Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8696708B2/en
Timestamp: 2019-04-22 05:29:35+00:00

Document:
A facet interference screw (10) for insertion between the facet joints of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae includes an externally threaded shaft portion and a head. The facet interference screw is preferably split into first (20) and second (30) components, each including an outer, semicircular externally threaded surface (22, 32) so that when coupled together the semicircular externally threaded surfaces form the externally threaded shaft portion. The inner surfaces (24, 34) of the first and second components may include curved contacting surfaces so that when inserted, the first component is movable with respect to the second component. Alternatively, the screw may include a damping component (60 a′) between the inner surfaces of the first and second components to facilitate damping of the first and second components with respect to one another. The damping component preferably also facilitates articulated motion of the first and second components.
This application is the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/US2009/036175, filed Mar. 5, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/034,295, filed Mar. 6, 2008, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the facet interference screw and designated parts thereof. The words, “anterior”, “posterior”, “superior”, “inferior”, “lateral”, “sagittal”, “axial”, “coronal” and related words and/or phrases designate preferred positions and orientations in the human body to which reference is made and are not meant to be limiting. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to (i) first, second and third preferred embodiments of a facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ for insertion between facet joints FJ of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae V and (ii) an exemplary surgical method for inserting the preferred facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ between the facet joints FJ of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae V in a patient's spine. It should be appreciated that while the preferred facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the present application will be described as and may generally be used in the spine (for example, in the lumbar, thoracic or cervical regions), one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the preferred facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″, as well as the components thereof, may be used in other parts of the body including, for example, the knee, hip, shoulder, finger, joints, long bones or bones in the hand, face, feet, including, for example, metacarpal, trapecoidal, and scaphoidal joints of the hand and metatarsal-phalanges joints in the feet, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, two exemplary vertebrae V in the lumbar region of a patient's spine are shown. The vertebrae V each include a pair of superior articular facets FS and a pair of inferior articular facets Fi on either side of the spinous process SP. The inferior facet Fi on the superior vertebra V and the superior facet FS on the inferior vertebra V are movably interconnected via a joint capsule or facet joint space FJ1, FJ2 that guide and limit motion of the motion segment. The vertebrae V shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B include a first facet joint FJ1 positioned to a left-side of the spinous process SP and a second facet joint FJ2 positioned to a right-side of the spinous process SP. The first and second facet joints FJ1, FJ2 include first and second facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2, respectively, that are generally oriented in the sagittal plane SP in a majority of the lumbar spine.
The facet joints FJ1, FJ2 guide and facilitate movement between the superior and inferior vertebrae V. As a result of natural or traumatic degeneration of the spine S, the facet joints FJ1, FJ2 may be affected. For example, an inflammatory reaction may occur when the cartilaginous surfaces of the facet joints FJ1, FJ2 are degraded, which may lead to direct contact between the inferior facet Fi formed on the superior vertebra V and the superior facet FS formed on the inferior vertebra V, resulting in pain in the facet joints FJ1, FJ2.
Augmentation of the facet joints FJ1, FJ2 to alleviate pressure on the painful area may be achieved via the insertion of an implant, preferably a preferred facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″, between the inferior facet Fi formed on the superior vertebra V and the superior facet FS formed on the inferior vertebra V. The preferred facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ allows for the treatment of the facet joints FJ1, FJ2, permitting preservation of mobility and/or stabilization while enabling the pedicles to remain intact if additional internal fixation is required at any time. Augmentation of the facet joints FJ1, FJ2 may be achieved via the insertion of two preferred facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″, one for each of the facet joints FJ1, FJ2. In addition, the preferred facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ may be inserted with or without insertion of a spacer within the intervertebral disk space DS between the adjacent vertebrae V.
The facet interference screw or bone screw 10 of the first preferred embodiment is split longitudinally along a longitudinal axis 13 of the facet interference screw 10, such that the facet interference screw 10 includes a first component 20 and a second component 30. Each of the first and second components 20, 30 includes an outer, preferably semicircular externally threaded surface 22, 32 and an inner surface 24, 34, so that when coupled together the semicircular externally threaded surfaces 22, 32 form the externally threaded shaft portion 16. Thus, in use, the facet interference screw 10 is preferably inserted between the inferior facet Fi formed on the superior vertebra V and the superior facet FS formed on the inferior vertebra V via rotation by, for example, a screw driver 225, as will be described in greater detail below. The inner surfaces 24, 34 of the first preferred embodiment preferably extend, generally continuously, from the head portion 14 to a tip 16 a of the shaft portion 16 and define an articulation plane RP generally along which the first and second components 20, 30 may move relative to each other in a mounted position, as will be described in greater detail below. The inner surfaces 24, 34 are preferably in contact along a substantial portion thereof in an assembled configuration and in the mounted configuration to guide and movement of the first component 20 relative to the second component 30.
Referring to FIG. 2C, the facet interference screw 10 of the first preferred embodiment may also include a temporary spacer 40 located between the inner surfaces 24, 34 of the first and second components 20, 30, at least in an insertion configuration. Preferably, the temporary spacer 40 includes a cannulated opening 42 for receipt of a guide wire 200 (FIG. 8), as will be described in greater detail below. In use, the temporary spacer 40 is inserted between the inner surfaces 24, 34 of the first and second components 20, 30 in the insertion configuration. The facet interference screw 10 with the temporary spacer 40 mounted therein is inserted between the inferior facet Fi formed on the superior vertebra V and the superior facet FS formed on the inferior vertebra V via rotation of the facet interference screw 10. Once positioned in the mounted position, the spacer 40 is preferably removed and the inner surfaces 24, 34 move into facing engagement or contact to facilitate motion therebetween. The guide wire 200 may include a larger diameter portion 202 at a distal end that engages and removes the temporary spacer 40 upon removal of the guide wire 200 from the facet joint FJ1, FJ2. In this manner, the spacer 40 facilitates insertion of the facet interference screw 10 of the first preferred embodiment between the inferior facet Fi and the superior facet FS with the assistance of the guide wire 200. In use, the spacer 40 prevents surface contact between the inner surfaces 24, 34 of the first and second components 20, 30. In the mounted position, removal of the spacer 40 preferably enables the curved inner surfaces 24, 34 to articulate along the curved or arcuate path. In addition, the facet interference screw 10 of the first preferred embodiment is positioned in the mounted position such that the articulation plane RP of the facet interference screw 10 is generally parallel to the first or second facet joint plane FJP1, FJP2, respectively to facilitate restoration of a near-normal articulation or movement of the respective facet joint FJ1, FJ2.
Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, a second preferred embodiment of the facet interference screw 10′ is similar to the first preferred embodiment of the facet interference screw 10 except that the second preferred embodiment of the facet interference screw 10′ includes a damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ located between the inner surfaces (not shown in the second preferred embodiment) of the first and second components 20′, 30′ to facilitate damping and/or movement of the first and second components 20′, 30′ with respect to one another. The facet interference screw 10′ of the second preferred embodiment is shown with like reference numerals to indicate like elements and a prime symbol (′) to distinguish the elements of the facet interference screw 10′ of the second preferred embodiment. The preferred damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ preferably facilitates compression of the first and second components 20′, 30′ with respect to one another. In addition, the preferred damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ enables lateral and longitudinal movement between the first and second components 20′, 30′. The damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ is preferably constructed of a relatively elastic material that permits movement in six degrees of freedom between the first and second components 20′, 30′. For example, the damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ may be constructed of a polymeric material that is strong enough to withstand the typical loads encountered by the facet interference screw 10′ when mounted in the facet joint FJ and is able to withstand the environment encountered during permanent implantation in the facet joint FJ.
The damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ of the second preferred embodiment may be pre-assembled and/or connected to the first and/or second components 20′, 30′ by any mechanism now or hereafter known in the art including but not limited to an adhesive, a mechanical connection, etc. Alternatively, the damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ may be inserted between the inner surfaces 24′, 34′ after the first and second components 20′, 30′ are inserted into the facet joint FJ in a mounted position, either with or without the temporary spacer (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3D). That is, for example, the facet interference screw 10′ of the second preferred embodiment may be inserted into the facet joint FJ and the first and second components 20′, 30′ may then be separated to receive the damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ therebetween.
In the second preferred embodiment, the damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ may have several configurations including a first preferred damping component 60 a′ that includes the cannulated opening 42′ therein, a second preferred damping component 60 b′ that is generally solid and continuous and a third preferred damping component 60 c′ that includes a guiding and locking mechanism 70′. The first preferred damping component 60 a′ includes the cannulated opening 42′ to accommodate the guide wire 200 therein during implantation of the facet interference screw 10′. The first preferred damping component 60 a′ is preferably, permanently bonded to the first and second components 20′, 30′ prior to implantation in the facet joint FJ. The second preferred damping component 60 b′ includes a generally solid, integral configuration without the cannulated opening 42′. The second preferred damping component 60 b′ may be permanently bonded or joined to the first and second components 20′, 30′ or may be inserted between the first and second components 20′, 30′ following initial implantation and removal of the spacer 40′ (not shown in FIGS. 3A-3D). A third preferred damping component 60 c′ preferably includes a guiding and locking mechanism 70′ to facilitate insertion of the damping component 60 c′ between the first and second components 20′, 30′. The guiding and locking mechanism 70′ may be comprised of any mechanism now or hereafter known including, but not limited to, a tongue and groove system. For example, the inner surface 24′, 34′ of at least one of the first and second components 20′, 30′ may include a groove (not shown) for mating with the T-shaped locking mechanism 70′ extending from the damping component 60′. In addition, the surfaces of the first and second preferred damping components 60 a′, 60 b′ that mate with the first and second components 20′, 30′ are not limited to being generally flat and continuous, as is shown in the Figs., but may include engagement features or may be generally rough in order to facilitate engagement and mating with the inner surfaces of the first and second components 20′, 30′. For example, the first, second and/or third damping components 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ may be injection molded to the first and second components 20′, 30′, which have roughened, grooved, spiked or otherwise uneven inner surfaces to assist in retaining the damping components 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′ to the first and second components 20′, 30′.
Referring to FIGS. 4A-6B, a third preferred embodiment of the facet interference screw 10″ includes a two-piece damping component 60″, although three or more pieces are also contemplated. The facet interference screw 10″ of the third preferred embodiment is shown with like reference numerals to indicate like elements and a double prime symbol (″) to distinguish the elements of the facet interference screw 10″ of the third preferred embodiment. The two-piece damping component 60″ preferably includes an upper damping component 62″ mounted to the inner surface 24″ of the first component 20″ and a lower damping component 64″ mounted to the inner surface 34″ of the second component 30″. The upper and lower damping components 62″, 64″ preferably each include curved contacting surfaces 62 a″, 64 a″ so that the upper damping component 62″ is movable with respect to the lower damping component 64″ and the first component 20″ is movable with respect to the second component 30″. More preferably, the curved contacting surfaces 62 a″, 64 a″ formed on the upper and lower damping components 62″, 64″ preferably have corresponding spherical surfaces in both the longitudinal direction (e.g., parallel to the longitudinal axis 13″) and in the lateral direction (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 13″). In this manner, the spherical curved contacting surfaces 62 a″, 64 a″ facilitate flexion/extension articulation and lateral articulation, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-6B. The inner surfaces 24″, 34″ may also facilitate the cannulated opening 42″ for receipt of the guide wire 200 to guide implantation of the facet interference screw 10″ of the third preferred embodiment. However, the facet interference screw 10″ of the third preferred embodiment is not limited to inclusion of the cannulated opening 42″ and may be constructed without the cannulated opening 42″ such that the upper and lower damping components 62 a″, 64 a″ are in contact along substantially their entire spherical curved contacting surfaces 62 a″, 64 a″ in the assembled configuration.
The upper and lower damping components 62″, 64″ are preferably constructed of a polymeric material that provides some elasticity, but also is rigid enough to resist significant wear at the curved contacting surfaces 62 a″, 64 a″ during use in the mounted position. For example, the upper and lower damping components 62″, 64″ may be constructed of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material, but is not so limited and may be constructed of nearly any material that provides damping and wear capability and is able to withstand the normal operating conditions and environment of the mounted position. In addition, the first and second components 20″, 30″ are preferably constructed of a metallic material, such as titanium or steel, but is not so limited and may be constructed of nearly any biocompatible material that is able to take on the general shape of the first and second components 20″, 30″ and withstand the normal operating conditions of the facet interference screw 10″.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the first, second and third preferred embodiments may also include an anti-rotational mechanism or feature 100 a, 100 b to inhibit the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ from backing out of the mounted position. For example, a first anti-rotational mechanism 100 a may be in the form of a spacer 100 a that is inserted between the first and second components 20, 30 so that the profile of the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ is no longer circular in the mounted position and thus less likely to back-out or otherwise rotate in the mounted position. The spacer 100 a is preferably constructed of a damping-type material to permit limited movement between the first and second components 20, 30. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 7B, a second preferred anti-rotational spacer 100 b may have a width wider than the diameter of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ in at least one portion of its length, thereby further inhibiting back out. The anti-rotational mechanism 100 a, 100 b may be separate and distinct from the preferred damping components 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′, 60″ or may be integrally formed therewith. Alternatively, the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ may incorporate an anti-rotation mechanism having a U-shape, as is disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2006/0064099, titled Articular Facet Interference Screw and filed Nov. 13, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Referring to FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A and 7A, the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the preferred embodiments preferably have a screw diameter D and a screw length L. The screw length L is preferably between five (5) and twenty-five (25) millimeters and the screw diameter D is preferably between four (4) and eleven (11) millimeters. The facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ are not limited to these dimensions, but preferably fall within these ranges to permit the minimally invasive insertion of the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ into the facet joints FJ, to limit the extension of the tip 16 a through the facet joints FJ, to permit the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ to travel through a cannula (not shown) during a minimally invasive procedure and for other related considerations. In addition, the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the preferred embodiments preferably include the head portion 14, 14′, 14″ to facilitate engagement by an insertion and/or removal tool and to inhibit the distance that the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ are inserted into the facet joints FJ.
Referring to FIGS. 6A-7B, the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the preferred embodiments may include an articulation indicator 50, 50″ on the head 14, 14″ that aligns with the articulation plane RP of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″. The articulation indicator 50, 50″ provides a visual indicator to the surgeon to verify that the articulation plane RP of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ is aligned with the facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2 in the mounted position. Misalignment or misorientation of the articulation plane RP typically limits the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ from operating in its intended manner and may result in a fusion of the facet joints FJ. Alternatively, the surgeon may elect to insert the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ such that the articulation plane RP is misaligned with the facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2 such that fusion is intentionally promoted in the facet joints FJ. Further, the articulation indicator 50, 50″ may be curved or otherwise provide an indication that the inner surfaces 24, 34 are curved to create a curved articulation path such that the surgeon is able to arrange the articulation plane RP with the naturally curved articulation of the facet joints FJ.
In use, the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the preferred embodiments are self-tapping and/or self-drilling. The first and second components 20, 30 are preferably preassembled either alone or in connection with a preferred temporary spacer 40 and/or damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′, 60″ by, for example, a rigid connection in the screw head 14 so that, in use, the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ can be inserted by, rotating the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ into the facet joints FJ via a screw driver 225, as shown in FIG. 8. Preferably, the articulation plane RP of the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ are aligned with the facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2 in the mounted position to permit articulation of the facet joints FJ with the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ mounted therein. Alternatively, the articulation plane RP may be intentionally misaligned with the facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2 to promote fusion or limit movement in the facet joints FJ.
Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, a preferred screw driver 225 for inserting, implanting and/or driving the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ into the facet joints FJ includes a mechanism to secure the first and second components 20, 30 and any additional component parts together and to maintain adequate torque during insertion. The preferred screw driver 225 includes a shaft 227 and a sleeve 230. The shaft 227 preferably includes a tip 228 for simultaneously engaging the first and second components 20, 30 of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″. The tip 228 preferably includes a plurality of projections 229 for engaging a plurality of recesses 44 formed in the head portion 14 of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″. The sleeve 230 is preferably movably disposed over the shaft 227 from an extended position (as shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 9A and 9B) wherein the sleeve 230 encapsulates the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ coupled to the distal end of the screwdriver 225, to a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 9C) wherein the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ coupled to the distal end of the screwdriver 225 is exposed. The sleeve 230 is preferably biased via, for example, a spring 235 to the extended position.
The screwdriver 225 also preferably includes an indicator 225 a at a proximal end of the handle of the screwdriver 225 to provide an indication of the articulation plane RP of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″. The facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ is preferably mountable onto the screwdriver 225 in a single orientation such that the indicator 225 a aligns with the articulation plane RP of the screw facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″. Accordingly, the surgeon is able to verify the orientation of the articulation plane RP in the mounted position to align with the facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2 to promote articulation or in misalignment to promote fusion, as is apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art based upon a review of the present disclosure.
In use, the user preferably moves the sleeve 230 to the retracted position so that the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ may be coupled to the distal end of the screwdriver 225. The sleeve 230 moves via the spring bias into the extended position so that the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ is encapsulated by the sleeve 230. In the extended position, the sleeve 230 assists in maintaining the first and second components 20, 30 of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ together so that the multiple components of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ can be rotated as a single unit into the facet joints FJ. During insertion, contact between the distal end of the sleeve 230 and the patient's bone moves the sleeve 230 from the extended position to the retracted position to expose the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″. The facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ is driven into the facet joint FJ until the head 14 contacts the bone of the facet joint FJ and the surgeon preferably aligns the indicator 225 a with the facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2.
Primary fixation of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ into the facet joints FJ may be achieved by the external threads on the shaft portion 16 of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ engaging the superior and inferior facets FS, F. Secondary fixation may be achieved by osteo-integration. For example, the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″, and in particular the external threads formed on the shaft portion 16 of the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″, may be roughened and/or coated for osteo-conduction. The facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ may be coated with any bioactive coating now or hereafter known including, but not limited to, Ti-Plasma spray, anodic surface enhancement such as, for example, APC, HA or any Ca—P enhancement, etc.
The preferred facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ and the anti-rotational mechanisms 100, 100′ may be manufactured from any biocompatible material known in the art including but not limited to stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloy, a polymer such as, for example, PPEK, PEKK, PEK, PEKK-EK with or without an optional carbon fiber reinforcement, etc., a ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CCM), etc.
The damping components 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′, 60″ may be manufactured from any biocompatible material known in the art including but not limited an elastomeric-thermoplastic polymer (PCU or polymerized Silicone), a member of PUR or Silicone family, a copolymer, etc. Preferably the damping components 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′, 60″ has a profile (e.g., size and shape) that matches or substantially matches the profile (e.g., size and shape) of the first and second components 20, 30. The damping components 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′, 60″ may be coated, either partially or completely, to reduce the amount of wear. For example, the damping components 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′, 60″ may be coated with any metal carbide or nitride, member of the DLC family, Al2O3, ZrO2, TiC, TiN, (A)DLC, CrN, CrC, etc.
The facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the first, second and third preferred embodiments may be inserted by any surgical technique known in the art. The facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ may be inserted percutaneously, similar to the insertion of the facet interference screw disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/126,976, entitled Articular Facet Interference Screw, which was filed on May 10, 2005 and is assigned to the Synthes (U.S.A.), the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to FIG. 8, in use, the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ of the first, second and third preferred embodiments are inserted into the facet joint FJ via a minimally invasive procedure. It is envisioned that the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ may also be inserted through an open surgery. In one exemplary method of inserting the facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″, the guide wire 200 is introduced percutaneously into each of the facet joints FJ between the adjacent superior and inferior vertebra V. The introduction of the guide wires 200 may be guided into the facet joints FJ by any means including, but not limited to C-arm imaging, CT-scan, a mini-open approach to the facet joints FJ, etc. After verifying the symmetrical position of the guide wires 200, an optional tissue protection sleeve, cannula, retractor and/or trocar (not shown) may be guided to the facet joint FJ to open a path to the facet joint FJ. The facet interference screws 10, 10′, 10″ are introduced into the facet joints FJ, preferably via the guide wires 200 and through the protection sleeve, cannula, retractor or trocar. Thereafter, the orientation of the facet interference screw 10, 10′, 10″ is preferably verified, and the guide wires 200, instrumentation and temporary spacer 40 (if required) are removed. If necessary, the damping component 60 a′, 60 b′, 60 c′, 60″ and the anti-rotational mechanism 100 a, 100 b, if desired, may be inserted between the inner surfaces 24, 34 of the first and second components 20, 30. The orientation of the articulation plane RP is verified by one or both of the indicators 50, 225 a, specifically with respect to the facet joint planes FJP1, FJP2.
a lower inner component having a respective outer surface configured to at least partially abut the second inner surface of the second component and a second contact surface that extends from a third location near the head to a fourth location near the tip, the second contact surface configured to engage with the first contact surface such that the upper inner component is articulable with respect to the lower inner component.
2. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein a respective first one of the first or second contacting surfaces is convex and a respective second one of the first or second contacting surfaces is concave.
3. The facet interference screw of claim 2, wherein a respective radius of curvature of the convex surface is substantially equal to a respective radius of curvature of the concave surface.
4. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the first and second inner surfaces are generally parallel.
5. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the first and second inner surfaces are curved.
6. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second inner surfaces includes a guiding mechanism.
7. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first contacting surface is substantially spherical and at least a portion of the second contacting surface is substantially spherical.
8. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the head includes an indicator that is aligned with an articulation plane defined by the facet interference screw.
9. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the respective outer surface of the upper inner component is bonded to the first inner surface and the respective outer surface of the lower inner component is bonded to the second inner surface.
10. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower inner components define a cannulation that extends through the facet interference screw along the central longitudinal axis.
11. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the first and third locations are disposed substantially at the head and the second and fourth locations are disposed substantially at the tip.
12. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the first and third locations are substantially coincident with one another and the second and fourth locations are substantially coincident with one another.
13. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the externally threaded shaft portion is substantially circular in shape.
14. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the tip defines a first maximum outer dimension, the externally threaded shaft portion defines a second maximum outer dimension that is greater than the first maximum outer dimension, and the head defines a third maximum outer dimension that is greater than the second maximum outer dimension, each of the first, second, and third maximum outer dimensions being measured in a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.
15. The facet interference screw of claim 1, wherein the first direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis and the second direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis are the same direction.
removing the guide wire from the facet joint such that the guide wire engages the cannula and causes the spacer to be withdrawn from between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second components.
removing the second guide wire from the second facet joint such that the guide wire engages the cannula of the second spacer and causes the second spacer to be withdrawn from between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second components of the second facet interference screw.
prior to removing the guide wire and the second guide wire, inserting a first damping component between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second components of the facet interference screw and inserting a second damping component between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second components of the second facet interference screw.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the each of the first and second damping components comprises an upper inner component having a first contact surface and a lower inner component having a second contact surface configured to abut the first contact surface such that the upper and lower inner components are articulable with respect to each other along the first and second contact surfaces.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the facet interference screw and the second facet interference screw are driven into the facet joint and the second facet joint, respectively, substantially simultaneously.
prior to guiding the facet interference screw along the guide wire and guiding the second facet interference screw along the second guide wire, verifying that a position of the guide wire in the facet joint is substantially symmetrical with respect to a respective position of the second guide wire in the second facet joint.
prior to removing the guide wire, inserting a damping component between the first and second inner surfaces of the first and second components.
aligning the indicator with a facet joint plane of the facet joint.
International Patent Application No. PCT/US2009/036175: International Search Report dated Jul. 27, 2009, 18 pages.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/180,422, filed Jul. 11, 2011, Angert.

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