Patent ID: 9204905
Filing Date: 2015-12-08
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for replacing at least a portion of a natural facet joint that controls motion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra, the method comprising: implanting a first fixation member in a first vertebra; securing an inferior implant to the first fixation member, wherein the inferior implant comprises an inferior articular surface and an inferior strut, and an attachment mechanism for providing polyaxial adjustability between the inferior articular surface and the inferior strut; implanting a second fixation member in the second vertebra; and securing a superior implant to the second fixation member, wherein the superior implant comprises a superior articular surface, a fixation ring, and a split sphere, wherein the superior articular surface and the fixation ring are formed monolithically; wherein the fixation ring is configured to be polyaxially adjusted around the split sphere, and wherein the inferior articular surface is configured to articulate relative to the superior articular surface, further comprising locking the attachment mechanism via a locking mechanism to secure a desired orientation between the inferior articular surface and the inferior strut, and wherein the locking mechanism comprises a threaded conical expander.