Bone stabilizing implants and methods of placement across sacroiliac joints

Abstract

To provide threaded sacroiliac joint stabilization (e.g., fusion, fixation) implants and methods of implantation and manufacture.SOLUTION: Some implants include a distal region 120 with threads 122a and 122b, a central region 140 optionally with the threads 122a and 122b, and a proximal region 160 optionally with the threads 122a and 122b. The distal, central, and proximal regions 120, 140 and 160 have lengths such that when the implant 100 is laterally implanted across a sacroiliac joint, the distal region 120 can be positioned in the sacrum, the central region 140 can be positioned across the sacroiliac joint, and the proximal region 160 can be positioned in the ilium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 941,507, filed November 27, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] Incorporation by reference All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] The sacroiliac joint (SI joint) functions in the transmission of forces from the spine to the lower limbs and vice versa. The sacroiliac joint has been described as the source of up to 22% of low back pain. To relieve pain originating from the sacroiliac joint, sacroiliac joint fusion is usually indicated as a surgical treatment for, for example, degenerative sacroiliitis, inflammatory sacroiliitis, iatrogenic instability of the sacroiliac joint, sclerosing iliitis, or traumatic fractures of the pelvis. There is a continuing need for improved, threaded sacroiliac joint fixation and fusion implants. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is a threaded bone implant ("implant"). The implant can include an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end. The elongate body can include a threaded multi-lead distal region, a threaded single-lead central region disposed proximal to the multi-lead distal region, and a threaded multi-lead proximal region disposed proximal to the single-lead central region. The elongate body has a length, and the threaded multi-lead distal region, the threaded single-lead central region, and the threaded multi-lead proximal region can each have individual lengths such that, when the implant is implanted laterally, the multi-threaded distal region can be positioned in the sacrum, the single-lead central region can be positioned across the SI (sacroiliac) joint, and the multi-lead proximal region can be positioned in the ilium.

[0005] In this manner, the threaded multi-lead distal region may be better adapted to anchor securely in the dense sacrum than the threaded single-lead central region.

[0006] In this manner, the threaded multi-lead proximal region can be better configured to anchor securely in the dense iliac bone than the threaded single-lead central region.

[0007] In this aspect, one or both of the multiple-lead distal region and the multiple-lead proximal region may be a dual lead screw region.

[0008] In this embodiment, the multiple-lead distal region, single-lead central region, and multiple-lead proximal region can all comprise an inner shank (body, shaft) from which their respective threads extend radially, and a porous network of interconnected struts disposed around the inner shank and between the threads. Portions of the proximal region or threaded single-lead central region can be free of the porous network of interconnected struts, and the threaded single-lead central region can have a wide range of diameters, from 9 mm to 11 mm (outer diameter of the threads).

[0009] In this embodiment, the threaded multi-lead distal region can be a dual-lead distal region with a high and low thread pattern.

[0010] In this embodiment, the threaded multi-lead proximal region can be a dual-lead distal region with a high and low thread pattern.

[0011] In this aspect, the first thread can be continuous and extend from the distal region through the central region to the proximal region. In this regard, the continuous thread can be interrupted by a plurality of fenestrations and / or flutes extending through the elongate body.

[0012] In this aspect, the elongate body can further have a plurality of spiral flutings formed therein, each of the plurality of flutings extending in the multiple-lead distal region, the single-lead central region, and optionally the multiple-lead proximal region. The plurality of spiral flutings can consist of three spiral flutings in the elongate implant body. Each of the plurality of flutings can have a plurality of fenestrations aligned therewith, the fenestrations being spaced apart along the length of the fluting and extending to a central lumen or region of the elongate body. Each of the plurality of fenestrations can have a radially inward tapered configuration. At least one of the plurality of fenestrations can be located in the distal region, at least one of the plurality of fenestrations can be located in the central region, and at least one of the plurality of fenestrations can be located in the proximal region. In some embodiments, the proximal region is devoid of fenestrations.

[0013] In this embodiment, the first fenestration in the distal region may be larger than the second fenestration in the central region, and optionally, each of the plurality of distal fenestrations may be larger than each of the plurality of central fenestrations.

[0014] In this aspect, the elongate body can further comprise a plurality of fenestrations therethrough. A first fenestration in the distal region can be larger than a second fenestration in the central region. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of distal fenestrations can be larger than each of the plurality of central fenestrations.

[0015] In this aspect, the proximal region of the elongate body can be tapered, with the proximal end having a larger radial dimension than the distal end of the proximal region.

[0016] In this embodiment, at least one of the threads can have a curved reverse fillet.

[0017] In this aspect, the proximal end of the elongate body may be countersunk.

[0018] In this embodiment, the length of the distal region may be from 10 mm to 22 mm.

[0019] In this embodiment, the length of the central region may be from 8 mm to 56 mm.

[0020] In this embodiment, the length of the proximal region may be 6 mm to 10 mm.

[0021] This embodiment may further include any suitable implant features described herein.

[0022] One aspect of the present disclosure is a threaded bone-stabilized implant adapted for lateral delivery and sized for placement across the sacroiliac ("SI") joint. The implant includes an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end. The elongate body can include a threaded distal region, a threaded central region disposed proximal to the distal region, and a proximal region disposed proximal to the central region. The elongate body can further include a plurality of spiral flutings, each of which has a plurality of fenestrations formed therethrough extending into a central lumen. The body has a length, and the threaded distal region, threaded central region, and proximal region can each have individual lengths such that, when the implant is implanted laterally, the threaded distal region can be positioned in the sacrum, the threaded central region can be positioned across the SI joint, and the proximal region can be positioned in the ilium.

[0023] This embodiment may further include any other suitable threaded implant features described herein.

[0024] One aspect of the present disclosure is a threaded bone implant. The implant includes an elongate body extending from a distal end to a proximal end. The elongate body can include one or more helical threads, each extending axially along at least a portion of the elongate body. The elongate body can include an inner shank or inner member from which one or more helical threads extend radially. The elongate body can also include a porous network of interconnected struts disposed about the inner shank (or inner member) and about the longitudinal axis of the elongate bone implant body. The porous network of interconnected struts can be disposed between the one or more helical threads along at least a portion of the elongate body, and can optionally be disposed in each of the distal, central, and proximal regions of the implant. In some examples, the porous network of interconnected struts has a continuous, helical configuration through the distal and central regions to the proximal region. In this context and as used herein, continuous includes discontinuities in the porous network due to one or more flutes and / or one or more fenestrations. The porous network of interconnected struts can have an outer dimension that is smaller than the outer diameter of the one or more helical threads.

[0025] This aspect may include any other suitable threaded implant features described herein.

[0026] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method of manufacturing a threaded bone implant. The method may include printing the threaded bone implant from the distal end to the proximal end (although in some alternative embodiments, printing is from the proximal end (head) to the distal end (tip)). Printing the implant may include printing an inner shank and printing one or more helical threads extending radially from the inner shank, each of the one or more helical threads extending along at least a portion of the threaded bone implant. The method may include printing a porous network of interconnected struts around the inner shank, around a longitudinal axis of the elongated bone implant body, and between at least a portion of the one or more helical threads. The porous network of interconnected struts generally has an outer dimension smaller than an outer diameter of the one or more helical threads.

[0027] This aspect may include steps of any other suitable method herein and may be a computer-executable method (e.g., one or more software, algorithms, etc.) stored in a memory and adapted to be executed by a processor or processing components as the concept is known.

[0028] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method of 3D printing a threaded bone implant. The method can include printing the threaded bone implant from a distal end to a proximal end. Printing the implant can include printing a sacrificial distal tip, printing the threaded bone implant onto the sacrificial distal tip, and after printing the threaded bone implant, removing the sacrificial tip and forming the distal end on the threaded bone implant.

[0029] This aspect may include any other suitable method described herein.

[0030] One aspect of the present disclosure is a 3D printed threaded bone implant. The implant can include a 3D printed implant body having a distal end and a proximal end. The implant body can have one or more threads extending radially outward from an inner shank. At least one thread can form an angle greater than 45 degrees with respect to a longitudinal axis of the implant body.

[0031] This embodiment may include other suitable features associated with the threaded bone implants herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary threaded implant. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary threaded implant. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of an exemplary threaded implant. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary threaded implant. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary lag threaded implant and washer. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary lag threaded implant and washer. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary threaded implant. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary threaded implant including grooved areas, fenestrations, and a porous network of interconnected struts. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary threaded implant including a porous network of interconnected struts between the threads. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of an exemplary threaded implant including fluting with a porous network of interconnected struts between the threads. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary thread angle α referred to herein. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A shows an exemplary orientation for manufacturing a threaded implant herein. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B shows an exemplary orientation for manufacturing a threaded implant herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present disclosure generally relates to threaded (screw-like) bone stabilization implants that can be used, for example, for fixation and / or fusion. The bone stabilization implants described herein are generally sized and configured for delivery in a lateral delivery pathway and implanted such that a distal region of the implant is implanted in the sacrum, an intermediate region is implanted in or across the sacroiliac ("SI") joint, and a proximal region is implanted in the ilium. The bone implants herein include one or more threads along at least a portion of the implant, which allow the implant to be rotated and secured to the bone during implant treatment. When an implant herein is referred to as a threaded (screw-like) implant, it refers to an implant having one or more threads, any of which can extend along at least a portion of the length of the implant.

[0034] The threaded bone implants herein generally include different regions or portions along their length that are sized and / or configured to provide a function based at least in part on the anatomical region in which they are implanted. For example, an implant herein can have a distal region that is sized (e.g., length and / or width) and configured (e.g., threaded) to function to anchor in the relatively dense cancellous sacrum. This function can be compared to other regions of the implant that are not so sized and / or configured, or to other types of implants that are not so sized and / or configured in the manner described herein.

[0035] The disclosure herein may be related to disclosures from U.S. Publication Nos. 2018 / 0228621, 2013 / 0296953, and 2015 / 0105828, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0036] 1 illustrates an exemplary bone stabilization implant 100 that includes an elongate body extending from a distal end 102 to a proximal end 104 as shown. The elongate body includes a distal anchor region 120, an intermediate or central region 140, and a proximal region 160. In this embodiment, the distal region 120 includes a multi-lead, and in this particular example dual-lead, threaded region having threads 122a and 122b shown in FIG.

[0037] The distal region 120 also includes a porous network of interconnected struts 124 between the threads, one region of which is numbered in FIG. 1 . The porous network of interconnected struts is sometimes referred to herein as a porous lattice. FIG. 1 shows an example of a porous network of interconnected struts that can be considered to have a generally helical configuration extending between the threads of the threaded region, as shown. The helical configuration of the porous lattice may be interrupted by one or more fenestrations and / or flutings where no lattice is present (as shown in FIG. 1 ), but in these examples, the porous lattice can still be considered to have a generally helical configuration.

[0038] The distal region 120 is multi-lead (dual-lead in this example), and this configuration adapts the distal region 120 to more securely anchor into the dense cancellous sacrum.

[0039] A porous lattice herein can comprise an outer porous network of interconnected struts, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1 and described in more detail below. Any of the individual struts herein may also be referred to as a beam. Generally, it is preferred that the porous regions between the threads have a smooth outer contour to facilitate rotational insertion and proper fixation. Stated differently, it is generally desirable to avoid porous regions between the threads having a very rough outer surface with exposed strut ends, which can cause deleterious damage to adjacent bone and result in a less stable fixation. The porous network may have an irregular configuration of struts, a regular pattern of struts, or a combination thereof. It is therefore understood that the term lattice, as used herein, does not require a regular or repeating pattern of struts. Additional exemplary features of a porous network of interconnected struts are described below.

[0040] Implant 100 also includes a central or intermediate region 140, which is sized and configured (including other associated implant regions) to be positioned across the SI joint when implant 100 is delivered laterally across the SI joint. Central region 140 includes fewer lead threaded regions than distal region 120 and proximal region 160 and, in this embodiment, is single-lead. In this embodiment, thread 142 in central region 140 is considered to continue into distal region 120 as thread 122b, as shown, although in alternative embodiments, the thread in the central region may be considered to be part of a different thread that does not continue or extend into distal region 120. Thread 122b is considered to be continuous with thread 142 from distal region 120 to central region 140, even though the thread is interrupted one or more times by fenestrated and fluted regions, as described in more detail below.

[0041] Central region 140 includes a porous network of interconnected struts 144 (sometimes referred to herein as a lattice), only one of which is numbered in FIG. 1. Lattice 144, like lattice 124, is disposed between threads in central region 140. Porous lattice 144 can be considered continuous with porous lattice 124 in that lattice 144 and lattice 124 together approximate a generally helical configuration extending from distal region 120 to central region 140, also interrupted by one or more fenestrations and fluted regions as shown.

[0042] The exemplary single lead design in the central region 140 provides a relatively larger axial spacing between threads compared to, for example, the distal region 120. This relatively larger axial spacing creates a larger porous lattice 144 surface area, which is better adapted and configured to facilitate ingrowth and / or ongrowth when the central region 140 is implanted across the SI joint. The distal region 120 and the central region 140 are examples of regions where the central region has a relatively larger spacing between threads, providing a larger porous surface area between threads.

[0043] The elongate body also includes a proximal region 160, which includes a threaded region having a greater lead than the central region 140. In this example, the proximal region 160 includes a threaded region that is dual-lead, as shown. The threads 162a in the proximal region 160 are continuous with the threads 142 in the central region 140, although in alternative embodiments, they may be discontinuous. In this context, the term "continuous" is again understood to include one or more interruptions due to fluting and / or fenestrations, as shown in FIG. 1 . The multi-lead threaded region in the proximal region 160 facilitates strong fixation in dense iliac bone when the implant 100 is implanted laterally across the SI joint.

[0044] As described above, the implants herein can have distal, central, and proximal regions, each configured and sized to provide one or more functions based on the anatomical region in which they are positioned after the implant is fully implanted. In some embodiments, any of the distal regions herein (e.g., distal region 120 in FIG. 1 ) can have a length of, for example, 10 mm to 22 mm, which can ensure that the multi-lead region is secured to the dense sacrum near the center of the sacrum. In some embodiments, any of the central regions herein (e.g., central region 140) can have a length of 8 mm to 56 mm, which can ensure that the central region is positioned across the SI joint with a relatively large porous surface area extending across the joint to promote one or more regions of in-growth and / or on-growth. In some embodiments, any of the proximal regions herein (e.g., proximal region 160 in FIG. 1 ) can have a length of 6 mm to 10 mm, which can ensure that the multi-lead threaded proximal region is secured to the dense ilium. Proximal region herein, in terms of their length, is not intended to include the unthreaded proximal end of the elongate body, such as that designated by reference numeral 104 in FIG.

[0045] The implant body 100 also includes an inner shank (or shaft) or inner member from which one or more threads and one or more porous lattice regions extend radially. The inner shank may be considered the same as or similar to the shank of a screw or other threaded body. The inner shank herein need not be considered a continuous structure, but may include one or more breaks or discontinuities therein, such as one or more fenestrations extending therethrough. The inner shank or inner member herein in this context may be considered to include an inner surface from which one or more threads and one or more porous lattice structures extend radially.

[0046] Distal region 120 tapers toward its distal end, as shown in Figure 1, and this feature may be incorporated into any of the implants herein. Distal end 102 of this example also includes a pointed distal end element, which may be incorporated into any of the implants herein.

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary threaded bone implant 200. Implant 200 can have one or more features of implant 100 in FIG. 1, including features that may be similarly numbered (e.g., 120 and 220). One difference between implant 100 and implant 200 is that implant 200 includes a central region, the proximal portion 246 of which is devoid of voids or a porous network of interconnected struts. Proximal portion 246, which may be considered a solid portion, is positioned in the SI joint when the implant is fully implanted. Proximal portion 246 of central single threaded region 240 includes an inner member or inner shank 248 and threads extending radially therefrom. In some embodiments, implant 200 can be identical to implant 100 in all other respects. As shown in FIG. 2 , the shank 248 in the proximal portion 246 has the same or substantially the same radial dimension (e.g., diameter) as the porous network of interconnected struts 244 in the distal portion of the central region 240. An exemplary advantage of the lattice-free proximal portion 246 and the larger diameter shank in the proximal portion 246 is that the proximal region 246 may be stronger and more fatigue resistant in the region of the larger diameter shank. This may be important in some bone implants with certain dimensions, including in the region across the SI joint, that may reduce fatigue strength to an extent that including a lattice structure along the entire length is undesirable. For example, in some embodiments, the implant 200 may have an outer diameter of 9 to 11 mm (outer diameter of the threads), such as 10 mm.

[0048] 2, the medial shank 248 has a step-up region 210 in the central region 240 where the diameter of the shank increases in a step-up region from a distal portion of the central region 240 to a proximal portion 246 of the central region 240. The step-up in shank diameter increases the fatigue strength of the proximal portion 246, which is typically positioned across the joint.

[0049] 3-6 illustrate exemplary lag-threaded implants 300-600, respectively, in which the central and proximal regions are unthreaded, as shown. The lag implant includes a proximal washer, as shown, and its use is commonly known as a lag implant. In some applications, the threaded lag implants herein can be used, for example, for fracture repair.

[0050] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary threaded lug implant 300 including a distal threaded region 320, a non-threaded central region 340 spaced apart to be positioned across the SI joint, and a proximal non-threaded region 360. The distal region 340 is multi-lead, and in this embodiment, dual-lead. The implant 300 includes a plurality of spiral flutings or fluted regions (fluted regions) 370 (e.g., 370a, 370b, and 370c, as shown). The implant 300 further includes a plurality of fenestrations 380, which may be similar or identical to any of the fenestrations herein. For example, and as shown, each of the spiral flutings 370 is aligned with a plurality of fenestrations 380. The fenestrations in the distal region 320 may be larger than the fenestrations in the central and / or proximal regions 340, 360, respectively, for reasons such as those described herein.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3 , implant 300 includes a porous lattice or network of interconnected struts 324, additional exemplary details of which are described herein. Porous lattice 324 may also be considered to have a helical configuration disposed between both threads 322 and flutes, as shown. In this example, the porous lattice extends in distal region 320, central region 340, and proximal region 360. Any discussion herein regarding a porous network of interconnected struts can be incorporated into lattice 324. A washer 390 is also shown and is configured to be disposed approximately at the proximal end of implant 300, allowing a range of movement between implant 300 and washer 390.

[0052] Figure 4 shows implant 400, illustrating similar or identical features to implant 200 of Figure 2, particularly the proximal portion of porous lattice-free central region 440. The description in Figure 2 regarding the porous lattice-free portion is incorporated by reference into the description of implant 400 of Figure 4 for all purposes. As shown, an exemplary advantage of the lattice-free proximal portion of central region 440 and the larger diameter shank in the proximal portion of central region 440 is that the proximal region can be stronger and more fatigue resistant in the region of the larger diameter shank for the same reasons described herein with respect to Figure 2.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows the implant 400 from FIG. 4 and also shows an exemplary rotation angle and a washer 490, implant 400' is shown to illustrate the exemplary rotation angle.

[0054] Figure 6 illustrates an implant 600 that may be similar or the same as implant 300 shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 shows an exemplary rotation angle 690. Any pertinent discussion herein regarding implant 300 is incorporated by reference into the disclosure of Figure 6.

[0055] The threaded bone implants herein can include one or more flutings or fluted regions, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary threaded bone implant 700, which can include any other suitable feature of any other threaded bone implant described herein. The implant 700 has an elongate body including a plurality of spiral flutings or fluted regions 770a, 770b, 770c extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows an implant 200 including a plurality of spiral flutings 270a, 270b, 270c formed therein. The threaded bone implants herein can include three flutings (as shown in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 7), although the implants herein may be modified to include more or less than three flutings.

[0056] Implant 700 also includes fenestrations 780, only two of which are numbered in Figure 7. Implant 700 is another example of an implant body that includes grooves 770 that are each aligned with a plurality of separate fenestrations 780 formed through the elongate body. Each grooved region in this example includes a separate plurality or series of fenestrations that are aligned with the respective grooved region, as shown in Figure 7.

[0057] 2 and 7 show exemplary implants including multiple spiral flutings, each of which can extend from the distal region to and through the central region and optionally into the proximal region. As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple spiral flutings can extend to a minimum extent into the proximal multi-lead region 260, although the flutings may optionally not extend all the way through the proximal region.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 7 (but shown in other embodiments herein), the grooves or grooved regions (as well as one or more fenestrations) of the implant create interruptions in one or more threads extending around the elongate body.

[0059] The threaded implants herein can include one or more fenestrations or relatively large openings extending therethrough. FIG. 2 shows multiple fenestrations 280 (only two of which are numbered). FIGS. 2 and 7 are examples of threaded implants in which at least one (and optionally all) of the fenestrations are aligned with or overlap a fluted region of the implant. FIGS. 2 and 7 each show multiple fluted regions on each threaded implant, each of which is aligned with or overlapping multiple fenestrations. The fenestrations that are aligned with or overlapping each of the fluted regions are spaced axially along the fluted region, and together with the fluted regions, the fenestrations are arranged in a helical configuration, as shown more clearly in FIG. 7. In FIGS. 2 and 7, for example, there are three sets of helically oriented fenestrations, each set containing multiple fenestrations.

[0060] In any of the embodiments herein, any or all of the fenestrations in the implant can have a radially tapered (tapered) configuration. FIG. 8 illustrates a single fenestration 880 in the elongate body of a threaded implant, with a tapered configuration between a larger fenestration opening 881 on the radially outer side and a smaller fenestration opening 882 on the radially inner side, where the difference in opening size creates the tapered configuration. This type of taper is referred to herein as a radially inner taper. Any or all of the fenestrations in the threaded implant can be tapered in this manner. The fenestrations 880 are also an example of fenestrations aligned with fluted regions, as shown. FIG. 8 is also an example of a continuous thread interrupted by fluted regions and fenestrations 880, as shown.

[0061] Any of the implants herein may have multiple fenestrations, although not all implant fenestrations may have the same size or configuration as one or more other fenestrations in the implant. For example, in some embodiments, the distal region of the implant (e.g., distal region 220 in FIG. 2 ) may not need to have as much fatigue strength as a more proximally positioned region, such as central region 240 or proximal portion 246 of the central region, which may be implanted across the SI joint. Thus, any of the implants herein may have a distal region with one or more fenestrations that are larger than one or more fenestrations in at least a portion of the central region that is positioned across the SI joint. The central region of a threaded implant may have smaller fenestrations such that the implant has more structural material in the region that is positioned across the SI joint. Distal regions that may not need the same fatigue strength can have more openings, such as in the form of larger fenestrations, without adversely affecting the strength of the implant.

[0062] Moreover, any of the implants herein may include fenestrations in the distal region that have a less pronounced taper, with less difference in size or circumferential area between the radially inner and outer openings (i.e., a steeper transition between the inner and outer openings). Compared to one or more central region fenestrations, the distal region fenestrations may have relatively larger radially inner openings than the radially inner openings in the central region of the implant.

[0063] As described herein, any of the implants herein can include a porous region disposed radially outward from the inner member or shank, where the porous region extends along at least a portion of the threaded implant, including the region between one or more threads. For example, Figure 1 shows an implant 100 including a porous network of struts (e.g., 124) interconnected between the threads and extending along substantially all of the elongate body. Figure 2 shows an example of an implant 200 including a porous region (e.g., 224) extending between the threads, along at least a distal region of the implant, and along a proximal region of the implant.

[0064] Any of the porous networks of interconnected struts herein (e.g., lattice 144 in FIG. 1 , porous lattice 244 in FIG. 2 ) can be a porous network of interconnected struts arranged around an inner shank, an example of which is shown in FIG. 9 . With threaded implants as described herein, it may be desirable to have a porous network of interconnected struts present between the threads to approximate a smooth shank during rotation, thereby facilitating smooth rotational entry into the bone. This can minimize resistance and bone damage as the threaded implant is rotated through the bone, helping to securely anchor the threaded implant to the bone. This may be in contrast to a porous region that includes struts with many free ends that extend radially outward and are not interconnected with other struts as a network. The porous region herein can be configured as a porous network of interconnected struts arranged around an inner shank (e.g., 948), an exemplary highlighted region of which is shown in FIG. 9 .

[0065] FIG. 9 shows a portion of an exemplary implant 900 including threads 922, between which the implant includes a porous network of interconnected struts 944. The network of interconnected struts 944 includes a plurality of interconnected struts 950 (e.g., 950a, 950b, 950c), only some of which are numbered in FIG. 9 for clarity. The struts 950 are interconnected at junction or node locations 951, only two of which—951a and 951b—are numbered for clarity. A junction or node location herein can be the connection of two, three, four, or more individual struts or beams in the porous network of interconnected struts. As noted above, the porous network of interconnected struts preferably creates a smooth outer surface and can approximate a cylindrical shank (even if the network forms multiple pores between the struts), which facilitates relatively smooth rotation of the implant through the bone.

[0066] The porous network of interconnected struts has an outer dimension that is smaller than the outer diameter (thread diameter) of at least one helical thread, as shown in at least FIGS.

[0067] The porous network of interconnected struts herein can be formed in a variety of ways, for example, the porous network of interconnected struts can be considered to be substantially concentric about the longitudinal axis of the elongate body in at least a portion of the porous network of interconnected struts, which is partially shown in the perspective view of Figure 7. Further, the interconnected struts in a porous network of interconnected struts herein can be considered to have the same radially outermost dimension and be concentric about the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The porous network of interconnected struts herein can be considered to form a generally circular shape in an end view of the elongated body, as partially shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, the interconnected struts in a porous network of interconnected struts herein can be considered to approximate an outer cylindrical contour, even with the presence of pores formed by the struts and the possibility that threads may interrupt the outer cylindrical contour. Furthermore, the porous network of interconnected struts can be considered to form a generally cylindrical outer contour, even with the presence of pores formed by the struts and the possibility that threads may interrupt the generally cylindrical contour. Furthermore, the porous network of interconnected struts can be considered to form a substantially smooth outer surface, even with the presence of pores formed by the struts. Additionally, any porous network of interconnected struts herein may be considered to include radially outer struts with substantially no free strut ends extending radially outward.

[0068] 9, the porous lattice may further include a plurality of generally radially extending struts 952 that extend radially outward from the inner shank or inner member 948 and connect to the porous network of interconnected struts. The plurality of radially extending struts 952 generally connect the inner shank 948 to the outer porous network of interconnected struts. Radially extending struts (e.g., struts 952) as described in this context may have a radial dimension in addition to an axial dimension, and therefore are not necessarily orthogonal.

[0069] In any of the embodiments herein, the porous network of interconnected struts includes struts or beams, any of which can have a diameter of 0.175 mm to 0.300 mm.

[0070] In any of the embodiments herein, the porous network of interconnected struts may include point spacings of from 0.375 mm to 0.525 mm.

[0071] In some embodiments herein, such as that shown in Figure 1, the porous network of interconnected struts may have or form a generally helical configuration extending along the elongate body between at least one helical thread. A helically extending porous network herein may have interruptions formed therein and still be considered to have a helical configuration.

[0072] Any of the porous networks of interconnected struts herein can include one or more end regions, including free strut ends (e.g., 883 in FIG. 8), where the free strut ends are joined or extend from a fluted region of the elongated bone implant body, particularly in embodiments where the threaded implant is 3D printed. A free strut end in this context refers to a strut end that is not directly connected to another strut, and can be directly connected to another portion of the implant, such as the inner shank, threads, or fluting.

[0073] Any threaded implant herein can be 3D printed using one or more commonly known methods or techniques. FIG. 11 shows a portion of an exemplary implant 1100, which can include any feature of any threaded bone implant herein. Relative distal and proximal directions are noted. The thread 1122 shown in FIG. 11 can be the same or substantially the same as any thread shown in the examples of FIGS. 1-10. When a threaded bone implant herein, including a thread described herein, is 3D printed proximally or head-side down, the thread is printed in the orientation shown in FIG. 11. If the angle alpha (α) shown is sufficiently large, the thread tends to sag proximally (toward the head) during the 3D printing process. For example, in some embodiments, alpha can be greater than 45 degrees, such as 45 to 75 degrees, e.g., 45 to 65 degrees. Therefore, 3D printing some types of threaded bone implants in the head-to-tip direction may produce threads that do not have the desired configuration after the printing process.

[0074] One option for manufacturing a threaded bone implant with threads positioned at a precise angle is to print the threaded implant from the tip (distal end) to the head (proximal end); this orientation is generally shown in FIG. 12A. Printing in this orientation can produce threads at an angle that is beneficially less likely to droop or sag during the printing process, depending on the angle of the threads. For printing some threaded bone implants, it may be important to have a sturdy base for printing the implant face-up to maintain a vertical long axis throughout the printing process. FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary distal portion of a 3D printed threaded implant 1200, which includes a printed sacrificial tip 1290 with a flattened base 1291 that is removed (e.g., machined) after the printing process to create the finished, optionally sharpened, distal tip configuration shown in FIG. 12B. In this example, the sacrificial tip 1290 includes a flattened base 1291 that provides a sturdy base onto which the implant can be printed towards the head or proximal region. With any sacrificial sturdy base, printing in this orientation may allow for 3D printing of some threaded implants that would be difficult to print if attempting to print from the proximal head to the distal tip.

[0075] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for 3D printing a threaded bone implant (such as any threaded implant herein). The method may include printing the threaded bone implant from the distal end to the proximal end. The method may include printing an inner shank and printing at least one helical thread extending along at least a portion of the threaded bone implant and extending from the inner shank. The method may also include printing a porous network of interconnected struts around the inner shank, around a longitudinal axis of the elongated bone implant body, and between at least a portion of the at least one helical thread, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts has an outer dimension smaller than an outer diameter of the at least one helical thread. The method may include printing the porous network of interconnected struts such that at least a portion of the porous network of interconnected struts is substantially concentric about the longitudinal axis of the elongated body. The method may include printing a porous network of interconnected struts having a generally helical configuration extending along the elongate body between at least one helical thread and around the inner shank. The method may include printing the porous network of interconnected struts concentrically about the longitudinal axis of the elongate body with the same outermost radial dimension. The method may include printing strut ends disposed within and coupled to the grooved region of the implant. The method may include printing the porous network of interconnected struts to form a substantially smooth radial outer surface approximating a cylindrical contour.

[0076] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method of printing a threaded bone implant. The method may include 3D printing a sacrificial distal tip and printing the threaded bone implant over the sacrificial tip. The method may include removing the sacrificial tip (e.g., machining it away) and, after removing the sacrificial tip, optionally forming a sharpened distal tip at the distal end of the bone implant.

[0077] It is understood that features of one or more embodiments herein may be combined with one or more other embodiments herein, unless the present disclosure indicates otherwise.

Claims

1. A threaded bone implant having an elongated body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the elongated body comprising: one or more helical threads, each extending along at least a portion of the elongate body; an inner shank having one or more radially extending helical threads; a porous network of interconnected struts disposed about the inner shank and about the longitudinal axis of the elongated bone implant body; Including, the porous network of interconnected struts is disposed between one or more helical threads along at least a portion of the elongate body; the porous network of interconnected struts has an outer dimension that is smaller than an outer diameter of the one or more helical threads; Threaded bone implant.

2. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts has an outer contour that is substantially concentric around the longitudinal axis in at least a portion of the porous network of interconnected struts.

3. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts has a generally helical configuration extending along the elongated body between one or more helical threads.

4. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein substantially all of the interconnected struts in the porous network of interconnected struts have the same outermost radial dimensions and are concentric about their long axis.

5. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts includes one or more end regions including the free strut ends, the free strut ends being positioned in grooved regions of the elongated bone implant body, and the grooved regions interrupt at least one helical thread.

6. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts has an outer contour that has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the end of the elongated body.

7. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts forms a generally cylindrical outer contour along at least a portion of the elongated body.

8. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts forms a substantially smooth outer surface.

9. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 8, wherein the substantially smooth outer surface is substantially free of post free ends.

10. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein one or more helical threads extend along at least a distal portion of the elongate body.

11. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 10, wherein one or more helical threads extend along at least a distal portion and a central region of the elongate body.

12. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 10, wherein one or more helical threads have a double lead region in the distal portion of the elongate body.

13. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 1, wherein the elongate body has a length from the distal end to the proximal end, and wherein the threaded distal region, the threaded central region, and the proximal region each have individual lengths such that, when the implant is implanted laterally, the threaded distal region is positioned on the sacrum, the threaded central region is positioned across the SI joint, and the proximal region is positioned on the ilium.

14. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 13, wherein the proximal portion of the threaded central region is empty or lacks a porous network of interconnected struts.

15. A threaded bone implant as described in claim 14, wherein the porous network of interconnected struts comprises a first porous network of interconnected struts distal to the proximal portion and a second porous network of interconnected struts in the proximal region and axially spaced from the first porous network.

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