Suture-based orthopedic joint devices

Abstract

Devices and treatments for various joint conditions include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a suture. The suture is passed through the joint space and used to pull the orthopedic device into the joint space. The suture may be using a percutaneously inserted needle or other type of needle-based delivery instrument. The resilient elongate orthopedic device may be restrained to a reduced profile that permits minimally invasive implantation, but assume an enlarged profile when positioned at an implantation site.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a) a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 862,095, filed Sep. 27, 2007, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60 / 911,056, filed Apr. 10, 2007, and to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 60 / 975,444, filed Sep. 26, 2007, and is also b) a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12 / 099,296, filed Apr. 8, 2008, all of the above which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]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 usually is the result...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent text describes a system and method for treating degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The system includes an orthopedic device that can be implanted in a joint space using a suture and a needle. The device has a resilient elongate core and a flexible polymeric jacket covering at least a portion of the core. The device can be in a reduced profile for minimally invasive implantation and can be expanded to its original size when positioned in the joint space. The device can be made of a shape-memory material or a superelastic material, and can be pre-attached to a suture or a retaining post. The method includes percutaneously inserting a needle through a joint capsule opening and using the needle to pull the device into the joint space. The device can be positioned symmetrically within the joint space and can be restrained in a reduced profile as it is inserted. The device can also be enlarged from a reduced profile to its implantation configuration. The technical effects of the patent text include reducing joint contact and inflammation, promoting bone growth, and reducing joint space narrowing."

Problems solved by technology

Joint problems can include 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 stiffness, weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the basic daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting food and brushing teeth.

This ultimately results in moderate to severe pain.

Drugs may also subject patients to serious side effects and risks, such as the increased cardiovascular risks associated with osteoarthritis drugs Vioxx and Bextra, which were withdrawn from the market.

Drugs used to treat other forms of arthritis, such as corticosteroids, are associated with osteoporosis and hyperglycemia and can lead to increased risks of bone fracture and diabetes, for example.

When pharmacologic therapy and physical therapy no longer provide adequate relief, only surgical options remain.

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

These surgeries are highly invasive and require the joint capsule to be surgically opened, and the incision itself can result in inflammation and infection.

Due to the invasiveness of the procedure, prolonged healing times are required.

Furthermore, the invasive nature of these surgeries sometimes precludes a second joint replacement or spacer when the first joint device wears out or fails.

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