Patent ID: 8926665
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An implant configured for receipt between opposing spinal facets, the implant comprising: a substantially rigid spherical segment having a diameter Ds and an outer surface; a tail segment comprising a cylindrical shape and an outer surface, the cylindrical shape joined at a first end and integral to the spherical segment and having a removed end, the tail segment having a longitudinal axis, a diameter Dt, and a length L a nose segment comprising a cylindrical shaped portion, a cap at a removed end of the cylindrical shaped portion, and an outer surface, the nose segment adapted to guide the spherical segment and the tail segment between inner faces of opposing spinal facets during insertion of the implant, the nose segment integral with the spherical segment at a near end, the nose segment having a length Ln, a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the tail segment, and a diameter Dn; wherein the implant is composed essentially of bone and the outer surfaces of the spherical segment, the tail segment, and the nose form an external surface for the implant, substantially the entire external surface being smooth.