System for sacroiliac joint fusion

Abstract

A system for preparing the sacroiliac (SI) joint for an SI joint fusion, and optionally delivering an implant to the SI joint, is described herein. The implant is inserted via an inferior inlet approach. A sliding joint finder is inserted into the joint, followed by insertion of a working cannula. The working cannula is operatively coupled to the sliding joint finder, in that it is configured to fit over the sliding joint finder, allowing subsequent removal of the sliding joint finder, and providing a hollow cavity for joint fusion preparation, decortication and insertion of an implant. This system and method provides a less invasive and safer approach for fixing an SI joint or delivering an implant to the SI joint than currently available methods.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 151,842, filed on Apr. 23, 2015, by Michael Black, Kenan Aksu, and Damian Heinz, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to surgical procedures for a sacroiliac (SI) joint, and more specifically, to systems for guiding and delivering SI joint implants in place.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Sacroiliac (SI) joints are located between the sacrum and the right and the left iliac bones, respectively. The sacrum is a triangular bone in the lower back formed from fused vertebrae and situated between the two hipbones of the pelvis. The ilium is the largest and uppermost bone of the pelvis.[0004]The SI joints provide support for the entire weight of the upper body when a human stands erect, which creates a large amount of stress on the SI joints. Therefore, these jo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]A system and method for preparing the sacroiliac (SI) joint and delivering an implant to the SI joint is described herein. In the methods, the SI joint is accessed using a sliding joint finder and a working cannula, which are inserted into the space via an inferior inlet approach. In some embodiments, the method includes inserting an implant into the joint space. In these embodiments, the system includes an implant insertion tool. The system and method provide a less invasive and safer approach for repairing and / or stabilizing an SI joint than currently available methods.

Problems solved by technology

The SI joints provide support for the entire weight of the upper body when a human stands erect, which creates a large amount of stress on the SI joints.

Therefore, these joints are susceptible to injury and degeneration.

Acute and chronic injury, degeneration, and laxity of the supporting ligaments of the SI joint can result in low back and radiating buttock and leg pain in afflicted patients.

A significant problem with certain conventional methods for SI joint fixation is that they require a surgeon to have direct access and a view of the SI joint.

Thus, some conventional SI joint fixation techniques require the use of what is commonly referred to as “open surgery,” and result in significant trauma and disruption to the tissues and skin surrounding the SI joint.

Open procedures increase the risk of damage to major nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and muscles around the incision site.

Moreover, open procedures increase operative, hospitalization, and recovery time due to the extensive soft tissue damage resulting from open surgery techniques.

Conventional lateral MIS procedures still may result in significant trauma to the major nerves, blood vessels, and muscle groups of the hip.

While current posterior MIS approaches eliminate damage to the soft tissues and neurovascular system of the lateral hip, they still carry a significant risk of trauma to the spinal nerves and major back and hip ligaments.

Images