Facet Joint Resurfacing Devices for Minimally Invasive Pain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for facet joint pain, such as joint replacement and fixation, are invasive, alter spinal biomechanics, and do not adequately address ongoing joint degeneration, leading to kinematic and biomechanical dysfunction and transition syndrome in other joints.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising superior and inferior resurfacing devices made of polyetherketone (PEK)-based materials that conform to the natural shape of the facet joint articular faces, establishing a new sliding interface to alleviate bone-on-bone contact and pain, while being inserted minimally invasively without surgical removal of bone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If joint replacement or fusion is performed to relieve severe degenerative joint pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the procedure is invasive and alters spinal biomechanics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the treatment approach by using separate superior and inferior resurfacing devices that can be independently inserted and positioned on the facet joint surfaces, avoiding the need for complete joint replacement or fusion while still achieving pain relief
Solution Approach 2:
The resurfacing devices are designed to conform locally to the specific geometry of the facet joint articular faces, providing customized coverage only where needed rather than altering the entire joint structure or spinal biomechanics
2Object-affected harmful factors
If joint replacement is performed to treat facet joint pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the implant typically only lasts about 10-15 years
Solution Approach 1:
The resurfacing devices replicate the natural articular cartilage surfaces by conforming to the native facet joint geometry, creating a durable interface that mimics natural joint mechanics and potentially extends implant longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The devices utilize composite construction with a rigid substrate providing structural support and a compliant articulating surface providing wear resistance and shock absorption, combining the benefits of different materials to enhance durability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fixation is performed to treat facet joint pain, then pain relief is achieved, but ongoing joint degeneration is not adequately addressed, leading to kinematic and biomechanical dysfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The resurfacing devices maintain dynamic joint function by allowing natural facet joint motion and rotation, unlike fixation which creates rigidity, thereby preserving kinematic function while addressing pain
Solution Approach 2:
The devices enable the joint to self-lubricate and self-regulate through natural motion, maintaining joint health and preventing further degeneration without requiring external intervention or altering spinal biomechanics
4Ease of operation
If minimally invasive insertion is used to insert resurfacing devices, then surgical trauma is reduced, but precise conforming to articular faces must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The devices incorporate shape memory or phase change materials that allow them to be inserted in a simplified configuration and then transform in situ to conform precisely to the complex articular face geometry, resolving the contradiction between easy insertion and precise fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a facet joint of a patient. The facet joint includes a superior articular face and an inferior articular face. An implant is secured to an implant insertion tool by mating a first engagement feature on the implant with a second engagement feature on the implant insertion tool. A distal end of a guide cannula is positioned proximate the facet joint. The guide cannula has an internal passage extending therethrough. The implant slides through the guide cannula passage until the implant passes through a distal end of the guide cannula passage and is at least partially between the superior articular face and the inferior articular face. A force of at least 1 Newton is exerted on the implant insertion tool to separate the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature.