet another embodiment, the support component is secured to the vertebral body, and in another, the support component is secured to an adjacent vertebral body. In yet another alternative embodiment, the prosthetic facet elements are positioned relative to the support component to provide a symmetric anatomical solution and/or an asymmetrical anatomical solution.
• In still another embodiment, the support component has an opening adapted to receive the prosthetic facet elements. In another embodiment, the prosthetic facet elements are slideable along the width of the support component, the prosthetic facet elements may be fixed in a pre-ordained position medial of the typical a typical anatomic location and/or the prosthetic facet elements may be fixed in a pre-ordained position lateral of the typical a typical anatomic location. In another embodiment, the ends of the support component are adapted to receive an opening in each of the pair of prosthetic facet elements. In another embodiment, the pair of prosthetic facet elements is selected from a plurality of prosthetic facet elements each having an opening with a different depth. In another embodiment, the facet joint prosthetic facet according toclaim1 further comprising evenly distributing the weight on the vertebral body using the support component. In another embodiment, the pair of prosthetic facet elements are caudal facet elements. In another embodiment, the pair of prosthetic facet elements are cephalad facet elements.
• In another alternative embodiment, there is provided an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, having a crossbar having a first end and a second end; a pair of cephalad prosthesis elements each having a bone engaging end and an end adapted to couple to the crossbar; and a pair of caudal prosthesis elements each having a surface adapted to receive a crossbar end and a fixation element. In one embodiment, the distance between the crossbar first end and second end is adjustable. In another alternative embodiment, the bone engaging end of at least one of the pair of cephalad prosthesis elements is disengagably coupled to the at least one of the pair of cephalad prosthesis elements. In another embodiment, at least one of the pair of cephalad prosthesis elements or at least one of the pair of caudal prosthesis elements comprises an anti-rotation feature. In another alternative embodiment, the height above the crossbar of a part of a cephalad prosthesis element may be adjusted by moving the cephalad prosthesis element relative to the crossbar cephalad prosthesis portion engaging portion. In another alternative embodiment, the crossbar mount posterior height is less than the posterior height of an adjacent spinous process when the adaptable spinal facet joint is implanted in a body.
• In yet another alternative embodiment, there is provided a spinal prosthesis, comprising: a first cephalad prosthesis element and a second cephalad prosthesis element; a first caudal prosthesis and a second caudal prosthesis; and a crossbar element connected to the first and second cephalad prosthesis elements, the crossbar element having a first end in contact with the first caudal prosthesis and a second end in contact with the second prosthesis wherein at least one of the first cephalad prosthesis element, the second cephalad prosthesis element, the caudal prosthesis, the second caudal prosthesis, and the crossbar element having a configurable portion.
• In another embodiment, there is provided a spinal prosthesis, comprising a pair of cephalad prosthesis members each comprising a distal end for securing to a portion of the spine and a proximal end comprising a bearing element; a pair of caudal prosthesis members each comprising a fixation element for securing to a portion of a spine and a bearing element adapting to engage the cephalad prosthesis member bearing element; and a crossbar connected between the cephalad prosthesis members.
• In another embodiment, there is provided an adaptable spinal prosthesis, comprising a pair of cephalad elements connected to act in unison with a pair of cephalad arms, each of said cephalad arms comprising a proximal end, a distal end and an elbow between the proximal end, and a pair of caudal bearing elements adapted to engage with the pair of cephalad bearing elements.
• In yet another embodiment, there is provided a caudal bearing of a spinal prosthesis, comprising a caudal bearing element having a first surface adapted to engage a cephalad bearing and a second surface adapted to engage the fixation element; and a fixation element having a preconfigured surface adapted to engage with the second surface whereby when the preconfigured surface is engaged with the second surface the first surface maintains an orientation to engage a cephalad bearing and the orientation of the fixation element relative to the caudal bearing element is changed to a desired orientation.
• In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a spinal prosthesis having a crossbar having a first end and a second end; a pair of cephalad prosthesis elements having a first end for engaging a vertebrae and a second end; a pair of caudal prosthesis elements each having a surface to slidably engage a crossbar end.; and a single crossbar mount for securing the second end of each of the pair of cephalad prosthesis elements to the crossbar.
• In yet another embodiment, there is provided a crossbar that is adaptable and configured for placement joining two cephalad elements, or alternatively, two caudal elements. Additional crossbar embodiments provide different attachment mechanism and locations between the elements. Moreover, additional embodiments provide adaptability of one or more of one or more cephalad elements, one or more caudal elements, and/or one or more crossbar elements.
• In another embodiment, there is provided a modular spinal prosthesis kit and an associated surgical method of selecting from the modular spinal prosthesis kit configurable prosthesis elements that, separately and in combination, provide an adaptable spinal prosthesis corresponding to the prosthetic needs of the patient. The kit provides a variety of various sized cephalad and caudal prosthesis as well as various crossbars. The method includes selecting components from the kit having the desired size, angular orientation and anatomical orientation that correspond to the prosthetic needs of the patient. In additional embodiments, there is provided a method of adapting a prosthesis to an individual's anatomy wherein the adaptability achieved by selecting from a subset of different sizes and configurations of prosthetic components.
• In yet another embodiment, there is provided a method of adapting a spinal prosthesis by selecting the configuration of a prosthesis based in part on the resulting anatomical features of a patient post-resection or post facetectomy. The various adaptable and configurable prosthesis form a modular prosthesis system containing a number of different component configurations and orientations that, depending on disease state at a particular site, recision of a portion of the vertebrae/facet including method to form a surface for mounting the prosthesis, based on the surface geometry created and the disease state/anatomy, selectable prosthesis such as a caudal, a cephalad and/or a crossbar element are chosen to replace the removed portion of the spine/facet joint.
• In yet another embodiment there is provided a crossbar mount that utilizes compression fittings. In another alternative embodiment, there is provided a crossbar mount having a top cap configured to engage with variable depth fittings on the mount body.
• In another embodiment, there are provided several alternative cephalad components having modular, configurable and adaptable features including but not limited to arm length, tip length, surface texture and crossbar engagement end and bone engagement end.
• In another embodiment, there are provided several alternative caudal components having modular, adaptable and configurable features including but not limited to stem length, inclusion of anti-rotation elements, caudal bearing angle adjustments, caudal bearing shape, size and fittings.
• In another embodiment, there are provided several alternative crossbar components having modular, adaptable and configurable features including but not limited to crossbars of fixed length, adjustable length, spherical bearings, non-spherical bearings, crossbar mount engagement configurations, cylindrically shaped crossbars, elongate crossbars having non-circular cross sections, including crossbar mount designs unique to engaging across a crossbar and a cephalad arm and in some embodiments the use of a polyaxial type connector used in combination with a crossbar mount joining a crossbar and a cephalad arm or in other uses in the context of modular, adaptable and configurable prosthesis.
• In another alternative embodiment, a modular spinal prosthesis is adapted to an individual anatomy by selecting and positioning the one or more caudal elements and then based on the caudal component placement and the existing anatomy, select crossbar and cephalad components to conform to the caudal prosthesis component placement. In another alternative embodiment, a modular spinal prosthesis is adapted to an individual anatomy by selecting and positioning the one or more cephalad elements and then based on the cephalad component placement and the existing anatomy, select crossbar and caudal components to conform to the cephalad prosthesis component placement.
• In additional alternative embodiments, there are provided different components, methods and configurations to provide improved tissue shielding capabilities, such as for example, placing the selected or basing the selection of the modular components on reducing the occurrence of tissue being caught in the prosthesis. In one specific embodiment, the relative positions are modified such as by reversing the caudal and the cephalad bearings to protect tissue from getting caught in the contacting arms.
• These and other features and advantages of the inventions are set forth in the following description and drawings, as well as in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a lateral elevation view of a normal human spinal column;
• FIG. 2 is a superior view of a normal human lumbar vertebra;
• FIG. 3 is a lateral elevation view of vertebral facet joint;
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a spinal prosthesis;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the anatomical planes of the human body;
• FIG. 6 is an perspective view of an embodiment of a modular spinal prosthesis of the present invention;
• FIGS. 7-8E are various views of several alternative embodiments of a caudal prosthesis.
• FIGS. 9-11B are various views alternative crossbar embodiments;
• FIGS. 12A-13B are various views of a caudal bearing cup embodiment;
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cephalad prosthesis element;
• FIG. 15 is an embodiment of an assembled modular prosthesis of the present invention;
• FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate the internal components of an embodiment of a crossbar mount.
• FIGS. 16C-16F illustrate an alternative embodiment of a crossbar mount;
• FIG. 17 is a posterior view of the cephalad portion of an embodiment of a modular prosthesis;
• FIG. 18 illustrates a kit embodiment of a modular prosthesis of the present invention;
• FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a surgical method;
• FIG. 20-24 illustrate one method of implanting an embodiment of a modular prosthesis of the present invention;
• FIG. 25 is a section view of the implanted modular prosthesis ofFIG. 24;
• FIG. 25A is a section view of the caudal portion of the implanted prosthesis ofFIG. 25;
• FIG. 26A-26B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a modular prosthesis is an alternative crossbar mount;
• FIG. 27A-27B illustrate two side views of the crossbar mount ofFIGS. 26A and 26B;
• FIGS. 28-29 illustrate a method for implanting the prosthesis of FIGS.26A-B;
• FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate alternative crossbar mount embodiments;
• FIGS. 31A-31E illustrate alternative crossbar embodiments that join the cephalad arms;
• FIGS. 32A-31D illustrate alternative crossbar embodiments that join the cephalad bearings;
• FIGS. 33A-36B illustrate various views of fixation members having of anti-rotations features; and
• FIG. 36C illustrates an embodiment of cephalad arms having anti-rotation features and a crossbar.
• The invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, rather than in the specific embodiments preceding them.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Embodiments of the present invention provide modular spinal prosthesis that are configurable and/or adaptable prostheses, systems, and methods designed to replace natural facet joints and, in some embodiments, part of the lamina at virtually all spinal levels including L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1, T11-T12, and T12-L1, using attachment mechanisms for securing the prostheses to the vertebrae. The prostheses, systems, and methods help establish a desired anatomy to a spine and return a desired range of mobility to an individual. The prostheses, systems, and methods also help lessen or alleviate spinal pain by relieving the source nerve compression or impingement.
• For the sake of description herein, the prostheses that embody features of the invention are identified as either “cephalad” or “caudal” with relation to the portion of a given natural facet joint they replace. As previously described, a natural facet joint, such as facet joint32 (FIG. 3), has a superior facet and an inferior facet. In anatomical terms, the superior facet of the joint is formed by the vertebral level below the joint, which can thus be called the “caudal” portion of the facet joint because it is closer to the feet of the person. The inferior facet of the facet joint is formed by the vertebral level above the joint, which can thus be called the “cephalad” portion of the facet joint because it is closer to the head of the person. Thus, a prosthesis that, in use, replaces the caudal portion of a natural facet joint (i.e., the superior facet) will be called a “caudal” prosthesis. Likewise, a prosthesis that, in use, replaces the cephalad portion of a natural facet joint (i.e., the inferior facet) will be called a “cephalad” prosthesis.
• When the processes on one side of a vertebral body are differently spaced from those on the other side of the same body, the prostheses on each side would desirably be of differing sizes as well. Moreover, it is often difficult and/or impossible for a surgeon to determine the precise size and/or shape necessary for a prosthesis until the surgical site has actually been prepared for receiving the prosthesis. In such case, the surgeon typically needs a family of prostheses possessing differing sizes and/or shapes immediately available during the surgery. The surgeon cannot wait for a custom-made device to be created during the surgery. In view of this need, embodiments of the spinal prosthesis of the present invention are modular designs that are either or both configurable and adaptable. Additionally, the various embodiments disclosed herein may also be formed into a “kit” of modular components that can be assembled in situ to create a custom prosthesis.
• Configurable refers to the modular design of a prosthesis. For example, a configurable modular prosthesis design allows for individual components to be selected from a range of different sizes and utilized within a modular prosthesis. One example of size is to provide caudal and cephalad stems of various lengths. A modular prosthesis design allows for individual components to be selected for different functional characteristics as well. One example of function is to provide stems having different surface features and/or textures to provide anti-rotation capability. Other examples of the configurability of modular prosthesis of the present invention as described in greater detail below.
• Adaptable refers to the capacity of embodiments of the modular prosthesis of the present invention to select and position configurable components such that the resulting spinal prosthesis will conform to a specific anatomy or desired surgical outcome. The adaptable aspect of embodiments of the present invention provide the surgeon with customization options during the implantation procedure. It is the adaptability of the present prosthesis systems that also provides adjustment of the components during the implantation procedure to ensure optimal conformity to the desired anatomical orientation or surgical outcome. As described in greater detail in the illustrative embodiments that follow, an adaptable modular prosthesis of the present invention allows for the adjustment of various component to component relationships. One example of a component to component relationship is the rotational angular relationship between a crossbar mount and the crossbar. Other examples of the adaptability of modular prosthesis of the present invention as described in greater detail below. Configurability may be thought of as the selection of a particular size of component that together with other component size selections results in a “custom fit” prosthesis. Adaptability then refers to the implantation and adjustment of the individual components within a range of positions in such a way as to fine tune the “custom fit” prosthesis for an individual patient. The net result is that embodiments of the modular, configurable, adaptable spinal prosthesis of the present invention allow the surgeon to alter the size, orientation, and relationship between the various components of the prosthesis to fit the particular needs of a patient during the actual surgical procedure.
• Configurability and adaptability will at times be described in relation to an anatomical plane of the body or between a plane or plane and a component or components. There are three anatomical planes generally used to describe the human body: the axial plane, the sagittal plane and the coronal plane (seeFIG. 5). Various embodiments of the spinal prosthesis of the present invention may be configurable and variable with respect to a single anatomical plane or with respect to two or more anatomical planes. For example, a component may be described as laying within and having adaptability in relation to a single plane. For example, a stem may be positioned in a desired location relative to an axial plane and may be moveable between a number of adaptable positions or within a range of positions. Similarly, the various components can incorporate differing sizes and/or shapes in order to accommodate differing patient sizes and/or anticipated loads.
• FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a modular, configurable and adaptablespinal prosthesis100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thespinal prosthesis100 is illustrated implanted intovertebral bodies5. The main components will be introduced with reference toFIG. 6. Each of the components will then be described in turn.
• Thespinal prosthesis100 includes acrossbar105, a pair ofcephalad prostheses120 and a pair ofcaudal prostheses150. In this exemplary embodiment the superior facets are replaced by the cooperative-operation of thecrossbar105, thecephalad prosthesis120 and the adaptable crossbar mounts175 that join thecephalad prosthesis120 to thecrossbar105. The inferior facets are replaced by thecaudal prosthesis150. As described in greater detail below, the components of thespinal facet prosthesis100 are designed to provide appropriate configurability and adaptability for the given disease state, patient specific anatomy and spinal level where the implant occurs.
• Thecrossbar105, in a first embodiment, has afirst end110 and asecond end115. In the illustrated embodiment thecrossbar105 is a two piece bar where thefirst end110 is attached to a threadedmale portion104 havingthreads109. The crossbarsecond end115 is attached to a threadedfemale portion106 sized to receive thethreads109. As will be described in greater detail below, the threaded ends allow for the width of the crossbar to be adjusted to mate with the width between caudal bearings150 (FIG. 9). Additional alternative embodiments of thecrossbar105 could include a series of solid crossbars of varying widths and/or thicknesses, or an adjustable crossbar having some form of locking or biasing mechanism (such as a spring-loaded tensioner or detent mechanism, etc.).
• A pair ofcephalad prosthesis elements120 are also illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of the configurable and adaptablespinal prosthesis100 of the present invention. Eachcephalad prosthesis element120 includes abone engaging end125 and anend140 adapted to couple to the crossbar. Thecephalad end140 adapted to engage the crossbar includes anarm145 and anelbow147. Thecephalad end140 is attached to the crossbar using thecrossbar mount175. Thebone engaging end125 includes acephalad stem130 and adistal tip135. The cephalad stem130 and thedistal tip135 are threaded or otherwise configured to engage. (Alternatively, thedistal tip135 could be formed integrally with thecephalad stem130, of the same or a different material as thecephalad stem130.) The illustrated embodiment of the cephalad stem130 has surface features132. Surface features132 may be, for example, a textured surface or other surface such as, for example, surface features to assist in bony in-growth. Similarly, the illustrated embodiment of thedistal tip135 has surface features137.
• Thecrossbar mount175 is a connection structure to couple thecephalad prosthesis elements120 to thecrossbar105. In the illustrated embodiment, thecrossbar mount175 includes a cephaladarm engaging portion172, a crossbar engaging portion174 and afixation element176. As will be described in greater detail below, embodiments of thecrossbar mount175 provide adaptability between thecephalad prosthesis elements120 and the crossbar.105 and the loading characteristics of the crossbar ends110,115 and thecaudal prosthesis150.
• Having provided an overview of the main components of an embodiment of a configurable and adaptable spinal prosthesis, each of the components will be described in greater detail.
• Caudal Prosthesis Configurability and Adaptability
• A pair ofcaudal prosthesis elements150 are also illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of the configurable and adaptablespinal prosthesis100 of the present invention. Each of thecaudal prosthesis elements150 includes acaudal cup151 and afixation element160. Thecaudal cup151 includes asurface155 adapted to receive a crossbar end and a surface157 (not shown) to engage the caudal stem head engaging surface163 (not shown). Thefixation element160 includes acaudal stem165 and adistal tip170. (Alternatively, thedistal tip170 can be formed integrally with thecaudal stem165, of the same or a different material as thecaudal stem165.) Thecaudal stem165 anddistal tip170 can be threaded or otherwise configured to engage. Additionally, thecaudal stem165 and thedistal tip170 may include textured or otherwise functional surface features167. In some embodiments, the features on thecaudal stem165 are different from the features on thedistal tip170.
• The configurability and adaptability of thecaudal prosthesis150 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 7-8F.FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of acaudal prosthesis element150. Thecaudal prosthesis element150 includes acaudal cup151 having asurface155 adapted to receive acrossbar end105,110. Thecaudal cup151 also has asurface157 adapted to receive the fixationelement stem head162. Thefixation element160 has acaudal stem165 and a distal end or tip170 (as previously noted, thetip170 could be formed integrally with thestem165, or can be attachable to the stem165). The surfaces of each may includetextures167 that may be the same (as illustrated) or different. The textured surfaces of thecaudal stem165 andtip170 include textures to, for example, promote bony in growth and/or increase the strength of the mechanical bond with fixation cement (adhesion).
• Thecaudal fixation element160 may be secured directly into the vertebral body, or can be attached and/or “fixed” using a supplemental fixation material such as bone cement, allograft tissue, autograft tissue, adhesives, osteo-conductive materials, osteo-inductive materials and/or bone scaffolding materials. In one embodiment, thefixation element160 is enhanced with a bony in-growth surface. Examples of such surfaces are created using sintering processes (including the use of a porous coating on the substrate of the implant) or chemical etching (Tecomet Corporation of Woburn, Mass.) which can help fix the fixation element within a vertebra. The bony in-growth surface can cover a portion or all of thecaudal stem165 and/or thedistal tip170.
• Further details of thecaudal prosthesis element150 will be described with reference toFIG. 8. Thecaudal cup151 has asurface157 adapted to receive the fixationelement stem head162. The fixationelement stem head162 has asurface163 adapted to engage with thesurface157. As will be further described below, thecaudal fastener160 andcaudal cup151 are first connected together, then thecaudal fastener160 is secured to the targeted vertebrae. (Of course, if desired, thecaudal fastener160 could be implanted first and then thecaudal cup151 attached thereto afterwards.) Variations in the configuration and engagement of thesurfaces157,163 therefore determine the orientation of thecaudal cup151 and thebearing surface155. The shape and orientation of the bearingsurface155 is a factor in how the cephalad and caudal bearing elements interact and the overall performance of various spinal prosthesis embodiments of the present invention.
• The challenge confronted by embodiments of the caudal prosthesis is that the caudal stem provides at least two significant functions. First, the caudal stem is an anchor for the caudal prosthesis portion of the spinal implant. As an anchor, the caudal stem requires an engaging placement with sufficient quantity and quality of spinal bone—bone which can be of varying quality, quantity and anatomical orientation. To meet this challenge, caudal stems of the present invention may be provided in a sufficiently large array of angular orientations, shapes, sizes and lengths to reach and sufficiently engage with the targeted spinal bone. For example, if a patient has thin lamina or is in an excessive disease state requiring removal of spinal bone, then the caudal stem may benefit from modifications to length and orientation to reach an acceptable bone mass for fixation. In a similar manner, the caudal stem should also resist unwanted rotation. Second, the caudal stem is the attachment point for the caudal cup. Based on the desired spinal prosthesis configuration, there will be a desired caudal cup orientation to provide proper engagement and alignment between the caudal cup and other prosthesis components, such as for example, a cephalad bearing. Alteration of one or both of thesurfaces157,163 may be utilized to make up the difference between the position and orientation of the caudal stem after implantation or meeting the anchoring function and the position and orientation of an attachment point for the caudal cup. The position and orientation of the attachment point for the caudal cup provides an attachment point that provides the desired orientation of thecaudal bearing surface155.
• For purposes of explaining the configurability and adaptability of the caudal prosthesis, the caudal stem is described as varying in relation to the caudal cup. This description is used and the caudal cup embodiments that follow illustrate the caudal cup in a desired orientation. As such, the caudal cup appears fixed and the variation and adaptability of the caudal prosthesis is apparent by the different positions of the caudal stem. “Variation” refers to the relationship of the caudal stem into the spinal bone where the stem is implanted. As a result of disease state, anatomy and other factors, there may be only a few possible sites and/or orientations available for caudal stem implantation. Based on the position selected/available, the caudal stem will have a resulting orientation relative to the caudal cup. Differences, if any, between the orientation of thecaudal stem head162 and the caudal cup may be accounted for through advantageous alteration and combination of thesurfaces157,163. This aspect of caudal prosthesis configurability and adaptability provides more options to implant fixation elements while still providing a suitable engagement to provide a caudal bearing surface having a desired orientation. In operation and for a given spinal prosthesis embodiment, there is a desired orientation of the caudal cup to engage with the cephalad bearings. Caudal stem variability provides for the advantageous insertion angle and depth of the caudal stem into the spine to provide support of the caudal cup. While providing the proper orientation and length (depth) of a caudal stem, the stem must also provide an attachment point for the caudal cup. In some embodiments, the orientation of the caudal cup will be fixed and the caudal stem head must be configurable and adaptable to accommodate the proper alignment between the caudal cup and stem. In other embodiments, the caudal stem will be fixed and the desired caudal cup configurability and adaptability must be provided by the caudal cup surface or a combination including alterations to thecaudal stem surface163.
• The illustrated reference system indicates how variation in the relationship between thesurfaces157,163 can result in sagittal configurability and adaptability. The engagement of thesurfaces157,163 may be altered to provide a positive sagittal variation (+θsag) or negative sagittal variation (−θsag). One of thesurfaces157,163 may be altered to provide the entire desired sagittal variation alone or both of thesurfaces157,163 may be altered so that the desired sagittal variation is provided by the combination of the altered surfaces.
• In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 8 thesurface157 of thecaudal cup151 has been altered to provide the desired sagittal variability taking into account the disposition of thecaudal stem head162 post caudal stem implantation. In each of the embodiments that follow, the relationship between thecaudal cup surface155 and theengaging surface157 differ to some meaningful degree. In addition, the engagingsurface157 desirably can include sizing or features (such as a taper lock) to remain engaged with thecaudal stem head162 throughout the range of spinal prosthesis motion and loading. In one disclosed embodiment, this engagement is a taper lock designed to release or “unlock” only where thecaudal cup155 moves towards the midline of the patient relative to the caudal stem (desirably, the presence of the cross-bar prevents the caudal cup from unlocking in this manner under normal loading conditions). Alternatively, thecaudal stem head162 and stemhead engaging surface163 may be modified to provide desired variation and adaptability, or a combination ofdifferent surfaces157,163.
• In one disclosed embodiment, the variouscaudal cup151 elements incorporate geometry resulting in a selectable sagittal angle of 1°, 6° or 11° as measured between the upper endplate of the caudal vertebral body and the longitudinal axis of the caudal stem when projected onto the sagittal plane. In a similar manner, the various caudal stem elements incorporate geometry resulting in a selectable axial angle of 10°, 20° or 30°, as measured between the midline of the vertebral body and the longitudinal axis of the caudal stem, as projected onto the axial plane. Desirably, some combination of these embodiments will accommodate approximately 95% of the patient population.
• The length of thecaudal fixation element160 is also configurable. The length of thecaudal fixation element160 desirably determines the overall depth (do) thefixation element160 penetrates the spinal implantation site when theprosthesis100 is implanted. The overall depth can be determined by selecting the desired stem depth (ds) and tip depth (dt). Different stem and tip lengths are provided to ensure that virtually any desired overall depth is available. Alternatively, where the cephalad stem is of one-piece integral construction, a series of cephalad stems having different depths, such as a set of 25, 30, 40, 45, 50 and 55 mm cephalad stems, can accommodate approximately 95% of the given patient population. In addition, the desired diameter of the cephalad stems can include one or more of the following: 7 mm, 6.5 mm, 6 mm, 5.5 mm, 5 mm, 4.5 mm, 4 mm, 3.5 mm and 3 mm diameters. The optimal size will depend upon the anticipated loading, as well as the level (lumbar, thoracic and/or cervical) and size of the treated pedicle and vertebral bodies. As is also made clear in the embodiments that follow, thestem165 and thetip170 can be separately selectable components that are joined using any suitable attachment method available in the prosthetic arts.
• In the disclosed embodiment, thetip170 incorporates a distal flared end. This flared end desirably mechanically anchors the tip within the fixation material (and/or bone) of the vertebral body. Moreover, the reduced diameter of the stem adjacent the tip desirably increases the thickness of the mantle of the fixation material, further reducing the opportunity for the stem to migrate and/or the mantle to fracture and fatigue. In a similar manner, a series ofscalloped regions170A around the periphery of thetip170 and/or stem desirably reduce and or prevent rotation of the cephalad stem within the mantle of fixation material.
• FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment of acaudal prosthesis element150′ having acaudal cup151A.Caudal cup151A includes asurface155 adapted to receive acrossbar end110,115 and an embodiment of asurface157A to engage with the caudal stemhead engaging surface163. In this embodiment of thesurface157A, thesurfaces157A,163 engage to provide positive sagittal caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability (+θsag). This embodiment illustrates an alteration in thesurface157A to provide caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability. Note the different thickness between thecaudal cup surface155 and theengaging surface157A (FIG. 8A) and the thickness between thecaudal cup surface155 and the engaging surface157 (FIG. 8). As a result, when thecaudal cup surface157A is urged into position against the caudalstem engaging surface163, the existingstem160 deflection is taken into account in the shapes ofsurfaces157,163 so that thecaudal cup151 andsurface155 will provide the desired orientation when secured to thecaudal stem head162.
• FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of acaudal prosthesis element150“having acaudal cup151B.Caudal cup151B includes asurface155 adapted to receive acrossbar end110,115 and an embodiment of asurface157B to engage with the caudal stemhead engaging surface163. In this embodiment of thesurface157B, thesurfaces157B,163 engage to provide negative, sagittal caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability (+θneg). This embodiment illustrates an alteration in thesurface157B to provide caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability. Note the different thickness between thecaudal cup surface155 and theengaging surface157B (FIG. 8B) and the thickness between thecaudal cup surface155 and theengaging surface157A (FIG. 8A). As a result, when thecaudal cup surface157B is urged into position against the caudalstem engaging surface163, the existingstem160 deflection is taken into account in the shapes ofsurfaces157,163 so that thecaudal cup151 andsurface155 will provide the desired orientation when secured to thecaudal stem head162.
• The variability and adaptability of the caudal prosthesis is not limited to only sagittal variation and adaptability.Caudal prosthesis elements150′″ and150″″ are exemplary embodiments illustrating axial variation and adaptability.FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of acaudal prosthesis element150′″ having acaudal cup151C.Caudal cup151C includes asurface155 adapted to receive acrossbar end110,115 and an embodiment of asurface157C to engage with the caudal stemhead engaging surface163. In this embodiment of thesurface157C, thesurfaces157C,163 engage to provide axial caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability (θ axial). This embodiment illustrates an alteration in-thesurface157C to provide axial caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability. As a result, when thecaudal cup surface157C is urged into position against the caudalstem engaging surface163, the existingstem160 deflection is taken into account in the shapes ofsurfaces157,163 so that thecaudal cup151 andsurface155 will provide the desired orientation when secured to thecaudal stem head162.
• FIG. 8D illustrates an embodiment of acaudal prosthesis element150″″ having acaudal cup151D.Caudal cup151D includes asurface155 adapted to receive acrossbar end110,115 and an embodiment of asurface157D to engage with the caudal stemhead engaging surface163. In this embodiment of thesurface157D, thesurfaces157C,163 engage to provide axial caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability (θ axial) to a lesser degree than that provided by thecaudal prosthesis element150′″ (FIG. 8C). This embodiment illustrates an alteration in thesurface157D to provide axial caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability. As a result, when thecaudal cup surface157D is urged into position against the caudalstem engaging surface163, the existingstem160 deflection is taken into account in the shapes ofsurfaces157,163 so that thecaudal cup151 andsurface155 will provide the desired orientation when secured to thecaudal stem head162.
• By incorporating variations in the caudal stem attachment point to accommodate sagittal anatomical variation, and incorporating variations in the cup attachment point to accommodate axial anatomical variation, the present embodiments can accommodate over 95% of the targeted patient population using a minimal number of parts or “modules.” In the instant example, the anatomical variations in a single pedicle of the caudal vertebral body can be accommodated by only six components. As such, it is to be appreciated that thesurface157 may be modified to provide caudal cup-stem variation and adaptability in axial, sagittal and coronal orientations and combinations thereof.
• The previous embodiments have illustrated how thesurface157 may be modified to provide the desired caudal cup-stem variability and adaptability. Caudal cup-caudal stem variability and adaptability may also be accomplished utilizing acaudal cup150 with a fixed or staticengaging surface157. In these embodiments, caudal cup-caudal stem variability and adaptability is accomplished by altering shape and orientation of thecaudal stem head162 and engagingsurface163. Thecaudal stem head162 and stemhead engaging surface163 may be modified to provide desired variation and adaptability between the caudal cup and stem in axial, sagittal and coronal orientations and combinations thereof. Caudal stemembodiments160′ and160″ are exemplary embodiments of the possible modifications available to thesurface163 on thecaudal stem head162. Caudal stem160′ illustrates acaudal stem head162′ having anengaging surface163′. The shape of theengaging surface163′ is such that, when engaged to an embodiment of the caudal cup, the bearing engaging surface is in a desired position. Caudal stem160″ illustrates ancaudal stem head162″ having anengaging surface163″. The shape of theengaging surface163″ is such that, when engaged to an embodiment of the caudal cup, the bearing engaging surface is in a desired position.
• In yet another embodiment, caudal cup-caudal stem variability and adaptability is accomplished through a combination that utilizes different angled surfaces on bothsurface157 andsurface163. As such, one of ordinary skill will appreciate the wide variety of caudal cup-caudal stem variability and adaptability that is provided by altering the engaging surfaces between thecaudal cup157 andcaudal stem163.
• If desired, a pad or contact surface piece (not shown) that attaches to thestem head162 can be used to account for discrepancies (or misalignments) in the orientation of the implanted stem and the desired orientation of the caudal cup. In this way the caudal cup surface and the stem head surface would be “standard” and the contact surface would have one or more inclined faces to mate between and provide the desired stem-cup orientation. This system could incorporate a color code (i.e., blue side to stem and yellow side to caudal cup) to inform the physician of the proper alignment of the pad to the stem and or caudal cup. In a similar manner, alphanumerical designators could be used to denote the size and orientation of the contact's surfaces (i.e., 3 C 5S 10 A-indicates a 3 degree coronal tilt, 5 degree sagittal tilt and a 10 degree axial tilt).
• Crossbar Configurability and Adaptability
• Because the distance w between the caudal cups can vary depending upon the placement of the caudal stems which in turn varies with the anatomy of the patient, crossbar embodiments of the present invention are adaptable and configurable to accommodate a variety of different widths using, for example, an adjustable crossbar105 (FIG. 9) or a one of several different fixedlength crossbars105a(FIG. 9A). The crossbar is a support member for the bearings (or cephalad facet bearings) and is sized and shaped to span the distance between a portion of the vertebral body where the modular prosthesis is to be implanted. The portion of the vertebral body may include left and right pedicles or lamina. As discussed below, the spanning distance may be fixed (crossbar105a) or adjustable (crossbar105). Specifically, the threadedsections104 and106 may be adjusted relative to the threadedportion109 to adjust the crossbar width w (FIG. 9). Bearings may be fixed using conventional means to the ends of an adjustable width crossbar (FIG. 9) or variable depth bearings may be fixed to either an adjustable crossbar (not shown) or to one length of several fixed length crossbars (FIG. 9A). As best seen inFIGS. 9 and 9A, embodiments of acrossbar105,105ainclude a cylindrical bar of approximately 5 mm in diameter having afirst end10,110aand asecond end115,115a,respectively.Spherical bearings107,107a(preferably between 6 and 10 mm, most preferably8mm in diameter) are positioned at eachend110,111a,115,115a.Desirably, thebearings110a,115aare secured to thebar105aby a press-fit or tapered fitting or the like (this could also include various other fastening methods, including threads, gluing, welding or the like).
• Because the distance w between the caudal cups can vary depending upon the placement of the caudal stems (which varies with the anatomy of the patient), thecrossbar105awill desirably be of varying widths to span this distance. In one embodiment, a series of crossbars having widths from 37 to 67 mm (in increments of 2 or 3 mm) is provided.FIG. 9B illustrates a variety of different length crossbars (106′_a-106″″_a) corresponding to a variety of different widths (w₁-w₄).FIG. 9C illustrates a number of alternative embodiments of bearing107aeach with securing holes9_ato9_dof different depth (d₁to d₄). As illustrated in the embodiments ofFIG. 9C, the securing hole may had a depth, d, that is less than about one-half the diameter of the bearing (i.e., d₁, d₂), about one-half the diameter of the bearing (i.e., d₃) or more than one-half the diameter of the bearing (i.e., d₄). In addition, a selection of bearings107ais similarly provided, the bearings having each having a securing hole extending at least half-way therethrough, sized to accommodate the ends of the crossbar via a press fit. Desirably, the various bearings will have varying depths to the securing holes, with one embodiment of a system having (1) one bearing set with a pair of bearings having a depth of one-half the diameter of the bearing, (2) a second bearing set having the depth of one-half of the bearing plus 0.5 mm deeper, and (3) a third bearing set having the depth of one half of the bearing plus 1 mm deeper. By utilizing the various crossbar and bearing combinations (and not necessarily identical depth bearings on each end of the crossbar), the ultimate width of the crossbar construct can be chosen from a minimum of 43 mm long to a maximum of 75 mm long, in one-half millimeter and/or one millimeter increments. Various embodiments of this fixed width crossbar arrangement can be seen inFIGS. 26A, 26B,30A and30B, in which crossbar width adaptability is accomplished by providing crossbars having various fixed distances between theends110,115 and variable depth bearings.
• An alternate embodiment of acrossbar105 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention will now be described with reference toFIG. 10 and10A.FIG. 10 is a posterior view of across bar105 in position with a pair ofcaudal prosthesis150. Thecrossbar105 is a threaded, two piece bar where afirst end110 is attached to a threadedmale portion104 havingthreads109. Asecond end115 is attached to a threadedfemale portion106 having threads sized to receive the threads109 (FIG. 10A). The threaded ends allow for the interpedicular crossbar width (“w”) to be adjusted. The crossbar width is adjusted until the crossbar ends110,115 are positioned as desired in contact with thecaudal cup surface155. The interpedicular width, crossbar width “w” or distance between theends110,115 is adjusted by rotating themale portion104 relative to thefemale portion106 to either advance the threads (i.e., increase crossbar width “w”) or retreat the threads (i.e., decrease the crossbar width “w”). Cooperative threaded portions (i.e., male and female portions) are provided in each end to allow the width “w” to be altered. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the interpedicular distance w is adjustable by rotating the first crossbar end relative to the second bar end.
• In the illustrated embodiment, theends110,115 have a generally spherical or roundedexternal surface107. Theexternal surface107 may have any shape that allows for load bearing as well as needed relative movement between the crossbar ends and thecaudal cup surface155. Moreover, thecaudal cup surface155 may also be a factor in determining the crossbar endexternal shape107. As will be described in greater detail below, thecaudal cup surface155 is adapted to receive the crossbar ends110,115. In addition to the interdependency between the shape of the crossbar ends and the caudal bearing surface, the materials used to coat or form thecaudal cup surface155 and/or the crossbar endexternal surface107 may also be selected to improve the durability and operation of the spinal prosthesis. Thecaudal cup151 and/or bearingsurface155 and the crossbar ends110,105 and/orexternal surface107 and/or coatings placed on any of the above may be made of any materials commonly used in the prosthetic arts, including, but not limited to, metals, ceramics, plastics, bio-resorbable polymers, titanium, titanium alloys, tantalum, chrome-cobalt (or cobalt-chrome), surgical steel, bony in-growth surfaces, artificial bone, uncemented surface metals or ceramics, diamond, bulk metallic glasses, or a combination thereof. Thecaudal cup151 and/or bearingsurface155 and the crossbar ends110,105 and/orexternal surface107 and/or coatings placed on any of the above may be the same or different material.
• FIG. 10B illustrates another embodiment of a crossbar. Thecrossbar105′ is a two piece bar having afirst end110 that is attached to an unthreadedmale portion101. Asecond end115 is attached an unthreadedfemale portion102. The unthreadedfemale portion102 is sized to receive the unthreadedmale portion101 and house abias element108. Thebias element108 urges the first end and the second end apart and into engaging contact with thecaudal cup151. A retaining ring or other suitable retaining device (not shown) may be included to retain thebias element108 in place between the male and female ends. In an embodiment of a modular spinal prosthesis utilizing acrossbar105′, a plurality of thecrossbars105′ are provided each having a different working width. A working width refers to a range of crossbar width values within which the bias element may outwardly urge theends110,115 into engaging contact with thecaudal bearing151 while still providing sufficient structural strength for thecrossbar105′ to operate as a load bearing element within the spinal prosthesis
• The crossbar ends105,110 and thecaudal cup151 and bearingsurface155 may also be any appropriate and cooperative shapes to give appropriate support to the prosthesis bearing components, the spine and to provide the appropriate range of motion for the anatomical location of the prosthesis.FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary modification to theexternal surface107 of the crossbar ends110,115. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of end of crossbarouter surface107 has been modified to provide alteredsurface107′.Altered surface107′ has been added to the crossbar ends110,115 to improved bearing performance of theends110,115 against thecaudal bearing surface155. In the illustrated embodiment, a crossbarend lateral portion107′ has been altered to provide an improved bearing surface with thelateral surface159. In this embodiment, the lateral surfaces159 and the shapedcrossbar end surface107′ are both flat. Other shapes are possible, such as a shape that conforms to the inner surface of the caudal cup at the ends of each range of motion.
• In alternate embodiments, the entirety or a portion of the crossbars may have non-circular cross sections, including polygonal, hexagonal, oval, etc, to reduce and/or prevent rotation of the crossbar during loading conditions, as well as to allow the crossbar to be rotated (if desired) using tools such as wrenches, etc.
• Accordingly, embodiments of the crossbar may be utilized as a support component sized to span a portion of the vertebral body and adapted to receive a pair of prosthetic facet elements. The pair of prosthetic facet elements are positionable relative to the support component to replace a portion of a natural facet joint. Additionally, there may also be a kit comprising a plurality of support components having different lengths, or alternatively, the crossbar or support element may be further adapted to have an adjustable width. In some embodiments, the crossbar may be secured to a vertebral body or to an adjacent vertebral body. The crossbar or support member in conjunction with other components may be used to provide symmetric and/or asymmetric anatomical solutions. In other embodiments, the support component has an opening adapted to receive the prosthetic facet elements, and/or the prosthetic facet elements are slideable along the width of the support component. The prosthetic facet elements may be fixed in a pre-ordained position medial or lateral of the typical a typical anatomic location. While the crossbar has been illustrated in embodiments where the prosthetic facet elements are cephalad elements, embodiments of the crossbar or support component may also be used with caudal prosthetic facet elements.
• Additional modification of the caudal cup are also possible in order to improve the operation and reliability of the prosthesis through the range of spinal motion. One such modification is illustrated inFIG. 11B.Caudal cup150′ is a modified version of thecaudal cup150. Thecaudal cup150′ includes an uppercrossbar end retainer161 and a lowercrossbar end retainer164. The upper and lowercrossbar end retainers161,164 may optionally be provided to reduce the likelihood that the crossbar ends110,115 will slide out of contact with or leave an acceptable area adjacent the caudal cup surface155 (dislocate). In a similar manner, the posterior surface of the caudal cup could also be closed (not shown), thereby capturing and holding the crossbar ends110,115 and limiting and/or preventing posterior movement of the crossbar relative to the caudal cups. In this alternate embodiment, the caudal cups could also comprise a “clamshell” design with the lower portion (shown inFIG. 11A) and a mating shape (not shown) that clamps, bolts, clips, or bonds to the lower portion
• Thecaudal cup151 desirably provides asurface155 to engage with the crossbar ends110,115 and will be described with reference to bothFIGS. 12A and 12B. Thesurface155 is adapted to receive a crossbar end. Thesurface155 has a size, shape(s), and contour(s) that may be adapted to allow, for example, for sliding and relative motion between the crossbar ends110,115 and thecaudal cup151 during relative motion between the treated spinal levels. As used herein, relative spinal motion includes flexion, extension, lateral bending, axial/torsional rotation and compound motions including combinations of the above listed types of motion.
• Thesurface155 is best illustrated with reference toFIGS. 12A and 12B. Thesurface155 refers to the interior surface of thecaudal cup151 that is adapted to receive and engage the cross bar ends105,110. Once an adaptable spinal prosthesis embodiment of the present invention is implanted into a portion of the spine, the forces generated between the cross bar ends105,110 and the caudal cupinterior surface155 will change depending upon the relative movement (i.e., flexion, rotation, extension, etc.) between adjacent vertebrae containing the prosthesis. Force and loading profiles created in the prosthesis will also change depending upon the type and magnitude of the movement. In addition, the caudalcup engaging surface155 should be configured to allow for relative motion between the crossbar ends105,110 and the caudalcup engaging surface155 while also preventing the cross bar ends110,105 from disengaging from thecaudal cup151. The illustrated embodiment of thesurface155 includes: anupper edge152, anupper bottom surface153, alower edge154, alower bottom surface156, amedial edge158, and a lateral edge/surface159. The size, shape, relationships between and relative positions of the above listed facets of thesurface155 provide wide ranging options for the configurability and adaptability of thesurface155.
• Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention provide engagingsurfaces155 that are highly adaptable and may be configured in a number of ways to accommodate a wide range of force and loading profiles.FIGS. 25 and 25aillustrate how the flexion angle (ΘF) relates to the shape and slope of theupper bottom surface153. The flexion angle is desirably determined relative to the upper endplate of the caudal vertebral body. A line, labeled CEP onFIG. 25, desirably runs parallel to the upper endplate of the caudal vertebral body. A line perpendicular to the CEP (extending along the longitudinal axis of the caudal vertebral body—labeled PEP) is then determined, and the flexion angle (θF) is the angle of theupper bottom surface153 relative to the PEP. A wide variety of flexion angles may be provided by altering the slope of theupper bottom surface153. Desirably, the flexion angles associated with various embodiments of the present invention would range from 15 degrees to 35 degrees. More desirably, the flexion angles would range from 20 degrees to 30 degrees. In the most desirable embodiment, the flexion angle is a 25 degree ramp.
• It should be understood that many of the angles discussed herein are described with reference to one or more two-dimensional angle measuring systems, even though the angles themselves are actually positioned in three-dimensional space. Accordingly, the disclosed desired angle measurements, when projected upon a two-dimensional reference frame, may differ to some degree (however slight) from the specific angles and/or angle ranges disclosed herein, depending upon the extent to which the components of that angle relate to the reference frame.
• A functional spine unit can be defined as the caudal and cephalad vertebral body and the interspinal disk and facet tissues (as well as connective tissues) therebetween (effectively the upper and lower vertebral bodies and the joints therebetween). Because the natural motion of each functional spine unit can differ depending on the spinal level as well as variations in the natural spinal anatomy, the desired flexion angles can differ from unit to unit. In one disclosed embodiment for the replacement of facet joints in the L3-L4 and/or L4-L5 levels, a flexion angle of 25° will desirably (1) allow significant freedom-of-motion to the treated unit, thereby closely mimicking the freedom-of-motion allowed by the original anatomy, and (2) provide for significant stabilization of the treated level, especially where the removal of connective tissues and/or related structure(s) has destabilized the treated unit.
• In alternate embodiments, additional crossbar motion may be accommodated by altering the caudal cup width (w_cup) or adjusting the distance between themedial edge158 and thelateral edge159 in some embodiments. If desired, the upper edges of152 and154 could curve over at the top to enclose (partially or fully) the upper portion of thecup151. In other embodiments, the radius of the curve that transitions between thelateral edge159 and theupper edge152 and the radius of the curve that transitions between thelateral edge159 and thelower edge154 may also be adjusted to accommodate the various shapes of the crossbar endouter surface107. In additional alternative embodiments, themedial edge158 andlateral edge159 are nonparallel. In other embodiments, themedial edge158 and thelateral edge159 could have an actuate shape, or thecup151 could be completely enclosed with a flexible and/or rigid cover or “cap”. Such arrangements could help prevent dislocation of the construct and/or allow for spontaneous relocation of the bearing surface (operatively, minimally invasively or non-invasively).
• In one alternate embodiment, once the cephalad and caudal components of the prosthesis have been secured to the targeted vertebral bodies, one or more elastic compression devices or “bands” could be secured about the caudal cups and bearing elements (or to the vertebral bodies themselves, or between other parts of the cephalad or caudal prosthesis, or any combination thereof). Properly positioned and/or tensioned, these “bands” would tend to keep the bearing surfaces and caudal cups in contact and/or close proximity, even under extreme and/or unusual loading conditions, and thus reduce and/or eliminate the opportunity for the bearing elements to dislocate. Moreover, in the event that dislocation of the implant did occur, the bands could prevent and/or limit motion of the dislocated joint (by holding the bearing surfaces and caudal cups together), and thus reduce or eliminate damage to other tissues (such as the spinal cord, various other nerves and/or circulatory/connective tissues) resulting from the dislocation. In fact, the compression of the bands might make it possible to eventually “reduce” the dislocation and/or repair the dislocated prosthesis through external manipulation and/or minimally-invasive surgery. If desired, one or more “bands” could be secured between the articulating surfaces of the prosthesis, or between the various arms, cups, stems and/or cross-arms of the construct elements, with varying results.
• In another alternate embodiment, the compression device could comprise an elastic or pliable material surrounded by a non-elastic housing, whereby the elastic material allows various movement of the bearing surfaces (with resistance commensurate to the flexibility of the material), but the non-elastic housing acts as an ultimate “stop” to movement of the bearing surfaces relative to the caudal cup. Similarly, the “band” could comprise an elastic, non-elastic or rigid material, such as stainless steel cable, which desirably prevents relative motion of the prosthesis components beyond a certain pre-defined maximum extension/flexion.
• In a disclosed embodiment, the caudal cup has a length of 11.3 mm and a width of8mm. Desirably, this arrangement will allow the facet replacement construct to move approximately 15° (between full flexion and full extension of the construct). In one embodiment, the extension will stop at approximately −2° and the flexion will stop at approximately 13° (relative to the longitudinal axis of the spine). If desired, the lateral wall could have a slightly medial inclination to assist in keeping the crossbar ends within the cup during extreme range of motion. Similarly, the implant is desirably able to accommodate at least 7.5° lateral bending to each side.
• Thecaudal cup151 or thesurface155 may be formed from or coated with a material, e.g. polyethylene, polyurethane, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHWMP), ceramic, or metal (as well as those materials previously described), which provides glide and cushioning ability for any potential contacting components, such as the crossbar ends or cephalad bearings. In one embodiment (seeFIG. 12A), thesurface155 can be formed in a gently upwardly curving shape, similar in shape to a catcher's mitt. Desirably, thecaudal cup151 can be sized to be larger than the crossbar ends110,115, allowing for significant articulation and motion of the joint. In addition, thecup151 and/orsurface155 may comprise modular components of varying sizes, shapes and/or orientations, further increasing the adaptability and/or configurability of the prosthesis.
• FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate across bar end110 at the extreme ends of the range of motion for an illustrative embodiment of thecaudal cup151 andsurface155. At full flexion, thecross bar end110 can be in contact with -the upper edge152 (FIG. 13A). At full extension, thecrossbar end110 can contact the lower edge154 (FIG. 13B). Depending upon the desired range of motion, the design of the caudal cups and crossbar ends, and the configuration of the implanted components, the crossbar ends will desirably ride against thesurface155 throughout the entirety of the range of motion, and will only sit above and/or not contact thecaudal cup surface155 at the extreme ends of the range of motion.
• Cephalad Prosthesis Configurability and Adaptability
• An embodiment of acephalad prosthesis element120 is illustrated inFIG. 14. The exemplary embodiment of the cephalad prosthesis element includes abone engaging end125, acrossbar engaging end145 and anelbow147 between theends125,147.
• Similar to the caudal stem, the bone engaging end is used as an attachment point to spinal bone and an anchor for the crossbar. Thebone engaging end125 includes acephalad stem130 and adistal tip135. (As previously noted, in various embodiments the distal tip may be configurable or may be formed integrally as part of the cephalad stem.) The length of thebone engaging end125 in this embodiment is configurable. The length of thebone engaging end125 determines the overall depth (d_o) thebone engaging end125 penetrates the spinal implantation site when theprosthesis100 is implanted. The overall depth (d_o) is determined by selecting the desired stem depth (d_s) and tip depth (d_t). Different stem and tip lengths are provided to ensure that virtually any desired overall depth is available. In various embodiments, the overall depth (d_o) can range from 35 mm to 55 mm (in 5 millimeter increments). In one embodiment, the diameter of the cephalad stems is approximately 6.5 mm, with a minimum diameter (proximate the flared distal tip) being no less than approximately 5.5 mm.
• The distance from theelbow147 to thedistal tip135 can also be configurable and adaptable depending upon the length of a configurable distal tip selected to attach to a fixedlength cephalad stem130. In one embodiment, the cephalad stem130 has a fixed length and thedistal tip135 may be selected from a number ofdistal tips135 having a variety of lengths. In this embodiment, thebone engaging end125 length will be the sum of the fixedlength cephalad stem130 and the length of the selecteddistal tip135. Alternatively, the length of each of thecephalad stem130 and thedistal tip135 may be configurable. In this embodiment, thebone engaging end125 length will be the sum of the length of the selected cephalad stem and the length of the selected distal tip (i.e.,120A, B and C and170A through170E ofFIG. 18).
• In various alternate embodiments, the arm length of thecephalad element120 can be configurable. Between thecrossbar engaging end140 and theelbow147 is thearm145. Embodiments of thecephalad prosthesis120 may include arms of a variety of different lengths. In another embodiment, the arm length is selected such that the resulting dorsal height of theprosthesis100, when implanted, is equal to or less than the dorsal height of an adjacent spinous process, or can be equal to or less than the average dorsal heights of the immediate adjacent vertebral levels. In various embodiments, dorsal height can be measured relative to the caudal vertebral body and/or the cephalad vertebral body, or can be measured with regards to an approximate average value there between. In one embodiment, the dorsal height of the construct is not greater than approximately 22 mm from pedicle entry point to the most dorsal point. In an alternate embodiment, the dorsal (posterior) height of the construct is not greater than approximately 25 mm from pedicle entry point to the most dorsal point.
• Another aspect of the configurability and adaptability of thecephalad element120 is the elbow angle ((θ_elbow). The elbow angle (θ_elbow) is the angle formed between thebone engaging end125 and the crossbar-engagingend140. In the illustrated embodiment, the elbow angle is about 90 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the elbow angle may be greater than or less than 90 degrees, or could possibly range from 60° to 100°, desirably in 5° increments. Moreover, while thearm145 in the disclosed embodiment is essentially straight, other embodiments could incorporate varying arm orientations, including curved, rounded or compound angles and/or shapes (including C or S-shapes).
• Thecephalad prosthesis120 may itself be made of any joint materials commonly used in the prosthetic arts, including, but not limited to, metals, ceramics, titanium, titanium alloys, tantalum, chrome-cobalt/cobalt-chrome, surgical steel, bony in-growth surfaces, artificial bone, uncemented surface metals or ceramics, or a combination thereof. Thebone engagement end125 may be secured directly into a vertebral body, or can be attached and/or “fixed” using a supplemental fixation material such as bone cement, allograft tissue, autograft tissue, adhesives, osteo-conductive materials, osteo-inductive materials and/or bone scaffolding materials. In one embodiment of an adaptable spinal prosthesis of the present invention, at least onebone engagement end125 is enhanced with a bony in-growth surface. Examples of such surfaces are surfaces created using aggressive bead blasting, sintering processes, porous coatings on substrates, or chemical etching (Tecomet Corporation of Woburn, Mass.) which can help fix the fixation element within a vertebra. In other embodiments, the bony in-growth surface can cover a portion or all of thebone engaging end125. In yet another alternative embodiment, thetextured surfaces132,137 include a bony in-growth surface.Textured surfaces132 and137 may be the same or different. Either or both of the textures surfaces132,137 may include features or surface finish to improve or assist in, for example, bony in-growth, or bone cement adhesion.
• Alternative embodiments of the present invention could include a prosthesis system having selectable elbows with a stem receiving end and an arm receiving end, arms of different lengths having an end to engage with the elbow arm receiving end and an end to engage with the crossbar; cephalad stems having a variety of lengths and an end adapted to engage the elbow stem receiving end and an end adapted to receive a distal tip; and distal tips having a variety of lengths and cephalad stem engaging ends. In this embodiment, the starting point could be the elbow angle. Unlike the single dimension elbow angle ofFIG. 14, this elbow angle would include configurability in any one or a combination of the sagittal, axial or coronal planes. Once the spine had been prepared to receive theprosthesis100 and the surgeon understood the anatomical orientation requirements of this specific patient, then an elbow having the proper orientation could be selected. The elbow would be selected as a bridge between the anchoring function of the bone engaging end and the crossbar engaging function of theend140. The elbow angle would also be selected such that, with the proper selection of arm length and stem length, the cephalad prosthesis element would be in the desired alignment for proper alignment and operation of the cephalad elements and crossbar.
• Once the desired configuration of the implant is determined, one or more openings or bores (to accommodate the anchoring stems) can be created in the targeted vertebral bodies, and the caudal and cephalad components inserted. If desired, the physician can employ a trialing system or other type of measurement tool (e.g., a device that determines the size and orientation of the various modular components so as to provide proper alignment between the caudal cup and the cephalad attachment point—caudal stem length and cup orientation, an elbow having the desired angular relationship, a cephalad stem of the indicated length and an arm of the indicated length). These pieces can all be fastened together and test fitted in their respective positions on the vertebral body. If a proper fit is achieved, then the pieces are cemented or otherwise permanently joined and the cephalad stem is cemented or otherwise joined to the spinal bone.
• FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an assembled configurable and adaptablespinal prosthesis100. This embodiment illustrates how the various components of the prosthesis may be selected and configured to accommodate an individual's anatomy. For example, the illustrated embodiment utilizes differing caudal prosthesis.Crossbar end110 engages with acaudal prosthesis150′ while thecrossbar end115 engages with acaudal prosthesis150. Bothcaudal prosthesis150,150′ have fixed length caudal stems165. Thecaudal prosthesis150′ has a caudal fastener length that is the sum of thecaudal stem165 andtip170. The caudal fastener length of thecaudal prosthesis150 is longer because thedistal end170′ has a length longer than thedistal tip170 of thecaudal prosthesis150′. Similarly, the cephalad prosthesis fasteners have different length or depths because thecephalad tip135′ is longer than thecephalad tip135.
• FIG. 15 also illustrates the inner structure of one embodiment of acrossbar mount175. Thecrossbar175, includinginterior components172 and174, will be described with reference toFIGS. 15, 16A and16B. The crossbarinterior components172,174 are illustrated in phantom inFIG. 15 and are illustrated in detail inFIGS. 16A and 16B. Arm-crossbarlock engaging element179 includes afirst surface171 for engaging thecephalad arm end140 and asecond surface173 for engaging thecrossbar105. Thecrossbar locking element181 includes afirst surface177 for engaging thecross bar105 and asecond surface178 shaped to engage with the interior contours and shape of thecrossbar arm mount175. Each of the locking surfaces171,173,177,178 may include features, surface treatments or knurling to increase friction contact between the locking surface and the respective component. In one embodiment, the interior components comprise commercially-pure Titanium (CPTi) while the housing and set screw comprise ASTM F136 Titanium Alloy (Ti₆Al₄V).
• The arm-cross bar lock179 and thecross bar lock181 each play a roll in providing adaptability to the prosthesis during implantation, fitting and securing the prosthesis in the desired anatomical orientation and position. Thefastener176 is used to lock the cephalad arm and the cross bar into position relative to thecrossbar105. As thefastener176 compresses thecephalad arm end140 into the lock elementfirst surface171, thelock element179 in turn compresses thesecond surface173 onto thecrossbar105. The forces acting on thecrossbar105 urge thecross bar105 against the crossbar lockfirst surface177 and, in turn, the crossbar locksecond surface178 into position against the interior of thecrossbar mount175. As thefastener176 is tightened, thecephalad arm end140 is compressively secured in position relative to thecrossbar mount175 between thefastener176 and the arm-crossbar lockfirst surface171. With the same securing action of thefastener176, the lateral position of thecrossbar mount175 in relation to thecross bar105 or to the crossbar ends110,115 is also secured. As the fastener compresses thecephalad arm end140, thecephalad arm end140 applies force to the arm-crossbar lock elementfirst surface171 that in turn urges the arm-cross bar locksecond surface173 against thecrossbar105. The force applied to thecrossbar105 urges thecrossbar105 against the crossbar lockfirst surface177 and the crossbar locksecond surface178 against the interior of the crossbar andarm mount175. Thus, using a single compressive force, the cephalad arm is secured relative to thecrossbar lock175 and the crossbar lock is secured relative to thecrossbar105 or crossbar ends110,115.
• One advantage of the current embodiment is that thefastener176 may place a compressive force against thecephalad arm end140 and the other components large enough to hold the components in position. This hold force would be less than the force used to secure the components into the final position for implantation. By utilizing a hold force less than a securing force, the prosthesis fit may be adjusted with regards to orientation and relationship between the components. Thereafter, thefastener176 may be torqued to place a full compressive load onto the prosthesis to lock it into place. Once the full torque force is applied, the relatively softer CPTi (as compared to the harder ASTM F136 Ti of the housing, cross-bar and cephalad stems) of the arm-cross bar lock179 and thecross bar lock181 will desirably deform and essentially lock and/or “cold weld” to the ASTM F136 Titanium, locking the implant in its desired configuration.
• FIGS. 16C through 16F depict various views of one alternative embodiment of acrossbar mount175aconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. These figures depict thefastener176a,thecephalad arm lock179aand thecross bar lock181a,with thehousing1000aillustrated in phantom. As with the previously described embodiment, tightening of thefastener176ainto thehousing1000adesirably “locks” the prosthetic components in place within thehousing1000a.
• In the embodiment ofFIG. 16c,aretaining pin1010aextends through anopening1015aformed through thecephalad arm lock179aand press fits intoopenings1020ain thehousing1000a.Desirably, theopening1015ais larger than the outer diameter of thepin1010a,allowing thecephalad arm lock179ato “float” within thehousing1000arelative to the pin, but be retained within thehousing1000a.Moreover, the presence of thecephalad arm lock179awill desirably retain thecross-bar arm lock179awithin thehousing1000ain its desired position as well.
• The interplay between the various components of the cephalad prosthesis may be appreciated through reference toFIG. 17.FIG. 17 illustrates a posterior view of an embodiment of the cephalad portion of an anatomically adaptable spinal prosthesis of the present invention. Several adaptable features are presented. The cephalad arm height (h,m and ha) may be adjusted, for example, by moving the cephalad crossbar engaging end140 relative to thecrossbar mount175, or rotating thecrossbar mount175 about thecrossbar105. While illustrated as the having the same height, each of the cephalad arms may be individually sized and selected as well as adjusted relative to thecrossbar mount175 to provide different arm heights. As such, it is possible in some embodiments that h_arm1will be a different value than h_arm2. It is to be appreciated that in various embodiments, the size of an individual cephalad arm could be adaptable depending upon, for example, selecting an arm length, a stem length and a distal end length. Stem length and distal tip length are described earlier. Desirably, more than one housing, each housing having a differing angle β (cephalad arm145 relative to the crossbar mount) is provided. In one embodiment, β crossbar mount is either 15° from normal or 35° from normal. Moreover, because the housing through-hole for the crossbar mount is larger than the diameter of the cross-bar, the housing can be rotated approximately 20° with the cross-bar in position, thereby allowing for further variance and/or further misalignment of the cephalad arm relative to the cross-bar. Thus, in this embodiment, the two housings could accommodate angle β crossbar mount from 5° to 45°. The prosthesis width (w_p) is also variable by increasing or decreasing the adjustable width (w_a) of the threadedportion109 between the threaded crossbar ends106,104 (in this embodiment) or by simply choosing a different width cross-bar (in various alternate embodiments).
• In summary, the illustrated embodiment of acephalad prosthesis100 of the invention is adaptable in at least four ways. First, thecephalad arm145 andcrossbar end140 may move relative to thecrossbar mount175 to vary cephalad arm height (h_arm1and h_arm2). Second, thecephalad arm145 andcrossbar end140 may also rotate relative to thecrossbar mount175 thereby moving the position of thedistal tip135 along an arcuate pathway. Third, the crossbar mount, with or without the cephalad arm secured thereto, may move along thecrossbar105 towards or away from, for example, theother crossbar mount175, and/or theends110,115. Fourth, the crossbar width may be increased or decreased by rotating the threaded crossbar ends104,106.
• The modular design aspects of embodiments of the present invention are illustrated inFIG. 18.FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of akit290 having embodiments of the modular, configurable and adaptable components of the present invention. Thekit290 provides an organization for the various configurable and adaptable components of the spinal prosthesis embodiments of the invention. More importantly, thekit290 provides a way to organize the various components and simplify the process of selecting, configuring and adapting a spinal prosthesis of the present invention. Adaptablespinal prosthesis kit290 includes a plurality of components that may be utilized to produce an embodiment of an adaptable spinal prosthesis according to the present invention. These components are related to thespinal prosthesis100 but are also generally applicable to the adaptable component embodiments of other spinal prosthesis embodiments.
• Adaptablecephalad prosthesis embodiments120A,120B and120C differ in cephalad stem130 length. The length of each stem130 may be any length and the difference between the three sizes may be small or large. In one embodiment, thesmall stem120C has a cephalad stem length of approximately 35 mm (which can include a selection of bone-penetration lengths of approximately 55 mm, 50 mm, 45 mmm, 40 mm and/or 35 mm), themedium stem120B has a cephalad stem length of approximately 45 mm and thelarge stem120A has a cephalad stem length of approximately 55 mm. While the illustrated embodiments have a common elbow angle of approximately 85°, it should be understood that alternative embodiments may include elbow angle as a configurable option—an exemplary selection for such a kit could include stems having elbow angles ranging from 60° to 100°, with the most desirable angle being approximately 85°.
• Three exemplary crossbar sizes are also provided having increasing width from105A,105B and105C. The crossbar105A may have, in an exemplary embodiment, widths of approximately 37 mm, 51 mm and 67 mm, with preferred adjustment widths of 0 to 15 mm. During the implantation process, the patient anatomy and the placement of the caudal cups comprise two of the inputs used to determine the crossbar size. In most instances, the crossbar selected is narrower than the caudal cup spacing but within the adjustable range for the threaded ends. Once the caudal cup is positioned, the crossbar may be placed in the cups and then fine tuned for width using the threaded ends. In an alternative embodiment, individual cross-bars of set sizes (i.e., a set of crossbars of the following widths: 3.7 mm, 39 mm, 41 mm, 43 mm, 45 mm, 47 mm, 49 mm, 51 mm, 53 mm, 55 mm, 57 mm, 59 mm, 61 mm, 63 mm, 65 mm and 67 mm), with adjustable depth bearings, can be provided.
• While the illustrated embodiment illustrates thedistal tips170 and135 having the same length selections, alternative embodiments providedistal tips170 selectable from a variety of lengths that are different from the selectable lengths fordistal tip135.
• Caudal stem160 adaptability is also illustrated by various angled stems. In this embodiment, angle Θ_cchanges for each of thecaudal stem head162 and thestem160. Θ_cinstem160A is ranges from approximately 5° up to approximately 35°, in 5° increments. While the illustrated embodiment only illustrates one form of caudal stem adaptability, it is to be appreciated that each of the adaptable characteristics of the caudal stem (i.e., the stem angle Θ_c, the shape of thecaudal stem head162 and the shape of the caudal cup engaging surface157) may each be used alone or in any combination to provide caudal stem variability into any orientation sagittally, axially, coronally or combinations thereof. While thestem160 embodiments have been illustrated having the same length, it is to be appreciated that thestem160 may also have various lengths or range of lengths as described above with regard tocephalad stem130.
• FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of asurgical method300 for implanting an embodiment of an adaptable spinal prosthesis according to the present invention. The surgical procedure comprises exposing the spinous process, lamina, and facet joints at a desired level of the spine using any method common to those of skill in the medical arts. Once the physician is prepared to implant the prosthesis, he/she will first estimate the amount of and remove any portions of the vertebral body (such as facet joints, lamina, processes, etc.) to allow for prosthesis implantation (310). The prominent bone may be removed and/or rongeured using any means common in the field. The superior facet and/or lamina may also be trimmed to decompress the nerve root. A reamer or any other instrument that is useful for grinding or scraping bone may be used to ream, shape or contour the spinal bones as depicted inFIG. 20 in preparation of implanting the prosthesis.
• FIG. 20 illustrates a posterior view ofvertebral bodies40,45 after performing a procedural bone resection, a wide decompressive laminectomy, facetectomy and/or laminectomy to the degree determined in step310 and discussed above. Some and/or all of the spinous process and inferior facet joints have been removed fromvertebra40 to remove diseased bone, relieve pressure on nerves or other tissues, and/or create sufficient space for placement of an embodiment of an adaptable spinal prosthesis of the present invention. The superior facet joints have been removed fromvertebra45 and the lamina shaped to produce caudal prosthesis receiving surfaces74,72. As illustrated inFIG. 21, holes are formed in thevertebra40,45 to prepare for cephalad and caudal stem implantation and/or carry a trialing system (desirably for trialing and/or sizing prosthesis prior to implantation). Caudal stem holes52 and54 are formed invertebra45 and cephalad stem holes56,58 are formed invertebra40. The depth, size, and orientation of these holes are used to determine selections in theprosthesis kit290 and embodiments thereof.
• Returning to thesurgical method300, size, select, test and set the caudal prosthesis (step320). As described above, the adaptability of the orientation and position of the caudal prosthesis may be utilized to meet a wide variety of anatomical situations and to accommodate a variety of different adaptable prosthesis. It is to be appreciated that each of the adaptable characteristics of the caudal prosthesis including, for example, the stem angle Θ_c, the shape of thecaudal stem head162 and the shape of the caudalcup engaging surface157 and the lengths of the caudal stem and distal end may each be used alone or in any combination to provide caudal stem variability into any orientation sagittally, axially, coronally or combinations thereof. The caudal prosthesis may be configured by selecting the desired caudal stem (see stems160A-160E inFIG. 18), distal tip (seedistal tips170A-170E) and caudal cup151 (seeFIG. 18).FIG. 22 illustrates the selected components after implantation. Thecaudal cups151 are secured to caudal stems (not shown) that have been implanted into the caudal stem holes52,54 formed in thevertebral body45.
• The caudal stem may be secured directly into the vertebral body, or can be attached and/or “fixed” using a supplemental fixation material such as bone cement, allograft tissue, autograft tissue, adhesives, osteo-conductive materials, osteo-inductive materials and/or bone scaffolding materials. In one embodiment, the first fixation element can be enhanced with a bony in-growth surface, such as surfaces created using sintering processes or chemical etching (Tecomet Corporation of Woburn, Mass.) which can help fix the fixation element within a vertebra. As described above, the bony in-growth surface can cover all or a portion of the caudal fixation element. Desirably, the final orientation of thecaudal cups155,157 will be parallel (relative to the lateral walls159) and coplanar (with respect to the upper bottom surfaces153).
• Returning to themethod300, size, select, test-and adjust the crossbar (step330).FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of acrossbar105 in position between thecaudal cups151. Thecrossbar105 has been selected from, in this exemplary embodiment, crossbars105A, B and C in the kit290 (FIG. 18). The particular selection of crossbar105A, B or C is based, in part, on the distance between thecaudal cups151. As discussed above, the width of thecrossbar105 may be selected initially to place the crossbar ends15,110 against the caudalcup receiving surface155. The crossbar width is adjusted into final position using theadjustable crossbar members104,106 and threadedportion109. Additionally, the crossbar mounts175 are present with thecrossbar105 disposed within thecrossbar engaging portion174.
• Size, select, test and set the cephalad prosthesis (340). Referring initially toFIG. 23, the cephalad prosthesis is adapted to have thecrossbar engaging end140 engage with the crossbarcephalad engaging portion172 and the bone engaging end125 (not shown) engaged within the lamina or spinal bone viaholes56,58. Within these parameters the cephalad arms are configured and adapted by selecting the desiredcephalad stem130 length (seecephalad arms120A-120C inFIG. 18). In alternative embodiments,distal tip135 length (seedistal tips135A-135E inFIG. 18), elbow angle and arm length may also be configurable and selectable characteristics. As illustrated inFIG. 24, the cephalad arm crossbar engaging ends140 are secured byfixation element176 to the cross bar mountcephalad engaging portion172. In addition, thecephalad arm145 has also secured the crossbar relative to crossbar mount utilizing thelocks179 and181 (not shown).
• FIG. 24 also illustrates one of several advantages of the modular design of the present invention. One advantage is the independence of cephalad arm and crossbar mount adaptability. Note that thecephalad arm end140 in the crossbar mount adjacent theend115 extends significantly beyond thecrossbar mount175 while thecephalad arm end140 in the crossbar mount adjacent theend110 does not extend significantly beyondcrossbar mount175. Another advantage is the independence of the cephalad components. Eachcephalad arm145 may be separately adjusted to best accommodate the anatomical situation of the patient as well as the crossbar position and loading parameters. As illustrated, the cephalad armadjacent end115 is arranged differently within theprosthesis100 than the cephalad arm adjacent110.
• If desired, a series of clamps or rigs (not shown) can be used to hold either or both of the cephalad or caudal prosthesis (or their trialing analogs) in place during the sizing and/or testing phases and/or while the cement or other fixation material cures.
• FIG. 25 is a section view of a portion of the spine having 4 vertebral bodies.Vertebral bodies30 are unmodified whilevertebral bodies40,45 have been altered by the surgical techniques described with regard tosurgical method300 to implant an embodiment of the adaptablespinal prosthesis100.
• FIG. 25A depicts the desired placement for one embodiment of a caudal cup constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. In this embodiment, the upper endplate45aof the caudal vertebral body is utilized as a guide for proper placement of the caudal cup. As previously noted, a line, labeled CEP onFIG. 25A, desirably runs parallel to the upper endplate45aof the caudal vertebral body (which can be visualized fluoroscopically, or via minimally-invasive or open visualization). A line perpendicular to the CEP (extending along the longitudinal axis of the caudal vertebral body—labeled PEP) is then determined, and the flexion angle (θ_F) is the angle of theupper bottom surface153 of the caudal cup relative to the PEP. Desirably, the physician will implant and position the caudal cup such that theupper bottom surface153 of the caudal cup is approximately 25° posterior from the PEP (such that the surface is located approximately 115° from the CEP). This desired position will (1) maximize the flexibility of the prosthesis, allowing for maximal proper flexion and extension of the joint surfaces, and (2) provide a proportional amount of stability to the prosthesis to account for removal of any connective tissues that have occurred due to the implantation of the prosthesis as well as any other surgical procedures impacting the connective tissues of the treated area.
• It should be understood that the angulation disclosed in this embodiment (approximately 25°) is desirably suited for replacement of the caudal facet joints of the L4 or L5 levels of the spine. Replacement of caudal facet joints in other levels of the spine might necessitate other varying angulations, as well as other orientations of the caudal and/or cephalad joint surfaces to accommodate torsional movement, flexion and extension, and/or lateral bending. In addition, depending upon the actual anatomy of the L4 or L5 levels, as well as the anatomy of adjacent levels, different angulation and/or orientation of the facet replacement prosthesis (other than that described herein) may be desired.
• An inferior and posterior view of an embodiment of an adaptablespinal prosthesis200 of the present invention are illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B. This embodiment of the adaptable spinal facetjoint prosthesis200 includes acrossbar205 and a pair ofcephalad prosthesis elements220 coupled to acrossbar mount275. Thecrossbar205 has twoends210,215 engaged with a pair ofcaudal prosthesis elements150. Theadaptable prosthesis200 has several features in common with the earlier described adaptablespinal prosthesis100 and these components are similar to the above description. In the illustrated embodiments the cephaladbone engaging end125 has been generalized and the caudal stems omitted for clarity.
• The illustrated embodiment of thecrossbar205 has afirst end210, asecond end215 and a plurality of indexing features206 along a portion of the outer surface. The indexing features206 cooperatively engage withfeatures276 in thecrossbar mount275 to provide variable lateral alignment capability for thecrossbar mount275 relative to thecrossbar205. The plurality of indexing features may be in sections, two are illustrated inFIG. 26A or the indexing features206 may be spaced along the entire or a substantial portion of the width ofcrossbar205. The illustrated embodiment of the indexing features206 are aligned orthogonal to the width of thecrossbar205. Other angular relationships are possible and are within the scope of the invention. For example, the indexing features may form a lateral angle of 0 to 45 degrees relative to a line orthogonal to the width of thecrossbar205 measured between the two ends210,215. The illustrated embodiment of thecrossbar205 has a fixed width between ends210,215. Accordingly,crossbar205 may be provided in a variety of different, fixed widths in order to achieve the adaptability advantages of the present invention. Alternative embodiments ofcrossbar205 may include, for example, any of the adjustable width configurations described above such as threaded or slidably engaged (desirably incorporating a locking feature) crossbar pieces.
• In the illustrated embodiment, there are provided a pair ofcephalad prosthesis220 having anend240 adapted to engage thecrossbar mount275, anarm245, anelbow147 and abone engaging end125. Theend240 includesfeatures242 along thearm245 for engaging with the outer surface of thecrossbar205. If desired, the crossbar could have a complementary feature to engage withfeature242. In the illustrated embodiment, thefeatures242 are threads. Other features such as knurling, barbs, surface roughing or other surface treatment or finish to increase the hold between the cephalad arm and the crossbar may be used. Similarly, thecrossbar mount275 could incorporate a triangular, square or other geometric shaped opening (not shown) to engage a complimentary surface (not shown) on the crossbar to reduce and/or eliminate rotation of the crossbar under loading conditions, if desired.
• An exemplary embodiment of thecrossbar mount275 is illustrated inFIGS. 27A and 27B. The exemplary embodiment of thecrossbar mount275 includes ahousing277, a cephaladarm engaging portion272, and acrossbar engaging portion274.FIG. 27A is a view of thecrossbar mount275 along the cephaladarm engaging portion272. Thehousing277 includes aridge278 that engages with the threads of interior threaded cap280 (seeFIG. 26A). Thecephalad arm portion272 is sized and shaped to engage with the cephalad armcrossbar engaging end240.FIG. 27B is a view of thecrossbar mount275 along thecrossbar engaging portion274. Thecrossbar engaging portion274 is sized and shaped to engage withcrossbar205. Within thecrossbar engaging portion274 there is at least onecomplementary indexing feature276.Indexing feature276 is sized and shaped to form a cooperative mating with the crossbar indexing feature or features206. While the indexing features276 are illustrated as orthogonal to thecrossbar205 other angular orientations are possible as discussed above with regard to crossbar indexing features206.
• Returning toFIG. 26A, an internally threadedcap280 and setscrew282 are used to secure the cephalad arms, crossbar mount and crossbar into the desired position. The threadedcap280 is secured to thehousing277 usingridge278 once the cephalad arm has been positioned within the cephaladarm engaging portion272 and the crossbar mount features276 are engaged with the desired crossbar features206. As thecap280 advances, thecap280 engages thecephalad arm245 and urges thefeatures242 into engaging contact with thecrossbar205. At the same time, thehousing277 urges the indexing features276 into contact with the crossbar indexing feature(s)206. Thecap280 is tightened to a desired degree (and can include a breakaway feature to obtain a desired loading of the crossbar) and then secured with theset screw282, if desired
• The modular prosthesis kit290 (FIG. 18) may also be modified to accommodate embodiments of the adaptablespinal prosthesis200. For example, the cross bar portion could include a plurality ofcrossbar205 embodiments each having a different width. In addition, thecrossbar mount175 could also be modified to include theengagement elements276 in the desired orientation. Also, the cephalad arms could be modified to include the desired embodiment offeatures242.
• Returning toFIG. 19, which is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of asurgical method300 for implanting an embodiment of an adaptable spinal prosthesis according to the present invention. Themethod300 was described above with regard to one embodiment of aspinal prosthesis100 of the present invention. Themethod300 will now be discussed with reference to an embodiment of aspinal prosthesis200. As previously noted, once the physician is prepared to implant the prosthesis, he/she can first estimate the amount of and remove a portion of the vertebral body, such as facet joints and pedicle, to allow for prosthesis implantation (310). (FIG. 20 illustratesvertebral bodies40 and45 after performing one embodiment of a procedural bone resection, a wide decompressive laminectomy, facetectomy and/or laminectomy). In this embodiment, the spinous process and inferior facet joints have been removed from thevertebra40. The superior facet joints have been removed fromvertebra45 and the lamina shaped to produce caudal prosthesis receiving surfaces74,72. As illustrated inFIG. 21, holes are formed in thevertebra40,45 to prepare for cephalad and caudal stem implantation. Caudal stem holes52 and54 are formed invertebra45 and cephalad stem holes56,58 are formed invertebra40.
• The physician can then size, select, test and set the caudal prosthesis (step320). As described above, the adaptability of the orientation and position of the caudal prosthesis may be utilized to meet a wide variety of anatomical situations. It is to be appreciated that each of the adaptable characteristics of the caudal prosthesis including, for example, the stem angle Θc, the shape of thecaudal stem head162 and the shape of the caudalcup engaging surface157 and the lengths of the caudal stem and distal end may each be used alone or in any combination to provide caudal stem variability into any orientation sagittally, axially, coronally or combinations thereof. The caudal prosthesis may be configured by selecting the desired caudal stem (see stems160A-160E inFIG. 18), distal tip (if desired—seedistal tips170A-170E) and caudal cup151 (seeFIG. 18).FIG. 22 illustrates the selected caudal components after implantation. Thecaudal cups151 are secured to caudal stems (not shown) that have been implanted into the caudal stem holes52,54 formed in thevertebral body45.
• Size, select, test and adjust the crossbar (step330). Thecrossbar205 is selected based on the distance between thecaudal cups151. The crossbar may be configured by selecting from a plurality ofcrossbar205 embodiments each having a different width. Typical fixedwidth crossbars205 may have a width ranging from 37 to 67 mm, and have a thickness of approximately 5 mm and different width increments increasing by 1 or 2 mm for each different crossbar. As discussed above, in an alternative embodiment whereadjustable crossbars205 are used, the width of thecrossbar205 may be selected initially to place the crossbar ends215,210 against the caudalcup receiving surface155. The crossbar width is adjusted into final position using theadjustable crossbar members104,106 and a threadedportion109.FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment of across bar205 in place againstcaudal cups151. The crossbar mounts275 are present with thecrossbar205 disposed within thecrossbar engaging portion274.
• Size, select, test and set the cephalad prosthesis (340). Referring initially toFIG. 28, thecephalad prosthesis220 is adapted to have thecrossbar engaging end240 engage with the crossbarcephalad engaging portion272 and the bone engaging end125 (not shown) engaged within the lamina viaholes56,58. Within these parameters thecephalad arms220 are configured and adapted by selecting, at least, the desireddistal tip135 length (seedistal tips135A-135E inFIG. 18), and cephalad stem130 length (i.e.,cephalad arms120A-120C inFIG. 18 modified to include an embodiment of the engagement features242). As described above withcephalad prosthesis elements120, in some embodiments of thecephalad elements220, elbow angle and arm length may also be selectable characteristics. As illustrated inFIG. 29, the cephalad arms cross bar engaging ends240 are secured bycap280 andfixation element282 to the cross bar mountcephalad engaging portion272. In addition, thecephalad arm245 has also secured the crossbar relative tocrossbar mount275 utilizing thefeatures242. At the same time, but not illustrated inFIG. 29, tightening thecap280 also urges the crossbar indexing features206 into locking cooperation with the crossbarhousing indexing feature276 to secure thecrossbar housing275 in position between crossbar ends210,215. Also illustrated is the independence of cephalad arm and crossbar mount adaptability. In this embodiment, it should be appreciated that thecephalad arm end240 in the crossbar mount adjacent theend210 can extend beyond the crossbar mount casing277 a greater, equal or lesser length than the length thecephalad arm end240 extends beyond thecrossbar mount casing277.
• FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate alternative crossbar mounts500,550. Each of themounts500,550 provide adaptability related to cephalad arm height (“h”), cephalad arm rotation (“r”) and crossbar mount lateral position (“L”) and rotation. Crossbar and mount500 includes acentral mount520 including a pair of articulatingmounts525 shown with a portion of a pair ofcephalad arms545 extending therefrom. While only a portion of thecephalad arms545 is illustrated, it is to be appreciated that the crossbar mounts500 and550 function with all of the earlier described embodiments of the adaptable spinal prosthesis described above including the adaptable caudal and cephalad prosthesis element embodiments. Moreover, whilecrossbar505 is illustrated as a fixed width crossbar, it is to be appreciated that the earlier described adjustable width crossbar concepts may also be applied to embodiments ofcrossbar505.
• Thecentral mount520 is illustrated in a position between theends510,515 and secured to acrossbar505. Thecentral mount520 may be adjusted laterally (“L”) between theends510 and515 by engaging the desired set of complementaryengaging elements504,506.Engaging elements504 are located within the central mount crossarm engaging portion574.Engaging elements506 are located oncrossbar505. The engaging elements are positioned to allow not only lateral movement but also rotation of the central mount about thecrossbar505. Once the central mount is in the desired position and orientation, the position of thecentral mount520 relative to thecrossbar505 may be secured usingfastener508.
• Thecentral mount520 includes a pair of articulatingmounts525 that provide adaptable, independent cephalad arm height (“h”) and cephalad arm rotation (“r”) for eachcephalad arm545. Separate engaging elements are provided within amount525 and between themount525 andcentral mount520 to maintain the desired height and rotation settings for eachcephalad arm545. Cephalad arm height is maintained by engaging the desiredmount engaging elements532 with the desired cephaladarm engaging elements530. Once the desired elements are aligned, the engaging elements are locked using thelocking element535. Lockingelement535 articulates the engaging elements between an “unlocked” configuration and a “locked” configuration. The unlocked configuration is illustrated in themount525 adjacent theend510 and the locked configuration is illustrated in themount525 adjacent theend515. Cephalad arm rotation is achieved by adjusting the position of the articulatingmount engagement elements534,536.Engagement elements534 are distributed along the proximate edge of the articulatingmount525. Centralmount engagement elements536 are distributed along the interior of thecentral mount520. Once the desired rotational orientation of thecephalad arm545 relative to thecentral mount520 is achieved, theengagement elements534,536 are secured usingfastener538.
• Analternative crossbar mount550 is illustrated inFIG. 30B. Central mount lateral position (“L”) and rotation operate similar tocrossbar mount500.Crossbar mount555 includes two internally articulating, lockable cephalad arm mounts560. The internally articulating, lockable cephalad arm mounts560 combine the adaptability features of the cephalad arm height (“h”) and cephalad arm rotation (“r”) in a single adjustment and locking mechanism. The single adjustment and locking mechanism is provided by a plurality oflockable elements562 that may be articulated between and “unlocked” and “locked” configuration by the lockingdriver564. The locking elements are formed from a biocompatible polymer or other suitable material to compress against and grip thecephalad arms545 when secured by the lockingdriver564. The lockingdriver564 may be, in one exemplary embodiment, a band encircling theelements562 in a first position in an unlocked configuration and in a second position in the locked configuration. In another exemplary embodiment, the locking driver is a clamp ring. The elements are shaped with relative orientations to allow cephalad arm movement to adjust arm height and rotation. When the lockingdriver564 is positioned into the “locked” configuration, theelements562 are gradually engaged so as not to alter the desired height and rotation alignments. The lockingelements562 are illustrated in an “unlocked” configuration in themount560 adjacent theend510. The lockingelements562 are illustrated in a “locked” configuration in themount560 adjacent theend515. Themount560 interior is sized to allow for angular movement and height adjustments of thecephalad arm545.
• FIGS. 31A to32D illustrate embodiments an adaptive spinal prosthesis of the present invention having alternative embodiments of the crossbar component. These adaptive spinal prosthesis embodiments each include caudal cups and stems as well as cephalad arms having elbows, stems and distal ends similar to the earlier described embodiments. For clarity, similar or simplified reference number designations are used to designate these earlier described components. In addition, these components will be represented simplistically rather than with full details as before.
• FIG. 31A illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis300A having acrossbar310. The adaptivespinal prosthesis300A includes a pair of cephalad arms each having a cephalad bearing305 on the proximate end. Thecrossbar310 is attached to onecephalad arm145 using fixedclamp312 andfastener313. Theclamp312 may be positioned along thecephalad arm145 until theclamp312 and, in turn, thecrossbar310, is positioned in the desired spacing between thecephalad bearing305 and theelbow147.Clamp slide assembly314 includes apiston318, joined to clamp316 using thefastener315. Theclamp slide assembly314 provides crossbar width adjustment as well as cephalad bearing-elbow spacing for theclamp316. Theclamp316 secures the clamp slide assembly314 (including the crossbar310) to thecephalad arm145 in the desired position between thecephalad bearing305 andelbow147. Thepiston318 is slidably engaged with thecrossbar310. In operation thepiston318 slides along thecrossbar310 to the desired crossbar width. Once the desired crossbar width and cephalad bearing-elbow spacing are obtained, thefastener315 is tightened. Tightening thefastener315 secures thecrossbar310 within thepiston318 and thecephalad arm145 within theclamp316. In the illustrated embodiment, theclamp312 and theclamp316 engage thecephalad arms145 between the bearing305 and theelbow147 in a position leaving thecrossbar310 forming an angle of about90 degrees with each of thecephalad arms145. It is to be appreciated that theclamps312,316 operate independently and that the ends ofcrossbar310 may attach to thecephalad arms145 in a configuration where thecrossbar310 forms an angle of other than 90 degrees with each of thecephalad arms145. In the illustrated embodiment, thecrossbar310 lays in a plane below a plane that contains bothcephalad arms145.
• FIG. 31B illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis300B having atelescoping crossbar310. Thetelescoping crossbar320 includestelescoping sections322 that are attached to clamps324.Clamps324 are adjustably engaged about thecephalad arms145 between the bearing305 and theelbow147.Fasteners326 are used to secure theclamps324 to thecephalad arms145. The width oftelescoping crossbar320 may be adjusted as thetelescoping sections322 move towards or away fromfasteners326. Once thetelescoping crossbar320 width is selected, tighteningfasteners326 secures. the crossbar clamps324 about thecephalad arms145 and locks the position of thetelescoping sections322 in the selected width. In the illustrated embodiment thecrossbar320 lies in a plane that contains thecephalad arms145.
• FIG. 31C illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis300C having acrossbar embodiment330 and crossbar locks331. Acrossbar lock331 includes acephalad arm clamp334 about acephalad arm145 and acrossbar clamp336 that encircles thecrossbar330. Adual clamp housing332 andfastener338 join theclamps334,336. The width ofcrossbar330 is determined by moving thecrossbar330 relative to the crossbar clamps336. The crossbar spacing between acephalad bearing305 and anelbow147 is determined by moving thecephalad arm clamp334 along thecephalad arm147 to the desired position. Once the width ofcrossbar330 and the position of thecrossbar330 relative to thebearing305 and theelbow147 are selected, thecrossbar330 is secured into the selected position by tightening thefastener338. Tighteningfastener338 results in articulation withindual clamp housing332 to tighten both thearm clamp334 about thecephalad arm145 and thecrossbar clamp336 about thecrossbar330. In the illustrated embodiment thecrossbar330 is positioned in a plane above a plane that contains thecephalad arms145, but thecrossbar330 could alternatively be even with or below the plane containing the cephalad arms145 (or any combination thereof).
• FIG. 31D illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis300D having acrossbar embodiment340 with crossbar locks341. Acrossbar lock341 includes acephalad arm clamp342, acrossbar clamp344 and afastener346. The position of thecrossbar340 between thecephalad bearing305 and theelbow147 is changed by sliding the arm clamps342 along thecephalad arms147. The crossbar width between the crossbar clamps344 is adjusted by sliding thecrossbar344 relative to theclamps344. Once the position of thecrossbar340 between thecephalad bearing305 and theelbow147 and the width of thecrossbar340 are selected, the crossbar position is secured by tighteningfastener346. Tighteningfastener346 urges thearm clamp342 about thecephalad arm145 and thecrossbar clamp344 about thecrossbar340. In the illustrated embodiment, thecrossbar340 is contained in a plane above a plane that contains thecephalad arms145, though it could be even with or below the plane containing thecephalad arms145, if desired. In the illustrated embodiment, thearm clamp342 and thecrossbar clamp344 and thefastener346 are configured to form a 90 degree angle. In alternative embodiments of thecrossbar340, angles other than 90 degrees may be formed by thecrossbar clamp344,fastener346 andarm clamp342.
• FIG. 31E illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis300E having acrossbar embodiment350. Thecrossbar350 includes abase end352 and an articulatingend353. Each of thebase end352 and the articulatingend353 include arm clamps354. Arm clamps354 are each secured to a correspondingcephalad arm145 by tightening of aset screw357. The articulatingend353 is slidably connected to thebase end352, with theends353,352 similarly secured relative to each other by tightening of aset screw358. One advantage of thecrossbar350 is that the articulatingend353 is free to rotate, telescope and articulate about thecephalad arm145 and move relative to thebase end352.
• In contrast to attaching the crossbar using a slideable cephalad arm clamp attachment as inspinal prosthesis300A-300E, the followingspinal prosthesis embodiments400A-400D utilize attachment points at or adjacent thecephalad bearing305.FIG. 32A illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis400A having acrossbar embodiment410. Crossbar arm clamps412 are attached to cephalad bearing405 using afastener414 placed into a threaded receiver withincephalad bearing405. Cephalad bearing405 is threaded to receivefastener414. When the width of thecrossbar410 between theclamps412 and thecephalad arms145 is in the desired position, thefastener414 is tightened securing theclamp412 about thecrossbar410 and theclamp412 relative to thecephalad bearing405. In the illustrated embodiment, theclamps412 are configured to provide thecrossbar410 within a plane that contains thecephalad arms147. In this specific embodiment, thecrossbar410 lies at approximately the mid-height of thecephalad arms147.
• FIG. 32B illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis400B having acrossbar embodiment420 with crossbar clamps422.Crossbar420 includesclamps422 that attach about the ends ofcrossbar420 and to thecephalad bearing405 usingfastener424. Thecephalad bearing405 is desirably threaded or otherwise configured to receive thefastener424. Thecrossbar420 width is adjustable between theclamps422. Once the desired crossbar width is selected, thefastener424 is tightened. When thefastener424 is tightened, theclamp422 secures about thecrossbar420 and theclamp422 is secured relative to thecephalad bearing405. Thecephalad bearing405 is threaded to receive thefastener424. In the illustrated embodiment, theclamps422 are configured such that, when secured to thecephalad bearings405, thecrossbar420 is located in a plane above the plane containing thecephalad arms145 and theclamps422 are positioned between thecephalad arms145.
• FIG. 32C illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis400C having acrossbar embodiment430 with crossbar clamps432. The crossbar clamps secure the crossbar to thecephalad bearing405 using thefastener434. Thecephalad bearing405 is threaded or otherwise configured to receive thefastener434. In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar clamps432 are in line with thecephalad arms145. The crossbar is positioned between theclamps432 to the desired width. Once the crossbar is positioned in the desired width, thefastener434 is tightened. When thefastener434 is tightened, theclamp432 is secured about thecrossbar430 and to thecephalad bearing405.
• FIG. 32D illustrates an embodiment of an adaptivespinal prosthesis400D having acrossbar embodiment440 with alocking system441. Alocking system441 includes acrossbar lock444 and acephalad bearing lock442. Each end of thecrossbar440 is secured to acephalad bearing405 using alocking system441. Once the width ofcrossbar440 between crossbar locks444 is selected, then thecephalad bearing lock442 is pressed into thecephalad bearing405. This same motion secures thecrossbar lock444 aboutcrossbar440 and thebearing lock442 about thecrossbar lock444.
• In alternate embodiments, the crossbar could comprise a plurality of crossbars. For example, a first crossbar could fastened to the right side cephalad bearing with a crossbar attached between the bearing and elbow of the left side cephalad arm. The second crossbar could be fastened to the left side cephalad bearing with a crossbar attached between the bearing and elbow of the right cephalad arm. Where the first and second crossbars cross, they could pass above and below one another without contact or a bearing/securement surface could be located where the first and second crossbars intersect. Alternatively, a pair of parallel crossbars, either adjacent to one another or spaced apart, connecting the cephalad arms to each other, could be used. Moreover, in embodiments where only a single side of the facet joints in a vertebral body are replaced, a crossbar could secure the cephalad and/or caudal arms (or both) to the lamina and/or the spinous process. In a similar manner, the caudal prostheses could incorporate a crossbar or other arrangement to link the two caudal prostheses together in a like manner.
• While the above exemplary adaptive spinal prosthesis and crossbar embodiments have been shown and described with certain features, other embodiments and alternatives are also within the scope of the invention. For example, the crossbar shape has been illustrated as having a circular or rectangular cross section. Other cross sectional shapes are possible such as, for example, polygonal, hexagonal, or other suitable shapes. Additionally, crossbar orientation between the crossbar and the cephalad arms has been described as being above, within, or below a plane that contains thecephalad arms147. It is to be appreciated that each of the described embodiments may be modified to provide any or all of these crossbar-cephalad arm configurations. Crossbar width may also be modified to provide thicknesses and crossbar widths other than those illustrated. The crossbar position relative to the cephalad bearing and cephalad arm elbow may also vary from the illustrated embodiments and may be positioned into configurations below, on top of, or above the cephalad bearing as well as positioned between the cephalad bearing and the elbow, and including positions adjacent theelbow147. It is to be appreciated that while each of the above listed crossbar embodiments is illustrated with a straight crossbar, conventional rod bending techniques may be utilized to shape the crossbar into a desired configuration further expanding the adaptability aspect of embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the clamps joining the crossbar to the cephalad arms engage thecephalad arms145 in a manner where the crossbar forms an angle of about 90 degrees with each of thecephalad arms145. It is to be appreciated that the clamping systems and elements described herein operate independently and that the ends of crossbar may attach to thecephalad arms145 in alternative configurations, such as, for example, where the crossbar forms an angle of other than 90 degrees with thecephalad arms145.
• Earlier described embodiments ofcaudal fastener160 and cephaladbone engaging end125 have in common a generally linear geometry and similardistal tips170,135. However, embodiments of thecaudal fastener160 and cephaladbone engaging end125 may be modified to include one or more or combinations of anti-rotation and anti-pull out features. These additional features are described below with reference toFIGS. 33A-36C. Irrespective of the design and configuration of the following exemplary embodiments, the principals illustrated in the embodiments ofFIGS. 33A-36C are applicable to both caudal and cephalad fasteners even though a feature or design principal may be shown or described as it may be utilized in either a caudal fastener or a cephalad fastener. For example,FIGS. 35A-35D illustrate an anti-rotation paddle in an embodiment of a cephalad prosthesis similar to the cephalad prosthesis illustrated in embodiments of the spinal prosthesis200 (i.e.,FIGS. 31A-32D). However, the anti-rotation paddle may be utilized with embodiments of the caudal fastener and/or embodiments of the cephalad element inspinal prosthesis100.
• FIGS. 33A, 33B, and33C show an embodiment of astem600 with apaddle604 and grooves as anti-rotation element(s). Thestem600 may be modified to act as a bone engaging end of an embodiment of a cephalad prosthesis element or as a fixation element for an embodiment of a caudal prosthesis. While desiring not to be bound by theory, it is believed that the wide surface area(s) provided by the anti-rotational paddle embodiments of the present invention provide greater resistance to the torque loads applied to the prosthesis and attempted rotation of the paddle within the vertebra. For example, the addition of surface projections and/or pits can significantly increase the total surface area of the prosthesis, thereby increasing the ability of any adhesion between the prosthesis and the surrounding material (such as bone cement, epoxy or in-growing bony material) to secure the prosthesis in position. As another example, the addition of surface projections and pits can interact with the surrounding material to create a geometric or mechanical “interlock” that resists relative motion between the prosthesis and the surrounding material. As such, the paddle embodiments of the present invention described herein act as improved anti-rotational and/or anti pull-out elements. Similarly, other anti-rotation elements described herein are also used to counteract the torque and/or axial loads developed within and acting upon various portions of vertebral prosthesis.
• Thestem600 has adistal end601 and aproximal end602. Theproximal end602 may be configured to accept tooling and instruments to secure thestem600 into the vertebra and/or to provide an attachment point to another component within an embodiment of an adaptable spinal prosthesis of the present invention. The distal portion of thestem600 includes apaddle604 configured to act as an anti-rotation element to prevent the rotation of thestem600 once implanted into a portion of the spine. Alternative embodiments of thestem600 can have-multiple paddles. Although the illustratedpaddle604 has a rounded profile, alternative embodiments may have different profiles including, for example, one or more corners. Although the illustratedpaddle604 is flat, alternative embodiments can have nonflat contours, with one or more concave and/or convex features.
• FIGS. 33A, 33B, and33C also illustrate an embodiment of an anti-pull out feature of thestem600. Embodiments of thestem600 also include anti-pull out features. As used herein, an anti-pull out feature refers to an element or combination of elements of a prosthesis portion or fastener acting to mitigate, minimize or counteract forces bearing upon the prosthesis portion or fastener to disengage, loosen, advance, pull or otherwise axially translate the fastener relative to a desired position on or within the vertebra. (For purposes of this disclosure, anti-pullout forces can be interpreted to include, but are not limited to, both “pull” and “push” forces, as well as components of various twisting and/or rotational forces, which serve to translate the prosthesis along a longitudinal axis outward or inward relative to the targeted vertebral body.) In the illustrated embodiment, thestem600 includes a proximalgrooved portion605 havingproximal grooves606 and a distalgrooved portion615 havingdistal grooves617. In the illustrated embodiment,proximal grooves606 have a proximal tip with a width that increases distally anddistal grooves617 have a nearly constant width terminating in a distal tip. A reduceddiameter portion608 separates the proximalgrooved portion605 from the distalgrooved portion615. Theproximal grooves606,distal grooves617 and reduceddiameter section608 act to increase the surface area of thevertebral prosthesis portion600. Increasing the surface area of thestem600 provides greater attachment between thestem600 and the vertebra. The greater amount of surface area may be used advantageously with bone cement, bone growth compounds or other materials used to bond the external surfaces thestem600 to the interior of the vertebra. The greater surface area allows, in embodiments where bone fixation cement is used, more cement to be present along the length and a particularly greater amount of cement or fixation material to be present about the reduceddiameter section608. The increased amount of cement present adjacent the reduced diameter portion608 (and increased thickness of the cement mantle in these areas) produces a section of increased diameter that strengthens the overall mantle and/or counteracts pull out forces. Other configurations, arrangements and geometries of the proximalgrooved portion605, reduceddiameter portion608, and distalgrooved portion615 are possible. For example, different groove configurations are possible (e.g.,FIGS. 34A, 34B,36A,36B and36C), there may be multiple distal or proximate grooved portions, multiple reduced diameter portions or different paddle configurations (e.g.,FIGS. 35A-35D).
• FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate an alternative embodiment of stems900,990 having anti-rotation and anti-pullout elements. Thepaddle955 andproximal ridges925,927 act as anti-rotation elements. The reduceddiameter section940,grooved sections930,945 and reducedshank diameter920,922 act as anti-pullout elements. The stems900 and990 are similar in many regards to stem600 ofFIGS. 33A, 33B and33C. However, several differences are worth noting.Paddle955 has aflat face960 but a rounded, tapereddistal end965 instead of a flat distal edge found on paddle604 (seeFIG. 33B).Proximal grooves935 have a constant width instead of a tapered width (seeFIG. 33A grooves606).Distal grooves950 have a uniform width and a rounded distal end instead of a distal tip (grooves617 ofFIG. 33B).
• One notable difference between thestems900,990 and thestem600 is the addition of the proximalanti-rotation sections920,922. The proximalanti-rotation sections920,922 include a shank having a diameter less than theshank915 and a plurality (two in the illustrated embodiments) of ridges that act as proximal anti-rotation elements.Stem900 has aproximal anti-rotation portion920 andridges925 having an overall height h1.Stem990 has aproximal anti-rotation portion922 andridges927 having an overall height h2. These embodiments advantageously provide reduced shank sizes thereby allowing for increased cement mantle (if cement is desired), while still providing a mechanical “interlock” with the surrounding tissue that resists prosthesis rotation—in various embodiments, the ridges can desirably engage surrounding cortical bone at the pedicle entry point, which is often stronger than the cancellous bone contained within the vertebral body, although the ridges' engagement with either or both types of bone will serve to resist rotation to varying degrees. In a specific embodiment of thestem900 the height h₁is 8.25 mm and the proximal anti-rotation section diameter is 6.5 mm but still desirably maintains a moment of inertia (Iy) approximately equal to that of a 7 mm rod. In a specific embodiment if thestem990, the overall ridge height h2 is 8.75 mm and the proximal anti-rotation section diameter is 6.0 mm but the embodiment still desirably maintains a moment of inertia (Iy) approximately equal to that of a 7 mm rod.
• It is to be appreciated that the stems900,990 may differ from the illustrated embodiments. For example, there may be one or more ridges present in the proximal anti-rotation sections (as opposed to the pair of ridges disclosed above). The additional ridges need not have uniform cross sections or be uniformly spaced about the perimeter of the proximal anti-rotation section. Thepaddle face960 may have a different face such as convex,.concave or other compound shape or combinations thereof.
• FIGS.35A-D show an embodiment of acephalad arm700 with a fixation element having abend710, and apaddle704 as an anti-rotation element, similar to thestem600 ofFIGS. 6A, 6B, and6C. Thecephalad arm700 includes adistal end701 and aproximal end703. Theproximal end703 includes abearing element715 for engagement to other portions of the vertebral prosthesis. To accommodate a number of different facet joint prosthesis configurations, the fixation element includes abend710 connected to ashaft735 having apaddle704 attached thereto.
• Thecephalad arm700 also illustrates another aspect of the adaptable and configurable concepts of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, theshaft735 is detachably fastened to theattachment point740. Theshaft735 has a length “1” between theattachment point740 and the proximate end of thepaddle704. Theshaft735 is detachably coupled to theattachment point740 to allow forshafts735 of different lengths to be used with different configurations of thecephalad arm700 thereby providing a modular vertebral prosthesis. As such, in use, theshaft735 may be detached from theattachment point740 and replaced with ashaft735 having a different length “1” as needed until the proper alignment of the vertebral prosthesis is achieved. The highly configurable and modular components of embodiments of the spinal prosthesis of the present invention can be attached to the prosthesis using one or more attachments methods well known in the art, including threaded screws, Morse (or other types) tapers, welding, adhesives or set screws.
• While the modular concept has been described with regard to thevertebral prosthesis700, it is to be appreciated that other embodiments of thecephalad arm700 described herein may have a portion or portions that are detachably coupled in furtherance of the configurable, adaptable spinal prosthesis concepts of the present invention. For an alternative example, theshaft735 may be of fixed length and permanently attached to theattachment point740 while the detachable attachment point is positioned between theshaft735 and thepaddle704 thereby allowingpaddles704 of different lengths to be used. In yet another alternative, both the shaft and the paddle may have detachable attachment points thereby allowing various shaft lengths and configurations and paddle lengths and configurations to be used in furtherance of the modular spinal prosthesis concepts described herein. It is to be appreciated that the detachable attachment point may be positioned between any portion or portions of the embodiments of the spinal prosthesis portions described herein. Similarly, the anchoring devices may comprise pedicles screws or other similar modules which provide a solid anchor to the vertebral body, which can in turn be attached to various modules that either (1) replace the facet joint structure (allowing for motion) or (2) immobilize the facet joint structure (as an adjunct to spinal and/or facet joint fusion).
• In an alternate embodiment, one or more sections of the stem or cephalad arm prosthesis may be made of a deformable or shape-memory material (such as Nitinol or similar materials), which permits the physician to make adjustments to the prosthesis geometry to “form-fit” the implant to the patient's specific anatomy. In the case of Nitinol, the material can be heated or cooled away from the body temperature (depending upon the type of material and it's martensitic/austenitic properties), be deformed to a desired shaped, and then held in the deformed position and allowed to return to the body temperature, thereby “hardening” into the desired shape or form. Such an embodiment would facilitate a reduction in the number of sections or “modules” required for a modular prosthesis, as each module could assume a variety of desired positions.
• While the angle of the illustratedbend710 is acute, other embodiments of thecephalad arm700 can have abend710 having a right angle or an obtuse angle. Alternative embodiments of thecephalad arm700 may include two, three, or more bends710. In the illustrated embodiment, thepaddle704 has aflat surface720 and a proximal end having atransition portion730. Theflat surface720 is illustrated in the same plane in which the fixation element has thebend710. In other embodiments, thepaddle704 has aflat surface720 in another plane, and/or a nonflat contour, with one or more concave and/or convex features or have paddle shapes (theflat surface720 can be at virtually any angle relative to the angle of the elbow, including perpendicular to or parallel to the bend710). Thetransition portion730 has a width that decreases linearly in a proximal direction. Other configurations of thetransition portion730 are possible for transitioning from thepaddle704 to theshaft735 of thevertebral prosthesis portion700. The alternative shapes of the transition portion include, for example, a non-linear decreasing proximal width, asymmetric portions, curved portions or compound portions.
• FIGS. 36A and 36B show an embodiment of acephalad arm1400 with helical longitudinal depressions as anti-rotation elements and a fixation element with a bend. The illustrated embodiment of thecephalad arm1400 has adistal tip1404 and aproximal end1402. Theproximal end1402 includes asocket element1407 for further attachment to a vertebral prosthesis component. In an alternative embodiment, theelement1407 could comprise a cephalad bearing surface for slidably engaging a corresponding caudal cup as described above with regard to an embodiment of a spinal prosthesis of the present invention.Proximal shaft1415 is attached to thesocket element1407 and thebend1410. The taperedsection1430 transitions from theproximal shaft1415 to thedistal shaft1417. Theproximal shaft1415 is a different diameter than thedistal shaft1417. Other transitions are possible such as a stepped transition (e.g. section740 ofFIG. 35B) or no transition if the diameter of theshafts1415 and1417 are the same.
• Thedistal shaft1417 includes a plurality oflongitudinal depressions1423 extending from thedistal end1404 to a point beyond the taperedsection1430. The proximal end of thelongitudinal depressions1423 has abulbed section1460. Thedistal shaft1417 also includes a reduceddiameter section1440. The reduceddiameter section1440,longitudinal grooves1423 andbulbed section1460 may be used to increase the surface area of thevertebral prosthesis portion1440 that is, when implanted, within a vertebra of the spine. The increased surface area allows for more area to support the cement mantle for applications using cement or bony in-growth for applications using bone ingrowth. It is to be appreciated that thelongitudinal grooves1423 may also be varied as described elsewhere with regard to other grooves and, for example, as described with regard toFIGS. 33A-33C. In addition, alternative embodiments ofbend1410 are possible as described with regard toFIGS. 35A-35D.
• It is to be appreciated that each of thelongitudinal depressions1423 has a longitudinally varying profile, narrowing as the longitudinal depression extends proximally. In alternative embodiments, the longitudinally varying profile can widen or remain constant as the longitudinal depression extends proximally. Although in the illustrated embodiment all of the longitudinal depressions are identical, in other embodiments, the multiple longitudinal depressions can differ, for example by having different profiles, lengths, starting and/or ending points, etc. Alternative embodiments can have one longitudinal depression, two longitudinal depressions, four longitudinal depressions, five longitudinal depressions, or more longitudinal depressions.
• FIG. 36C depicts an alternate embodiment of the vertebral prosthesis ofFIG. 36A, 36B in which a pair ofcephalad prosthesis arms1400 are connected by a cross-bar1405. Thecrossbar1405 provides yet another alternative arm attachment in addition to the crossbar-cephalad arm attachment embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 31A-32D. Cross-bar1405 can be a cylindrical member fitting intoopenings1409 in each of theshafts1415 of the prosthesis arms1400 (or can be virtually any rigid or semi-rigid member secured between the two prosthesis arms), and the cross-bar1405 desirably reduces or prevents rotation of theprosthesis arms1400 relative to each other. When both of the prosthesis arms are secured into a targeted vertebral body through the pedicles (not shown), any torsional loads experienced by anindividual prosthesis arm1400 will be transferred to theshaft1415 of the opposing prosthesis arm by the cross-bar1405, which will convert the torsional load to a transverse load acting on the opposing prosthesis. Desirably, the newly loaded prosthesis arm can resist this transverse force, thereby maintaining the entire structure in a desired position. In this embodiment, the cross-bar therefore “shares” and redistributes the torsional loading experienced by an individual prosthesis arm, significantly reducing the tendency for an individual prosthesis arm to deflect and/or rotate. In an alternative embodiment thecrossbar1405 may have an adjustable portion that allows adjustment in the width between thecephalad prosthesis arms1400.
• Additional anti-pull out and anti-rotation embodiments and disclosures are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application to Tokish et al. entitled “Anti-Rotation Fixation Element for Spinal Prostheses,” U.S. Ser. No. 10/831,657, filed Apr. 22, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
• Additional trialing embodiments and disclosures are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application to Augostino et al entitled “Facet Joint Prosthesis Measurement and Implant Tools,” U.S. Ser. No. 10/831,651, filed Apr. 22, 2004, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
• In further embodiments, one or more surfaces of the embodiments of the spinal prosthesis of the invention may be covered with various coatings such as antimicrobial, antithrombotic, and osteoinductive agents, or a combination thereof (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,113, which is incorporated herein by reference). These agents may further be carried in a biodegradable carrier material with which the pores of the stem and/or cup member of certain embodiments may be impregnated (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,893, which is also incorporated herein by reference).
• While the above described embodiments have been shown and described utilizing a crossbar having two ends and pairs of cephalad and caudal prosthesis elements, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may include adaptable spinal prosthesis embodiments utilizing the inventive concepts described herein for a single cephalad element, single caudal element and a crossbar having only one end.

Claims (62)

1. A facet joint prosthesis to replace, on a vertebral body, a portion of a natural facet joint, comprising:

a support component sized to span a portion of the vertebral body and adapted to receive a pair of prosthetic facet elements; and

a pair of prosthetic facet elements positionable relative to the support component to replace a portion of a natural facet joint.

2. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the support component is sized to span a portion of a vertebral body is between a left lamina and a right lamina.

3. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the support component is sized to span a portion of a vertebral body is between the left pedicle and the right pedicle.

4. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 further comprising a kit comprising a plurality of support components having different lengths.

5. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the support component is further adapted to have an adjustable width.

6. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the support component is secured to the vertebral body.

7. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the support component is secured to an adjacent vertebral body.

8. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the pair of prosthetic facet elements are positioned relative to the support component to provide a symmetric anatomical solution.

9. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the pair of prosthetic facet elements are positioned relative to the support component to provide an asymmetric anatomical solution.

10. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the support component has an opening adapted to receive the prosthetic facet elements.

11. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the prosthetic facet elements are slideable along the width of the support component.

12. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the prosthetic facet elements may be fixed in a pre-ordained position medial of the typical a typical anatomic location.

13. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the prosthetic facet elements may be fixed in a pre-ordained position lateral of the typical a typical anatomic location.

14. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the ends of the support component are adapted to receive an opening in each of the pair of prosthetic facet elements.

15. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 14 wherein each of the pair of prosthetic facet elements is selected from a plurality of prosthetic facet elements each having an opening with a different depth.

16. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 further comprising evenly distributing the weight on the vertebral body using the support component.

17. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the pair of prosthetic facet elements are further adapted to be adjustable relative to the support component.

18. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the pair of prosthetic facet elements are caudal facet elements.

19. A facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 1 wherein the pair of prosthetic facet elements are cephalad facet elements.

20. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, comprising:

a crossbar having a first end and a second end;

a pair of cephalad prosthesis elements each having a bone engaging end and an end adapted to couple to the crossbar; and

a pair of caudal prosthesis elements each having a surface adapted to receive a crossbar end and a fixation element.

21. The adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 20 wherein the distance between the crossbar first end and second end is adjustable.

22. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according to claim Al wherein the crossbar first end and second end have a round surface to engage with the caudal prosthesis surface adapted to receive a crossbar end.

23. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 20 wherein the bone engaging end of at least one of the pair of cephalad prosthesis elements is disengagably coupled to the at least one of the pair of cephalad prosthesis elements.

24. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 23 wherein the bone engaging end is adapted to receive one of a plurality of bone engaging ends each one of said plurality of bone engaging ends having a different length.

25. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 20 wherein at least one of the pair of cephalad prosthesis elements or at least one of the pair of caudal prosthesis elements comprises an anti-rotation feature.

26. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 20 wherein further comprising a crossbar mount having a crossbar engaging portion and a cephalad prosthesis element engaging portion.

27. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 26 wherein the crossbar passes through the crossbar engaging portion.

28. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 26 wherein the crossbar is attached to the crossbar engaging portion.

29. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 26 wherein when the crossbar is connected to the crossbar engaging portion, the crossbar mount may be rotated about the crossbar.

30. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 26 wherein the crossbar may move to change an angle formed by the crossbar mount, the crossbar and a cephalad prosthesis element coupled to the crossbar mount cephalad prosthesis element engaging portion.

31. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 26 wherein the height above the crossbar of a part of a cephalad prosthesis element may be adjusted by moving the cephalad prosthesis element relative to the crossbar cephalad prosthesis portion engaging portion.

32. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 26 wherein the crossbar mount posterior height is less than the posterior height of an adjacent spinous process when the adaptable spinal facet joint is implanted in a body.

33. An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis according toclaim 20 wherein the pair of cephalad prosthesis element ends adapted to couple to the crossbar are separated from the crossbar by at least one additional element.

34. A spinal prosthesis, comprising:

a first cephalad prosthesis element and a second cephalad prosthesis element;

a first caudal prosthesis and a second caudal prosthesis; and

a crossbar element connected to the first and second cephalad prosthesis elements, the crossbar element having a first end in contact with the first caudal prosthesis and a second end in contact with the second prosthesis wherein at least one of the first cephalad prosthesis element, the second cephalad prosthesis element, the caudal prosthesis, the second caudal prosthesis, and the crossbar element having a configurable portion.

35. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 34 wherein the configurable portion is part of the first cephalad prosthesis element or the second cephalad prosthesis element.

36. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 35 wherein the configurable portion is the height or the first or the second cephalad prosthesis element relevant to the crossbar element.

37. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 35 wherein the configurable portion is the angle form between the first cephalad prosthesis element and the crossbar element for the angle form between the second cephalad prosthesis element and the crossbar element.

38. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 35 wherein the configurable portion is the angle form between an axial plane passing through the-crossbar element and either the first cephalad prosthesis element or the second cephalad prosthesis element.

39. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 38 wherein the angle form between the first cephalad prosthesis element and an axial plane passing through the crossbar element is the same as the angle form between the second cephalad prosthesis element and an axial plane passing through the crossbar element.

40. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 35 wherein the first and second cephalad prosthesis element comprised an arm, an elbow and a stem wherein the arm has a crossbar engaging end and is attached to the elbow and the stem has a distal tip and is attached to the elbow and the shape of the elbow defines an arm-stem angle.

41. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 40 wherein the shape of the elbow defines an arm-stem angle of 90°.

42. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 34 wherein the configurable portion is part of the first caudal prosthesis element or the second caudal prosthesis element.

43. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 42 wherein the configurable portion is an angle formed between the crossbar element first end and the first caudal prosthesis.

44. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 42 wherein the configurable portion is an angle formed between the crossbar element second end and the second caudal prosthesis.

45. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 42 wherein the first and the second caudal prosthesis each comprise a caudal stem having a distal end and a head; a caudal bearing surface to contact a crossbar element and a feature adapted to engage the caudal stem head.

46. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 45 wherein the caudal bearing feature is adapted to alter an angle formed between the caudal bearing surface and a plane passing through the caudal bearing when the caudal stem head is engaged with the caudal bearing feature.

47. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 45 wherein the feature adapts to engage the caudal stem head and the caudal stem head engage using friction fit.

48. A spinal prosthesis, comprising:

a pair of cephalad prosthesis members each comprising a distal end for securing to a portion of the spine and a proximal end comprising a bearing element;

a pair of caudal prosthesis members each comprising a fixation element for securing to a portion of a spine and a bearing element adapting to engage the cephalad prosthesis member bearing element; and

a crossbar connected between the cephalad prosthesis members.

49. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein the caudal prosthesis member bearing element has a surface configured for reflexion between the cephalad prosthesis member bearing element and the caudal prosthesis bearing element.

50. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein the caudal prosthesis member bearing element has a surface configured for extension between the cephalad prosthesis member bearing element and the caudal prosthesis bearing element.

51. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein the caudal prosthesis member bearing element has a surface configured for reflexion and extension between the cephalad prosthesis bearing element and the caudal prosthesis bearing element.

52. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein the caudal prosthesis member bearing element has a surface configured for lateral bending between the cephalad prosthesis member bearing element and the caudal prosthesis bearing element.

53. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein the caudal prosthesis member bearing element has a surface configured for axial rotation between the cephalad prosthesis member bearing element and the caudal prosthesis bearing element.

54. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein in the caudal prosthesis member bearing element has a surface configured for both axial rotation and lateral bending between the cephalad prosthesis member bearing element and the caudal prosthesis bearing element.

55. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein in the distal end of each of the pair of cephalad prosthesis members is secured to a first vertebrae and the fixation element of each of the pair of caudal prosthesis members is secured to a second vertebrae and the caudal prosthesis bearing element has a surface configured to accommodate reflexion between the first vertebrae and the second vertebrae.

56. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein in the distal end of each of the pair of cephalad prosthesis members is secured to a first vertebrae and the fixation element of each of the pair of caudal prosthesis members is secured to a second vertebrae and the caudal prosthesis bearing element has a surface configured to accommodate extension between the first vertebrae and the second vertebrae.

57. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein in the distal end of each of the pair of cephalad prosthesis members is secured to a first vertebrae and the fixation element of each of the pair of caudal prosthesis members is secured to a second vertebrae and the caudal prosthesis bearing element has a surface configured to accommodate reflexion and extension between the first vertebrae and the second vertebrae.

58. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein in the distal end of each of the pair of cephalad prosthesis members is secured to a first vertebrae and the fixation element of each of the pair of caudal prosthesis members is secured to a second vertebrae and the caudal prosthesis bearing element has a surface configured to accommodate lateral bending between the first vertebrae and the second vertebrae.

59. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein in the distal end of each of the pair of cephalad prosthesis members is secured to a first vertebrae and the fixation element of each of the pair of caudal prosthesis members is secured to a second vertebrae and the caudal prosthesis bearing element has a surface configured to accommodate axial rotation between the first vertebrae and the second vertebrae.

60. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein in the distal end of each of the pair of cephalad prosthesis members is secured to a first vertebrae and the fixation element of each of the pair of caudal prosthesis members is secured to a second vertebrae and the caudal prosthesis bearing element has a surface configured to accommodate both axial rotation and lateral bending between the first vertebrae and the second vertebrae.

61. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein the crossbar is connected between the cephalad prosthesis member bearing elements.

62. A spinal prosthesis according toclaim 48 wherein the crossbar is connected by attaching to a portion of the cephalad prosthesis member adjacent to the cephalad prosthesis bearing element.

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