Artificial facet replacement

An artificial facet replacement is a joint prostheses intended to replace the natural facets by restoring normal (or near-normal) motion while providing stabilization of spinal segments. It is typically used as an adjunct to laminectomy, laminotomy, neural decompression and facetectomy, in lieu of fusion, for treatment of instabilities or deformities of the lumbar spine including:

• Degenerative disease of the facets;

• Degenerative disease of the facets with instability;

• Grade 1 degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment;

• Central or lateral spinal stenosis.

Facet replacements are a relatively new technology. Artificial facet replacements are currently being investigated in clinical trials in the U.S.

See also • Low back pain • Laminectomy • Spinal stenosis • Facet joint • Spine

External Links

• Neurosurgical Focus on Posterior Dynamic Stabilization

• Spine journal article on Facet Replacement Biomechanics

• First Clinical Implants of Artificial Facet Replacement

• Archus Orthopedics

• SpineUniverse.com

• Spinehealth.com