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New Techniques and MIS: The Interfacet Fixation with Facet Wedge Device

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Modern Thoraco-Lumbar Implants for Spinal Fusion

Abstract

The only true articulation in the lumbar and lumbosacral spine is the facet joint. Therefore, it is consequent to fix this joint directly for segmental stabilization.

Strategies to fix the facet joints are not new. However, a real minimal invasive approach for direct facet fusion was missing so far. The Facet Wedge spinal system was developed following the principles of fusion and was a refined technique, based on the described knowledge of the importance of the facet joints for stability and spinal fusion.

It is a new technique to achieve both adequate primary stability and permanent fusion through locking of the facet joints after resection of the joint cartilage in combination with angular stable screw fixation of the anterior and inferior articular process.

Basic surgical steps to obtain fusion are approach to the joint, opening the capsule, entering the joint, removal of cartilage, and creating a rough bleeding bone surface and fixation in an as stable way as possible. So, facet fusion aims to fuse the only true synovial joints of the lumbar vertebral spinal motion segment.

This chapter reflects some old techniques as well as the development of the Facet Wedge and presents the so far available information about its principles, indications, biomechanics, preliminary clinical data, and limitations of this modern minimal invasive tool for lumbar fusion.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Münster, Münster, Germany

    René Hartensuer M.D., FACS

  2. Sint Maartenskliniek, Ubbergen, The Netherlands

    Maarten Spruit M.D.

Authors
  1. René Hartensuer M.D., FACS
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  2. Maarten Spruit M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to René Hartensuer M.D., FACS .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Roberto Delfini

  2. Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Alessandro Landi

  3. Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Cristina Mancarella

  4. Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Fabrizio Gregori

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Hartensuer, R., Spruit, M. (2018). New Techniques and MIS: The Interfacet Fixation with Facet Wedge Device. In: Delfini, R., Landi, A., Mancarella, C., Gregori, F. (eds) Modern Thoraco-Lumbar Implants for Spinal Fusion. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60143-4_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60143-4_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-60142-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-60143-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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