Abstract: A system and method of providing users with pricing and availability options associated with medical, dental and/or veterinary procedures through an Internet website. Upon entering information regarding a desired service and a desired traveling distance associated with a plurality of care providers offering the desired service, a user is provided with a list of options associated with the desired service, including the name of the care provider, the distance to care provider, the cost of the service and scheduling information. Upon selecting one of the options, the selected care provider is informed that the user desires to schedule the desired service based upon the scheduling information. If the selection is approved, the service is scheduled; if not, the user is informed that their selection is unavailable. The method may additionally include the step of asking the user a series of questions associated with the procedure.

Abstract: Methods, and apparatus are disclosed for stimulation the central, peripheral, and autonomic with particular attention being given to the medial branch (210) of the spinal nerve (212) associated with a painful spinal facet joint so as to block pain impulses from reaching the spinal cord. The preferred apparatus includes a neurostimulator (204), and two or more electrodes (206) which carry electrical pulses to the target nerves. The impulses are intense enough to cause stimulation of a given medial branch (210), and its articular branches, but not so large as to spread to the spinal cord itself. In the preferred embodiment the stimulator (204) is physically small and battery operated facilitating implantation underneath the skin. The stimulator (204) includes a controller (not shown), and appropriate electronics operative to generate electrical impulses tailored to an individual's need for appropriate pain relief in terms of pulse frequency, pulse width, and pulse amplitude.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for hyperpolarizing the medial branch of the spinal nerve associated with a painful spinal facet joint so as to block pain impulses from reaching the spinal cord. The preferred apparatus includes a neurostimulator and two or more electrodes which carry electrical pulses to the target nerve or nerves. The impulses are intense enough to cause hyperpolarization of a given medial branch and its articular branches, but not so large as to spread to the spinal cord itself. In the preferred embodiment the stimulator is physically small and battery operated, facilitating implantation underneath the skin. The stimulator includes a controller and appropriate electronics operative to generate electrical impulses tailored to an individual's need for appropriate pain relief in terms of pulse frequency, pulse width, and pulse amplitude.

Abstract: An apparatus depolarizes the medial branch of the spinal nerve associated with a painful spinal facet joint so as to block pain impulses from reaching the spinal cord. The preferred apparatus includes a neurostimulator and two or more electrodes which carry electrical pulses to the target nerve or nerves. The impulses are intense enough to cause depolarization of a given medial branch and its articular branches, but not so large as to cause depolarization of the spinal cord itself. In the preferred embodiment the stimulator is physically small and battery operated, facilitating implantation underneath the skin. The stimulator includes a controller and appropriate electronics operative to generate electrical impulses tailored to an individual's need for appropriate pain relief in terms of pulse frequency, pulse width, and pulse amplitude.

Abstract: A spinal facet prosthesis for a diseased or painful facet joint comprises a superior component and an inferior component. The superior component is roughly conical or pyramidal in form and is fastened to and over the distal tip of the inferior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. The inferior component is also roughly conical or pyramidal in form with one side elongated postero-medially and distally. The outer surface of the elongated side of the inferior component is of low friction, such as polished chromium coating or medical grade high-density polyethylene. The inferior component is fastened to and over the superior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. Each component is made of a biocompatible material. The inner surface of each component which is in contact with its respective articular process is coated with a porous coating to enhance the adhesion of each component to its respective articular process.

Abstract: A spinal facet prosthesis for a diseased or painful facet joint comprises a superior component and an inferior component. The superior component is roughly conical or pyramidal in form and is fastened to and over the distal tip of the inferior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. The inferior component is also roughly conical or pyramidal in form with one side elongated postero-medially and distally. The outer surface of the elongated side of the inferior component is of low friction, such as polished chromium coating or medical grade high-density polyethylene. The inferior component is fastened to and over the superior articular process of the diseased or painful facet joint. Each component is made of a biocompatible material. The inner surface of each component which is in contact with its respective articular process is coated with a porous coating to enhance the adhesion of each component to its respective articular process.