Patent ID: 8439949
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for augmenting a facet joint, the method comprising the steps of: (a) exposing the posterior aspects of a spinal motion segment in a first incision; (b) preparing an access path through a separate postero-lateral percutaneous incision using a drilling instrument that traverses through at least a portion of the lamina and an inferior facet articulation surface, and terminates within the facet joint gap; (c) inserting an injection instrument through the access path; (d) injecting augmentation filler into the facet joint gap in a liquid state; (e) removing the injection instrument; and (f) inserting a sealing material through the access path such that the terminal end of the sealing material is positioned generally coplanar with the inferior facet articulation surface.