Percutaneously deliverable orthopedic joint device

Abstract

A percutaneously implantable orthopedic device is a shape-changing joint prosthesis with a generally arcuate or generally rectilinear configuration which is delivered through a delivery device in a substantially straightened or slightly curved configuration into a joint in a patient. The generally arcuate configuration may include an open ring or spiral shape. The generally rectilinear configuration may include a polygon or zig-zag shape. The delivery and retrieval device can be a syringe, hypodermic needle or cannula. The orthopedic device is moveable into its generally arcuate or generally rectilinear configuration in the joint by manipulation or a shape memory set. The orthopedic device acts as a soft compliant bearing surface or cushion that minimizes the bone-on-bone wear from articulation and loading.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional No. 60 / 911,056 filed Apr. 10, 2007, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference, herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of Invention[0003]Various embodiments of the present inventions relate to the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and any other joint degenerative process with a minimally invasive implantable device to reduce, amongst other things, bone-to-bone contact at a joint.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]Today there are an increasing number of patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint degenerative processes. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis, and the percentage of people who have it grows higher with age. An estimated 12.1 percent of the U.S. population (nearly 21 million Americans) age 25 and older have osteoarthritis of one form or another. Although more common in older people it usu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]It would be desirable to provide intermediary treatment before deciding whether to undergo total joint replacement. Such intermediary treatment preferably comprises providing a cushion or improved spacer made of shape-changing, shape-memory or shape-recovering material placed into the joint to minimize pain and slow the deterioration process. It would further be desirable to provide this cushion or improved articulation device in a minimally-invasive procedure; e.g., through a hypodermic needle, cannula or catheter that can be inserted directly into the joint without the necessity of a surgical cut-down procedure and its associated risks. There would be a distinct benefit to the patient in that there would be a reduction in pain, time, and complexity in conducting the procedure as well as decreasing healing time, reducing post-operative pain, and slowing of deterioration in a joint without the necessity of surgically opening the joint.

[0010]In various embodiments the orthopedic device is an implantable prosthetic that has a substantially non-linear preformed configuration (e.g. a shape that is not a substantially straight line, such as a generally arcuate shape or a generally rectilinear shape composed of more than a single line) which is delivered through a hypodermic needle in a straightened configuration and into the joint. In one embodiment the orthopedic device is an implantable prosthetic generally arcuate open ring or spiral which is delivered through a hypodermic needle in a straightened configuration and into the joint. Then due to its shape memory set, it then assumes an open ring. This ring acts as a compliant bearing surface which minimizes the bone on bone wear from articulation and loading. In another embodiment the orthopedic device is an implantable prosthetic generally rectilinear polygon or series of linear segment shape which is delivered through a hypodermic needle in a straightened configuration and into the joint.

[0011]In one embodiment the orthopedic device is an implantable prosthetic with a series of discrete articulatable elements. The elements, or segments, can be connected by one or more connectors. In one embodiment the orthopedic device is a ratcheted linkage. In another embodiment the orthopedic device is a series of articular layers on a bendable elongate core. In one embodiment the orthopedic device discrete articulatable elements can form a generally arcuate open ring or spiral. In various embodiments the orthopedic device may be delivered through a hypodermic needle in a straightened configuration and into the joint. After delivery, various embodiments of the orthopedic device can resume it generally rectilinear or generally arcuate configuration by being manipulated into that shape or due to a shape memory set. The orthopedic device can act as a compliant bearing surface which minimizes the bone on bone wear from articulation and loading.

[0012]In various embodiments, delivery or retrieval systems include a straight or curved hypodermic needle, syringe, cannula or catheter specially configured to implant or retrieve an orthopedic device with a specific orientation. Certain systems can include specially shaped plungers, needles, interlocks, removable attachments, pinchers, lassos, tethers, hooks, threaded interfaces, reservoirs, or cassette loading systems for interacting with or positioning the orthopedic device. In one embodiment the orthopedic device is an implantable prosthetic generally arcuate open ring or spiral which is delivered through a hypodermic needle in a straightened configuration and into the joint. Then due to its shape memory set, it then assumes an open ring. This ring acts as a compliant bearing surface which minimizes the bone on bone wear from articulation and loading. In another embodiment the orthopedic device is an implantable prosthetic generally rectilinear polygon or series of linear segment shape which is delivered through a hypodermic needle in a straightened configuration and into the joint.

Problems solved by technology

Joint problems can include; stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures.

Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting your food or brushing your teeth.

This ultimately results in moderate to severe pain and joint deterioration.

Both modalities present drawbacks.

Various spacers in the art can cause inflammation and the total joint replacement can limit the range of motion, compromise the strength and ultimately the stability of the joint.

These surgeries are invasive and require the joint capsule to be surgically opened.

The incision itself can result in inflammation and infection.

Due to the invasiveness of the procedure and the delicate nature of the joint it can result in joint instability prolonged healing times.

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