Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems

• US 10,010,421 B2
• Filed: 11/08/2013
• Issued: 07/03/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Moximed
• Original Assignee: Moximed
• Inventors: Makower, Joshua, Clifford, Anton, Vecchiotti, Richard G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Prone, Christopher D
• Application Number:
  US14/075,090
• Publication Number:
  US 20140067075A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,698 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/56 Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/562 Implants for placement in joint gaps without restricting joint motion, e.g. to reduce arthritic pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/6425 specially adapted to be fitted across a bone joint
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/68 Internal fixation devices , including fasteners and spinal fixators, even if a part thereof projects from the skin bone staples A61B17/0642
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7026 with a part that is flexible due to its form
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/7064 Devices acting on, attached to, or simulating the effect of, vertebral facets; Tools therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8004 with means for distracting or compressing the bone or bones
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/8061 specially adapted for particular bones A61B17/70 and A61B17/74 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/561 Implants with special means for releasing a drug
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/567 Joint mechanisms or joint supports in addition to the natural joints and outside the joint gaps
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30 Joints
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/30756 Cartilage endoprostheses A61F2/3603 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/32 for the hip
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/38 for elbows or knees
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/3836 Special connection between upper and lower leg, e.g. constrained
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4202 for ankles
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30331 made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30383 made by laterally inserting a protrusion, e.g. a rib into a complementarily-shaped groove
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30405 made by screwing complementary threads machined on the parts themselves
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30505 spring biased
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30518 : with possibility of relative movement between the prosthetic parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30523 : by means of meshing gear teeth
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30537 : adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30546 : for adjusting elasticity, flexibility, spring rate or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30563 : having elastic means or damping means, different from springs, e.g. including an elastomeric core or shock absorbers
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30565 : having spring elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30566 : Helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30568 : Multiple spring systems including two or more helical springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30571 : Leaf springs
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30578 : having apertures, e.g. for receiving fixation screws
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30601 : telescopic
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30624 : Hinged joint, e.g. with transverse axle restricting the movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30673 : Lubricating means, e.g. synovial pocket
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30677 : Means for introducing or releasing pharmaceutical products, e.g. antibiotics, into the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3092 : having an open-celled or open-pored structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/3093 : for promoting ingrowth of bone tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2310/00796 : Coating or prosthesis-covering structure made of a phosphorus-containing compound, e.g. hydroxy(l)apatite

Abstract

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones. Springs may be used to transfer loads across a joint, and can be used in conjunction with pistons and sleeves.

Claims

1. A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a knee joint, the knee joint having cartilage between the members, the members collectively defining a path of motion, the system comprising:

a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the knee joint;

a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the knee joint; and

a support assembly connected to the first and second attachment structures and including a laterally flexible piston configured to bend with articulation of the first and second members of the joint, wherein the support assembly is configured to absorb compressive forces when the first and second members are in extension.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the support assembly includes a spring surrounding the piston.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the spring is a polyurethane spring.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a surrounding sleeve;

wherein the piston of the support assembly is positioned within and translates within the surrounding sleeve.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system for manipulating energy is configured to be implanted outside of the joint capsule.