Facet Joint Resurfacing Device for Minimally Invasive Pain Relief
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for facet joint-related pain, such as joint replacement and fixation, are invasive, disruptive to spinal biomechanics, and do not adequately address degenerative joint issues, leading to ongoing pain and kinematic dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive method involving the use of resurfacing devices with articulating surfaces and engagement surfaces, such as teeth, that are inserted between the superior and inferior articular faces of the facet joint to restore normal mobility and alleviate pain without disrupting the joint's natural function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If joint replacement or fusion is performed to relieve severe degenerative joint pain, then pain relief is achieved, but spinal biomechanics are disrupted and mobility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces resurfacing devices as intermediary components that fit between the superior and inferior articular faces of the facet joint. These devices serve as mediators that restore the articular surface while preserving the natural joint architecture and biomechanics, avoiding the need for complete joint replacement or fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The facet joint is segmented into distinct components: the superior articular face, the inferior articular face, and the interposed resurfacing device. This segmentation allows the resurfacing device to address only the degenerated articular surface while preserving the surrounding healthy structures and natural joint mechanics.
2Reliability
If facet joint fusion is performed to alleviate chronic lower back pain, then pain is reduced, but natural joint motion is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The resurfacing device acts as an intermediary that enables pain relief without eliminating joint motion. By restoring the articular surface with a device that maintains the joint space and allows controlled movement, the natural joint motion is preserved while still providing therapeutic benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The resurfacing device is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the facet joint to maintain its natural range of motion and biomechanical function. The device adapts to the dynamic forces and movements of the spine, preserving ease of operation while providing pain relief.
3Reliability
If traditional joint replacement is used to treat facet joint arthritis, then severe pain is relieved, but the procedure is invasive and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The resurfacing device serves as a minimally invasive intermediary that can be inserted between the articular faces without requiring extensive bone removal or disruption of surrounding structures. This approach provides pain relief while minimizing the harmful effects of invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The resurfacing device addresses only the local degenerated articular surface rather than replacing the entire joint. This localized approach reduces the invasive impact on surrounding healthy tissues while still providing effective pain relief for the affected area.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint includes a superior facet having superior articular face and an inferior facet having an inferior articular face. A distal end of an implant delivery cannula is extended between the superior and inferior articular faces. The implant delivery cannula has a channel extending therethrough. An implant is moved through the channel until the implant is between the superior and inferior articular faces while at least a portion of the implant is within the channel. The implant includes a first surface and a second surface. The implant delivery cannula is moved away from the superior and inferior articular faces so that the first surface is adjacent the superior articular face and the second surface is adjacent the inferior articular face.