US20170367839A1

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Publication number: US20170367839A1
Application number: US15/631,670
Authority: US
Inventors: Tov Vestgaarden; Scott Ely
Original assignee: Vgi Medical LLC
Current assignee: Vgi Medical LLC
Priority date: 2016-06-23
Filing date: 2017-06-23
Publication date: 2017-12-28
Also published as: AU2017281696A1; US20240197490A1; CA3027227A1; US11737884B2; US12409042B2; AU2017281696B2; EP3474759A1; US20200281738A1; EP3474759A4; WO2017223472A1

Abstract

A spinal facet fusion implant comprising: an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the elongated body being characterized by a superior body surface and an inferior body surface; a superior stabilizer extending outwardly from the superior body surface, the superior stabilizer being characterized by a superior stabilizer surface; and an inferior stabilizer extending outwardly from the inferior body surface, the inferior stabilizer being characterized by an inferior stabilizer surface; wherein (i) the superior body surface and the inferior body surface are tapered relative to one another, and/or (ii) the superior stabilizer surface and the inferior stabilizer surface are tapered relative to one another.

Description

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION

This patent application claims benefit of pending prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/353,809, filed Jun. 23, 2016 by VGI Medical, LLC and Tov Vestgaarden et al. for METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SPINAL FACET FUSION (Attorney's Docket No. VG-5 PROV), which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to surgical methods and apparatus in general, and more particularly to surgical methods and apparatus for fusing spinal facets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disc herniation is a condition where a spinal disc bulges from between two vertebral bodies and impinges on adjacent nerves, thereby causing pain. The current standard of care for surgically treating disc herniation in patients who have chronic pain and who have (or are likely to develop) associated spinal instability is spinal fixation. Spinal fixation procedures are intended to relieve the impingement on the nerves by removing the portion of the disc and/or bone responsible for compressing the neural structures and destabilizing the spine. The excised disc or bone is replaced with one or more intervertebral implants, or spacers, placed between the adjacent vertebral bodies.

In some cases, the spinal fixation leaves the affected spinal segment unstable. In this case, the spinal facets (i.e., the bony fins extending upwardly and downwardly from the rear of each vertebral body) can misengage with one another. The misengagement of the spinal facets can result in substantial pain to the patient. Furthermore, when left untreated, such misengagement of the spinal facets can result in the degeneration of the cartilage located between opposing facet surfaces, ultimately resulting in osteoarthritis, which can in turn lead to worsening pain for the patient.

Thus, where the patient suffers from spinal instability, it can be helpful to stabilize the facet joints as well as the vertebral bodies. The facet joints are frequently stabilized by fusing the spinal facets in position relative to one another.

In addition to providing stability, fusing the spinal facets can also be beneficial in other situations as well. By way of example but not limitation, osteoarthritis (a condition involving the degeneration, or wearing away, of the cartilage at the end of bones) frequently occurs in the facet joints. The prescribed treatment for osteoarthritis disorders depends on the location, severity and duration of the disorder. In some cases, non-operative procedures (including bed rest, medication, lifestyle modifications, exercise, physical therapy, chiropractic care and steroid injections) may be satisfactory treatment. However, in other cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. In cases where surgical intervention is prescribed, spinal facet fusion may be desirable.

A minimally-invasive, percutaneous approach for fusing spinal facets was proposed by Stein et al. (“Stein”) in 1993. The Stein approach involved using a conical plug, made from cortical bone and disposed in a hole formed intermediate the spinal facet joint, to facilitate the fusing of opposing facet surfaces. However, the clinical success of this approach was limited. This is believed to be because the Stein approach did not adequately restrict facet motion. In particular, it is believed that movement of Stein's conical plug within its hole permitted unwanted facet movement to occur, thereby undermining facet fusion. Furthermore, the Stein approach also suffered from plug failure and plug migration.

Thus there is a need for a new and improved approach for effecting spinal facet fusion.

In addition to the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the spine comprises various regions having differing characteristics. More particularly, the first seven vertebrae (C1-C7) are the so-called cervical vertebrae, the next twelve vertebrae (T1-T12) are the so-called thoracic vertebrae, and the next five vertebrae (L1-L5) are the so-called lumbar vertebrae. Beneath the lumbar vertebrae are the five fused vertebrae of the sacrum, and then the four fused vertebrae of the coccyx (or tailbone). The facet joints in the cervical vertebrae can differ somewhat from the facet joints in the thoracic vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae, e.g., the facet joints in the cervical vertebrae are typically oriented generally horizontal to the longitudinal axis of the spine, whereas the facet joints of the thoracic vertebrae and the facet joints of the lumbar vertebrae are typically oriented generally vertical to the longitudinal axis of the spine. It has been found that it can be significantly more difficult to successfully effect spinal facet fusion in the cervical vertebrae than in the thoracic vertebrae and in the lumbar vertebrae.

Thus there is a need for a new and improved approach for effecting spinal facet fusion in the cervical vertebrae.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for effecting spinal facet fusion, and is particularly advantageous for use in effecting spinal facet fusion in the cervical vertebrae. More particularly, the present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel spinal facet fusion implant (sometimes hereinafter referred to as a “novel fusion implant”) for disposition between the opposing articular surfaces of a facet joint, including the facet joint of a cervical vertebrae, whereby to immobilize the facet joint and facilitate fusion between the opposing facets. The present invention also comprises the provision and use of novel instrumentation for installing the novel spinal facet fusion implant in a facet joint.

In one preferred form of the invention, there is provided a spinal facet fusion implant comprising:

an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the elongated body being characterized by a superior body surface and an inferior body surface;

a superior stabilizer extending outwardly from the superior body surface, the superior stabilizer being characterized by a superior stabilizer surface; and

an inferior stabilizer extending outwardly from the inferior body surface, the inferior stabilizer being characterized by an inferior stabilizer surface;

wherein (i) the superior body surface and the inferior body surface are tapered relative to one another, and/or (ii) the superior stabilizer surface and the inferior stabilizer surface are tapered relative to one another.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a system for effecting spinal facet fusion, the system comprising:

a spinal facet fusion implant comprising:

- an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the elongated body being characterized by a superior body surface and an inferior body surface;
- a superior stabilizer extending outwardly from the superior body surface, the superior stabilizer being characterized by a superior stabilizer surface; and
- an inferior stabilizer extending outwardly from the inferior body surface, the inferior stabilizer being characterized by an inferior stabilizer surface;
- wherein (i) the superior body surface and the inferior body surface are tapered relative to one another, and/or (ii) the superior stabilizer surface and the inferior stabilizer surface are tapered relative to one another;

a drill guide/cannula for preparing the anatomy to receive the spinal facet fusion implant and for delivering the spinal facet fusion implant to the anatomy, the drill guide/cannula comprising:

- a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the distal end of the body being configured for engaging the gap between a descending facet of a first vertebra and an ascending facet of a second vertebra;
- a central lumen extending between the distal end of the body and the proximal end of the body, the central lumen having a cross-sectional profile which matches the cross-sectional profile of the spinal facet fusion implant such that the spinal facet fusion implant can be introduced into the proximal end of the central lumen, advanced distally along the central lumen, and advanced distally out of the distal end of the central lumen and into the gap between the descending facet of the first vertebra and the ascending facet of the second vertebra;
- a first drill guide angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the central lumen, the first drill guide being configured to receive a drill therein so as to drill a first seat in the descending facet of the first vertebra;
- a second drill guide angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the central lumen, the second drill guide being configured to receive a drill therein so as to drill a second seat in the ascending facet of the second vertebra;
- wherein the first seat in the descending facet of the first vertebra is sized and angled so as to receive the superior stabilizer of the spinal facet fusion implant when the spinal facet fusion implant is advanced into the gap between the first vertebra and the second vertebra; and
- wherein the second seat in the ascending facet of the second vertebra is sized and angled so as to receive the inferior stabilizer of the spinal facet fusion implant when the spinal facet fusion implant is advanced into the gap between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

a spinal facet fusion implant, the spinal facet fusion implant comprising a taper; and

- a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the distal end of the body being configured for engaging the gap between a descending facet of a first vertebra and an ascending facet of a second vertebra;
- a central lumen extending between the distal end of the body and the proximal end of the body, the central lumen having a cross-sectional profile which matches the cross-sectional profile of the spinal facet fusion implant such that the spinal facet fusion implant can be introduced into the proximal end of the central lumen, advanced distally along the central lumen, and advanced distally out of the distal end of the central lumen and into the gap between the descending facet of the first vertebra and the ascending facet of the second vertebra;
- a first drill guide angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the central lumen, the first drill guide being configured to receive a drill therein so as to drill a first seat in the descending facet of the first vertebra;
- a second drill guide angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the central lumen, the second drill guide being configured to receive a drill therein so as to drill a second seat in the ascending facet of the second vertebra;
- wherein the first seat in the descending facet of the first vertebra and the second seat in the ascending facet of the second vertebra are sized and angled so as to receive the spinal facet fusion implant therein when the spinal facet fusion implant is advanced into the gap between the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

In another preferred form of the invention, there is provided a method for effecting spinal facet fusion, the method comprising:

providing a spinal facet fusion implant comprising:

providing a drill guide/cannula for preparing the anatomy to receive the spinal facet fusion implant and for delivering the spinal facet fusion implant to the anatomy, the drill guide/cannula comprising:

- a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, the distal end of the body being configured for engaging the gap between a descending facet of a first vertebra and an ascending facet of a second vertebra;
- a central lumen extending between the distal end of the body and the proximal end of the body, the central lumen having a cross-sectional profile which matches the cross-sectional profile of the spinal facet fusion implant such that the spinal facet fusion implant can be introduced into the proximal end of the central lumen, advanced distally along the central lumen, and advanced distally out of the distal end of the central lumen and into the gap between the descending facet of the first vertebra and the ascending facet of the second vertebra;
- a first drill guide angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the central lumen, the first drill guide being configured to receive a drill therein;
- a second drill guide angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the central lumen, the second drill guide being configured to receive a drill therein;

advancing a drill into the first drill guide so as to form a first seat in the descending facet of the first vertebra;

advancing a drill into the second drill guide so as to form a second seat in the ascending facet of the second vertebra;

advancing the spinal facet fusion implant into the gap between the first vertebra and the second vertebra so that (i) the superior stabilizer is disposed in the first seat of the descending facet of the first vertebra, and (ii) the inferior stabilizer is disposed in the second seat of the ascending facet of the second vertebra.

providing a spinal facet fusion implant, the spinal facet fusion implant comprising a taper;

forming a first seat in the descending facet of a first vertebra, and forming a second seat in the ascending facet of a second vertebra, wherein at least one of the first seat and the second seat comprises a taper; and

advancing the spinal facet fusion implant into the gap between the first vertebra and the second vertebra so that the spinal facet fusion implant is disposed in the first seat of the descending facet and the second seat of the ascending facet of the second vertebra.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed or rendered obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts, and further wherein:

FIGS. 1-3 are schematic views showing the seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7);

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a facet joint between the C3 cervical vertebra and the C4 cervical vertebra;

FIGS. 5-10 are schematic views showing a novel fusion implant formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are schematic views showing a joint locator which may be used to deploy the novel fusion implant ofFIGS. 5-10;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic views showing a joint decorticator which may be used to decorticate bone to promote fusion;

FIGS. 15-17 are schematic views showing a drill guide/cannula which may be used to prepare bone to receive the novel fusion implant ofFIGS. 5-10 and which may be used to deploy the novel fusion implant ofFIGS. 5-10;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic views showing a tamp which may be used to deploy the novel fusion implant ofFIGS. 5-10;

FIGS. 20, 21, 21A, 22, 23, 23A, 24-26, 26A, 27-32, 32A, 33-36 are schematic views showing the novel fusion implant ofFIGS. 5-10 being installed in a facet joint;

FIG. 36A is a schematic view showing two novel fusion implants ofFIGS. 5-10 installed in a pair of facet joints;

FIG. 37 is a schematic view showing how the novel fusion implant ofFIGS. 5-10 interacts with the opposing facets of two adjacent cervical vertebrae so as to immobilize the facet joint and facilitate fusion between the opposing facets; and

FIGS. 38-42 are schematic views showing additional novel fusion implants formed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSThe Cervical Vertebrae in General

Looking first atFIGS. 1-3, there is shown the seven cervical vertebrae (C1-C7) which are located at the top of the spine.FIGS. 1 and 2 show the seven cervical vertebrae being oriented vertically (e.g., such as when the patient is sitting or standing), andFIG. 3 shows the seven cervical vertebrae being oriented horizontally (e.g., such as when the patient is lying down).FIG. 4 shows an exemplary facet joint5 located between a descendingfacet10 of a C3cervical vertebra15 and an ascendingfacet20 of a C4cervical vertebra25. In facet joint5, face30 of descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebra15 engagesface35 of ascendingfacet20 of C4cervical vertebra25.

The Novel Fusion Implant

Looking next atFIGS. 5-10, there is shown a novel spinalfacet fusion implant105 formed in accordance with the present invention.Fusion implant105 generally comprises abody110, asuperior stabilizer115 and aninferior stabilizer120. As used herein, the term “superior stabilizer” is intended to identify the stabilizer which engages the descending facet of a facet joint (e.g., descendingfacet10 of C3 cervical vertebra15), and the term “inferior stabilizer” is intended to identify the stabilizer which engages the ascending facet of a facet joint (e.g., ascendingfacet20 of a C4 cervical vertebra25).

Body

110 comprises an elongated element having structural integrity. More particularly,body110 generally comprises adistal end surface125, aproximal end surface130, asuperior surface135 extending distally fromproximal end surface130, and aninferior surface140 extending distally fromproximal end surface130.Superior surface135 andinferior surface140 diverge as they extend distally fromproximal end surface130, i.e., so that the “height” of the distal end ofbody110 is greater than the “height” of the proximal end ofbody110. A superiorbeveled surface145 connects the distal end ofsuperior surface135 withdistal end surface125, and an inferiorbeveled surface150 connects the distal end ofinferior surface140 withdistal end surface125.Body110 further comprises amedial side surface155 and alateral side surface160, each of which is bounded by the aforementioneddistal end surface125,proximal end surface130,superior surface135,inferior surface140, superiorbeveled surface145, and inferiorbeveled surface150.

In one preferred form of the invention, the “height” ofproximal end surface130 is sized to be approximately the width of the gap between the two facets of a facet joint.

Superior stabilizer

115 generally comprises adistal end surface165, aproximal end surface170, a roundedsuperior surface175 extending distally fromproximal end surface170, and a superiorbeveled surface180 which connectsdistal end surface165 with generally roundedsuperior surface175.Superior stabilizer115 further comprises amedial side surface185 and alateral side surface190, each of which is bounded by the aforementioneddistal end surface165,proximal end surface170, roundedsuperior surface175 and superiorbeveled surface180.

Inferior stabilizer

120 generally comprises adistal end surface195, aproximal end surface200, a roundedinferior surface205 extending distally fromproximal end surface200, and an inferiorbeveled surface210 which connectsdistal end surface195 with generally roundedinferior surface205.Inferior stabilizer120 further comprises amedial side surface215 and alateral side surface220, each of which is bounded by the aforementioneddistal end surface195,proximal end surface200, roundedinferior surface205 and inferiorbeveled surface210.

In one preferred form of the invention, and as seen inFIGS. 5-10, proximal end surfaces130,170 and200 are substantially co-planar.

In one preferred form of the invention, the tangent line225 (FIG. 6) of roundedsuperior surface175 ofsuperior stabilizer115 extends at an angle α (e.g., of approximately 10 degrees) relative to thelongitudinal axis230 ofbody110, and thetangent line235 of roundedinferior surface205 ofinferior stabilizer120 extends at an angle β (of approximately 15 degrees) relative to thelongitudinal axis230 ofbody110.

In one preferred form of the invention,distal end surface165 ofsuperior stabilizer115 is disposed distal todistal end surface195 ofinferior stabilizer120.

Thus it will be seen that, in one preferred form of the invention,superior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 have different configurations.

As will hereinafter be discussed in further detail,body110 ofnovel fusion implant105 is intended to be disposed the space between the descending facet of a facet joint and the opposing ascending facet of a facet joint (e.g., in the space betweenface30 of descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebra15 and face35 of ascendingfacet20 of C4 cervical vertebra25);superior stabilizer115 is intended to be disposed in a seat formed in the descending facet of the facet joint (e.g., a seat formed in descendingfacet10 of C3 cervical vertebra15); andinferior stabilizer120 is intended to be disposed in a seat formed in the ascending facet of the facet joint (e.g., a seat formed in ascendingfacet20 of C4 cervical vertebra25), whereby to immobilize the facet joint and facilitate fusing of the facet joint. In this respect it should be appreciated that, and as will hereinafter be discussed,fusion implant105 preferably makes a “friction fit” with the two facets of the facet joint, andsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 are seated in descendingfacet10 and ascendingfacet20, respectively, so as to lock the facets against movement relative to one another. Significantly, the tapered configuration ofnovel fusion implant105, when seated in an appropriately-configured pocket formed in the descendingfacet10 and ascendingfacet20 of a facet joint, locks the fusion implant against anterior or posterior movement. The tapered configuration ofnovel fusion implant105 also helps create/restore lordosis.

It should be appreciated thatnovel fusion implant105 is particularly well suited for use in fusing a cervical facet joint.

And as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail,novel fusion implant105 is intended to be inserted into a facet joint using a posterior approach. Such a posterior approach is familiar to spine surgeons (thereby providing an increased level of comfort for the surgeon), and also minimizes the possibility of damage to the spinal cord during fusion implant insertion.

Preferred Instrumentation for Installing the Novel Fusion Implant

A preferred method for installingnovel fusion implant105 will hereinafter be described. The preferred method for installingnovel fusion implant105 preferably utilizes a joint locator305 (FIGS. 11 and 12), a joint decorticator405 (FIGS. 13 and 14), a drill guide/cannula505 (FIGS. 15-17), and a tamp605 (FIGS. 18 and 19).

More particularly, joint locator305 (FIGS. 11 and 12) generally comprises ashaft310 having adistal end315 and aproximal end320. Afinger325 extends distally fromdistal end315 ofshaft310.

Joint decorticator405 (FIGS. 13 and 14) generally comprises a hollowtubular structure410 having adistal end415 and aproximal end420. A cuttingelement425 is disposed atdistal end415 of hollowtubular structure410, and ahandle430 is disposed atproximal end420 of hollowtubular structure410.

Drill guide/cannula505 (FIGS. 15-17) generally comprises abody510 having adistal end515 and aproximal end520. Acentral lumen525 extends fromdistal end515 toproximal end520.Central lumen525 has a cross-sectional profile generally matching a longitudinal projection of the maximum profile ofnovel fusion implant105, such thatfusion implant105 can be advanced along the length ofcentral lumen525 in a controlled sliding motion. More particularly, the cross-sectional profile ofcentral lumen525 comprises a generallyrectangular portion530 for accommodatingbody110 offusion implant105, a first generallyhemispherical portion535 for accommodatingsuperior stabilizer115 offusion implant105, and a second generallyhemispherical portion540 for accommodatinginferior stabilizer120 offusion implant105.

Drill guide/cannula505 also comprises a firstdrill guide lumen545. Firstdrill guide lumen545 is oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis ofcentral lumen525. Note that the angle at which firstdrill guide lumen545 is oriented relative to the longitudinal axis ofcentral lumen525 is the same angle β at whichtangent line235 ofinferior stabilizer120 extends tolongitudinal axis230 ofbody110 offusion implant105, such that firstdrill guide lumen545 can be used to prepare a seat in the ascending facet of a facet joint (e.g., ascendingfacet20 of C4 cervical vertebra25), as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

Drill guide/cannula505 also comprises a seconddrill guide lumen550. Seconddrill guide lumen550 is oriented at an angle to the longitudinal axis ofcentral lumen525. Note that the angle at which seconddrill guide lumen550 is oriented relative to the longitudinal axis ofcentral lumen525 is the same angle α at whichtangent line225 ofsuperior stabilizer115 extends tolongitudinal axis230 ofbody110 offusion implant105, such that seconddrill guide lumen550 can be used to prepare a seat in the descending facet of a facet joint (e.g., descendingfacet10 of C3 cervical vertebra15), as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

Drill guide/cannula505 also comprises a pair offingers555 extending distally from itsdistal end515. Note thatfingers555 are aligned in a first plane560 (FIG. 15) which extends perpendicular to a second plane565 (FIG. 17) which passes through firstdrill guide lumen545 and seconddrill guide lumen550 so that, whenfingers555 are inserted into the gap in the facet joint (see below), firstdrill guide lumen545 and seconddrill guide lumen550 may be used to prepare seats in the descending facet of a facet joint, and the ascending facet of a facet joint, respectively (as will hereinafter be discussed). Note also that the aforementionedsecond plane565 bisects first generallyhemispherical portion535 ofcentral lumen525 and second generallyhemispherical portion540 ofcentral lumen525 so that, whenfingers555 are inserted into the gap in the facet joint (see below), first generallyhemispherical portion535 and second generallyhemispherical portion540 may be used to orientfusion implant105 relative to the seats previously prepared in the descending facet of a facet joint, and the ascending facet of a facet joint, respectively (as will hereinafter be discussed).

Tamp605 (FIGS. 18 and 19) comprises ashaft610 having adistal end615 and aproximal end620.Shaft610 preferably has a rectangular cross-section similar to generallyrectangular portion530 ofcentral lumen525 of drill guide/cannula505. Afinger625 extends distally fromdistal end615 ofshaft610. Animpactor extension630 is mountable toproximal end620 ofshaft610, such that hammering on the proximal end ofimpactor extension630 will transmit distally-directed force toshaft610. Asuperior projection635 is disposed onshaft610 just proximal tofinger625.Superior projection635 has a hemispherical cross-section similar to first generallyhemispherical portion535 ofcentral lumen525 of drill guide/cannula505. As a result of this construction, tamp605 can make a close sliding fit withincentral lumen525 of drill guide/cannula505, whereby to enable tamp605 to advancefusion implant105 along the length ofcentral lumen525, as will hereinafter be discussed. In addition, whenimpactor extension630 is mounted toproximal end620 ofshaft610, hammering on the proximal end ofimpactor extension630 will transmit distally-directed force toshaft610 of tamp605, whereby to transmit distally-directed force tofusion implant105, as will hereinafter be discussed.

Preferred Method for Installing the Novel Fusion Implant

First, the facet joint is visualized by the surgeon, either indirectly by imaging the patient (e.g., by fluoroscopy) or directly by visualization during an open procedure.

Next, and looking now atFIGS. 20, 21 and 21A,joint locator305 is inserted into the gap between the opposing facet surfaces (e.g., betweenface30 of descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebrae15 and face35 of ascendingfacet20 of C4 cervical vertebrae25). More particularly,finger325 ofjoint locator305 is advanced into the gap between the opposing facet surfaces and then the position ofjoint locator305 is verified, e.g., by viewing along the coronal and sagittal planes of the patient. After verification is complete, the proximal end ofjoint locator305 is lightly tapped so as to advancefinger325 ofjoint locator305 further into the facet joint, untildistal end315 ofshaft310 engages the outer surfaces of the facets. At this point,joint locator305 is essentially fixed to the facet joint and provides a “track” to the facet joint.

Next, and looking now atFIGS. 22, 23 and 23A,joint decorticator405 is slid overjoint locator305 so that the joint decorticator is aligned with the gap between the opposing facet surfaces (e.g., betweenface30 of descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebrae15 and face35 of ascendingfacet20 of C4 cervical vertebrae25). Thenjoint decorticator405 is used to decorticate the ends of the opposing facets. After decortication is completed,joint decorticator405 is removed fromjoint locator305.

Then, and looking now atFIG. 24, drill guide/cannula505 is advanced over joint locator305 (i.e., by fitting the distal end ofcentral lumen525 of drill guide/cannula505 overproximal end320 ofjoint locator305, and then advancing the drill guide/cannula distally along joint locator305). Drill guide/cannula505 is advanced distally alongjoint locator305 untilfingers555 of drill guide/cannula505 enter the gap between the opposing facets. Thenfingers555 of drill guide/cannula505 are driven into the gap between the opposing facets, whereby to secure drill guide/cannula505 to the facet joint.

Next, and looking now atFIGS. 25, 26 and 26A,joint locator305 is removed, e.g., by pulling the joint locator proximally out ofcentral lumen525 of the facet joint and out of drill guide/cannula505.

At this point, and looking now atFIGS. 27 and 28, adrill705 is inserted into firstdrill guide lumen545 of drill guide/cannula505 and advanced into the ascending facet of the facet joint (e.g., ascendingfacet20 of C4 cervical vertebrae25) so as to create arecess710 in the ascending facet of the facet joint. Recess710 will subsequently receiveinferior stabilizer120 offusion implant105, as will hereinafter be discussed. Then drill705 is removed from firstdrill guide lumen545.

Next, and looking now atFIGS. 29 and 30, a drill715 (which may or may not be the same as the aforementioned drill705) is inserted into seconddrill guide lumen550 of drill guide/cannula505 and advanced into the descending facet of the facet joint (e.g., descendingfacet10 of C3 cervical vertebrae15) so as to create arecess720 in the descending facet of the facet joint. Recess720 will subsequently receivesuperior stabilizer115 offusion implant105, as will hereinafter be discussed. Then drill715 is removed from seconddrill guide lumen550.

At this point, and looking now atFIG. 31, apocket725 will have been created in the facet joint, i.e., by formingrecess710 in the ascending facet of the facet joint and formingrecess720 in the descending facet of the facet joint. Note thatpocket725 is generally characterized by a superioranterior stop surface730, an inferioranterior stop surface735, a superiorposterior stop surface740 and an inferiorposterior stop surface745.

Next, and looking now atFIGS. 32-36,fusion implant105 is installed into the facet joint using drill guide/cannula505 and tamp605.

More particularly,fusion implant105 is inserted into the proximal end ofcentral lumen525 of drill guide/cannula505 (FIGS. 31 and 32) so thatbody110 offusion implant105 is received in generallyrectangular portion530 ofcentral lumen525,superior stabilizer115 offusion implant105 is received in first generallyhemispherical portion535 ofcentral lumen525, andinferior stabilizer120 is received in second generallyhemispherical portion540 ofcentral lumen525.

Then tamp605 is used to advancefusion implant105 alongcentral lumen525 of drill guide/cannula505, and then tamp605 andimpactor extension630 are used to hammerfusion implant105 into theaforementioned pocket725 formed in the facet joint (FIGS. 33-36), withbody110 offusion implant105 spanning the gap between the descending facet of the facet joint and the ascending facet of the facet joint, and withsuperior stabilizer115 offusion implant105 being received inrecess720 in the descending facet of the facet joint, and withinferior stabilizer120 offusion implant105 being received inrecess710 in the ascending facet of the facet joint, whereby to immobilize the facet joint and facilitate fusing of the facet joint. Afterfusion implant105 is installed inpocket725 in the facet joint, tamp605 and drill guide/cannula505 are removed from the surgical site, thereby completing the installation offusion implant105 into the facet joint.

FIG. 32A shows twofusion implants105 disposed in two facet joints in a spine.

Significantly, and looking now atFIG. 37, inasmuch asfusion implant105 is configured to be “taller” at its distal end than at its proximal end, and inasmuch asfusion implant105 is configured to have a “height” at its proximal end which is approximately the same as the “height” of the gap between the two facets of the facet joint, the two facets are distracted somewhat during insertion of the fusion implant into theaforementioned pocket725. Asfusion implant105 settles intopocket725, the facets are able to return toward their undistracted condition and compress back against the fusion implant, essentially creating something of a “friction fit” betweenfusion implant105 and the two facets of facet joint5. By formingfusion implant105 with angled surfaces, and by forming theaforementioned pocket725 in the facets with angled surfaces, the fusion implant is prevented from moving anteriorly or posteriorly once the facets have compressed back into their normal disposition. More particularly, movement offusion implant105 in the anterior direction is prevented by engagement ofsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 with superioranterior stop surface730 ofpocket725 and inferioranterior stop surface735 ofpocket725, respectively. Movement offusion implant105 in the posterior direction is prevented by engagement ofsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 with superiorposterior stop surface740 ofpocket725 and inferiorposterior stop surface745 ofpocket725, respectively. Thus it will be appreciated that, in order forsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 to pass by superiorposterior stop surface740 and inferiorposterior stop surface745, respectively, the facet joint would have to over-distract, which is inhibited by the surrounding soft tissue structure.

By way of example but not limitation, wherefusion implant105 is to be seated between the C3 cervical vertebra and the C4 cervical vertebra (FIG. 37), asfusion implant105 is advanced into the gap betweenface30 of descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebra15 and face35 of ascendingfacet20 of C4cervical vertebra25, superiorbeveled surface145 offusion implant105 and inferiorbeveled surface150 offusion implant105 will engage descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebra15 and ascendingfacet20 of C4cervical vertebra25, respectively, and cam the two facets apart. Further insertion offusion implant105 into the facet joint causes superiorbeveled surface180 ofsuperior stabilizer115 and inferiorbeveled surface210 ofinferior stabilizer120 to engage descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebra15 and ascendingfacet20 of C4cervical vertebra25, respectively, and cam the two facets further apart. Asfusion implant105 settles intopocket725, face30 of descendingfacet10 of C3cervical vertebra15 settles againstsuperior surface135 ofbody110, face35 of ascendingfacet20 of C4cervical vertebra25 settles againstinferior surface140 ofbody110, superioranterior stop surface730 ofpocket725 settles againstdistal end surface165 ofsuperior stabilizer115, inferioranterior stop surface735 ofpocket725 settles againstdistal end surface195 ofinferior stabilizer120, superiorposterior stop surface740 ofpocket725 settles against roundedsuperior surface175 ofsuperior stabilizer115 and inferiorposterior stop surface745 ofpocket725 settles against roundedinferior surface205 ofinferior stabilizer120, whereby to lockfusion implant105 against anterior or posterior movement.

Additionally, the wedge-like construction offusion implant105 creates/restores lordosis.

In the preferred form of the invention, descendingfacet10 contacts, and is supported by, superiorbeveled surface145,superior surface135,distal end surface165, superiorbeveled surface180 and roundedsuperior surface175 offusion implant105; and ascendingfacet20 contacts, and is supported by, inferiorbeveled surface150,inferior surface140,distal end surface195, inferiorbeveled surface210 and roundedinferior surface205 offusion implant105.

However, if desired, in another form of the invention, descendingfacet10 contacts, and is supported by, less than all of the aforementioned superiorbeveled surface145,superior surface135,distal end surface165, superiorbeveled surface180 and roundedsuperior surface175 offusion implant105; and ascendingfacet20 contacts, and is supported by, less than all of the aforementioned inferiorbeveled surface150,inferior surface140,distal end surface195, inferiorbeveled surface210 and roundedinferior surface205 offusion implant105. By way of example but not limitation, in another form of the invention, descendingfacet10 contacts, and is supported by, onlysuperior surface135 offusion implant105 and ascendingfacet20 contacts, and is supported by, onlyinferior surface140 offusion implant105. By way of further example but not limitation, in another form of the invention, descendingfacet10 contacts, and is supported by, only roundedsuperior surface175 offusion implant105 and ascendingfacet20 contacts, and is supported by, only roundedinferior surface205 offusion implant105.

Alternative Constructions

If desired,fusion implant105 may comprise visual markers to facilitate proper orientation of the fusion implant whenfusion implant105 is inserted into the proximal end ofcentral lumen525 of drill guide/cannula505. By way of example but not limitation, and looking now atFIG. 38,fusion implant105 may comprise ablack dot750 on one or both of inferior stabilizer120 (e.g., to identify the inferior side of fusion implant105) and/ordistal end surface125 of body110 (e.g., to identify the distal end of fusion implant105).

The configuration offusion implant105 may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

By way of example but not limitation, it should be appreciated that the new fusion implant may be manufactured in a wide range of different sizes in order to accommodate any size of facet joint.

Furthermore, the scale and aspect ratio ofbody110,superior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 may all be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

See, for example,FIG. 39, which shows afusion implant105 wherein the configurations ofsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 differ from the configurations ofsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 in thefusion implant105 shown inFIGS. 5-10.

By way of further example but not limitation,fusion implant105 may be formed so thatsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 have identical configurations.

See, for example,FIG. 40, wheresuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 have identical configurations (and where those configurations vary from the configurations ofsuperior stabilizer115 andinferior stabilizer120 in thefusion implant105 shown inFIGS. 5-10).

And see, for example,FIG. 42, wheresuperior surface135 andinferior surface140 ofbody110 extend substantially parallel to one another.

It will, of course, be appreciated that the configuration of drill guide/cannula505 may change as the configuration offusion implant105 changes in order to (i) enable drill guide/cannula505 to create anappropriate pocket725 in the facet joint, and (ii) enable drill guide/cannula505 to provide an appropriate channel for advancingfusion implant105 intopocket725 in the facet joint.

Additionally, the new fusion implant may be constructed out of any substantially biocompatible material which has properties consistent with the present invention including, but not limited to, allograft, autograft, synthetic bone, simulated bone material, biocomposites, ceramics, PEEK, stainless steel and titanium. Thus, the present invention permits the surgeon to select a fusion implant having the appropriate size and composition for a given facet fusion.

Advantages of the Invention

Numerous advantages are achieved by the present invention. Among other things, the present invention provides a fast, simple, minimally-invasive, easily reproduced and highly effective approach for effecting facet fusion, particularly with cervical facet joints. The fusion implant is able to withstand greater forces, prohibit motion in all directions and drastically reduce the risk of implant failure. The fusion implant also eliminates the possibility of slippage during spinal motion, greatly improves facet stability and promotes better facet fusion.

Applications to Joints Other than Facet Joints

Whilefusion implant105 has been discussed above in the context of fusing a facet joint, it should also be appreciated thatfusion implant105 may be used to stabilize and fuse any joint having anatomy similar to the facet joint, i.e., a pair of opposing bony surfaces defining a gap therebetween, with the stabilizer of the fusion implant being sized to be positioned within the gap. By way of example but not limitation, the fusion implant may be used in small joints such as the fingers, toes, etc.

Modifications of the Preferred Embodiments

It should be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangements of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the present invention, may be made by those skilled in the art while still remaining within the principles and scope of the invention.