Minimally invasive posterior cervical facet arthrodesis shim implant and tools therefor
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Publication Number
US-12150862-B2
Publication Date
2024-11-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
The shim-type implant for distraction and fusion of cervical facet joints is provided. The implant has a generally box-like shape with a blunt leading edge that may be centered or offset to the inferior face. The implant may include a graft window for enhanced osseous through-growth after implantation. The implant is coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and/or tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) to allow for osteo-conduction, is porous, and has a roughened surface with serrations on the superior and inferior faces. The implant may be fabricated from a titanium or tantalum alloy. In an embodiment, a set of tools is provided with a chisel and one or tongs and one or more decorticators for inserting the implant.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a shim implant for fusion of a cervical facet joint, the implant having a generally rounded or box-shaped body with a distal face, a proximal face, superior and inferior surfaces in a generally parallel orientation, and two side faces in a generally parallel orientation. A transverse axis is defined as a line perpendicular to the side faces, and the distal face has a rounded profile defined by an arc having a radius on the transverse axis. The proximal face includes one or more insertion device engagement features.
The superior and inferior surfaces each comprise serrations with a plurality of grooves on a transverse axis that generally span the entire length of a transverse axis. The implant is fabricated from titanium metal or alloy or tantalum metal or alloy and has a roughened surface. All surfaces of the implant are coated with hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate or both, and the implant is porous to allow for bone in-growth.
The hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate coating has a thickness of approximately 35 μm. In the described embodiments and dependencies, the implant may further include a graft window structure comprising a perforation spanning the distance between the superior and inferior surfaces. The proximal insertion device engagement features may include aligned holes and may include a central hole with female screw threads for engaging a male threaded tool.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers four inventive features: a cervical facet joint fusion shim implant geometry and insertion engagement, serrated superior and inferior faces with transverse grooves, a porous roughened titanium or tantalum implant with hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate coating, and a coating thickness of approximately 35 μm.
Cervical facet joint fusion shim implant geometry and insertion engagement
A shim implant for fusion of a cervical facet joint with a generally rounded or box-shaped body having a distal face, a proximal face, superior and inferior surfaces, and two side faces in generally parallel orientation, with a transverse axis defined as a line perpendicular to the side faces; the distal face has a rounded profile defined by an arc having a radius on the transverse axis, and the proximal face has one or more insertion device engagement features.
Serrations with transverse grooves spanning entire length
The superior and inferior surfaces each comprise serrations with a plurality of grooves on a transverse axis generally spanning the entire length of a transverse axis.
Porous roughened titanium or tantalum implant with hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate coating
The implant is fabricated from titanium metal or alloy or tantalum metal or alloy, has a roughened surface, and all surfaces of the implant are coated with hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate or both, wherein the implant is porous to allow for bone in-growth.
Hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate coating thickness
The hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate coating has a thickness of approximately 35 μm.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a cervical facet joint fusion shim implant with a specific rounded or box-shaped geometry and insertion-device engagement features, serrated superior and inferior surfaces, a porous roughened titanium or tantalum structure with hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate coating, and an approximately 35 μm coating thickness.
Stated Advantages
To allow for bone in-growth via porous implant structure and hydroxyapatite or tri-calcium phosphate coated roughened surfaces.
Documented Applications
Fusion of a cervical facet joint.
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