Implants and methods for treating bone

• US 20060085081A1
• Filed: 06/07/2005
• Published: 04/20/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Dfine Incorporated (Merit Medical Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dfine Incorporated (Merit Medical Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Shadduck, John H., Truckai, Csaba
• Application Number:
  US11/146,891
• Publication Number:
  US 20060085081A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/23.760
• 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 17/7095 the filler comprising unlinked macroscopic particles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00004 (bio)absorbable, (bio)resorbable, resorptive for implantable prostheses A61F2210/0004

Abstract

An implant system that includes small cross-section implant elements that can be introduced into targeted bone regions wherein the elements self-assemble into a large cross-section, higher modulus monolith. The implant elements are configured with properties engage one another, such as surface features or magnetic properties. The implants and methods can be used to treat bone abnormalities such as compression fractures of vertebrae, bone necrosis, bone tumors, cysts and the like.

Claims

1. A bone implant system comprising a plurality of elements configured with properties for in-situ coupling of the elements to form a substantially non-deformable implant body.

2. The bone implant system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of elements are configured with at least one of projecting features or projection-gripping features.

3. The bone implant system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of elements are configured with projecting features and projection-gripping features intermediate said projecting features.

4. The bone implant system of claim 2 wherein the elements are at least partly fabricated of a biodegradable magnesium alloy.

5. The bone implant system of claim 2 wherein the projection-gripping features comprise openings in a microfilament fabrication.

6. The bone implant system of claim 4 wherein the fabrication is selected from the group of entangled filament fabrications, woven fabrications, knit fabrications and braided fabrications.

7. The bone implant system of claim 4 wherein the fabrication includes carbon fiber microfilaments.

8. The bone implant system of claim 4 wherein the fabrication includes metal microfilaments.

9. The bone implant system of claim 7 wherein microfilaments are at least one of stainless steel, titanium and a magnesium alloy.

10. The bone implant system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the elements are of a reticulated material.

11. The bone implant system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the elements are configured with magnetic properties.

12. The bone implant system of claim 1 wherein the elements configured with magnetic properties.

13. The bone implant system of claim 12 wherein the elements configured with magnetic properties have varied cross-sections.

14. A method for treating an abnormality in a bone comprising (a) introducing into a bone a plurality of elements configured with surface projections and projection-gripping features, and (b) causing the surface features to irreversibly interlock amongst the elements thereby forming a substantially solid monolith.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the abnormality is a fracture in a vertebra.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein steps (a) and (b) displace cancellous bone.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein steps (a) and (b) move cortical bone.

18. A method for treating an abnormality in a bone comprising introducing into a bone a plurality of elements configured with magnetic properties wherein the magnetic properties cause the plurality of element to self-assemble into a bone support structure.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the elements configured with magnetic properties are at least one of spherical, polygonal, faceted or elongated.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of introducing a bone cement into the plurality of elements.

21. A method for treating an abnormality in a bone comprising (a) introducing a bone support into or proximate to a bone, the bone support including a biodegradable magnesium alloy, and (b) allowing the magnesium alloy to biodegrade thereby creating space for tissue ingrowth.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein step (a) includes introducing a bone support in the form of at least one of implant elements, fill materials, cages, screws, rods, and stents.

23. An orthopedic implant configured for implantation in or proximate a bone comprising at least one body including a biodegradable magnesium alloy.