SI Joint Stabilizing Implant Positioning Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in stabilizing the sacro-iliac (SI) joint is the difference in bone density between the ilium and sacrum, which can cause SI joint implants to deflect away from denser cortical iliac bone and migrate towards the less dense sacrum during dorsal approach implantation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of elongate implant positioning guides advanced in a dorsal trajectory into the ilium, engaging guide interface members with the implant to restrict movement, and guiding the implant across the SI joint while preventing migration towards the sacrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an implant is advanced across the SI joint from a dorsal approach, then the implant can be positioned to stabilize the joint, but the implant may deflect away from denser cortical iliac bone and migrate towards the less dense sacrum due to bone density differences
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning guide is introduced as an intermediary device between the implant and the bone. The guide is advanced into the ilium first, then the implant is engaged with the guide and advanced along it. The guide acts as a mediator that controls the implant's path through the density transition zone, preventing deflection towards the less dense sacrum while maintaining reliable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning guide is advanced into the ilium before the implant is introduced. This preliminary positioning of the guide establishes a controlled trajectory through the cortical bone and density transition zone before the implant is engaged and advanced, ensuring the implant follows the predetermined safe path.
2Productivity
If the implant is advanced directly across the SI joint without a positioning guide, then the implantation process is simpler and faster, but the implant may migrate towards the sacrum due to bone density differences
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning guide serves as a temporary intermediary that enables both speed and precision. The guide can be quickly advanced and the implant engaged with it, providing a rapid yet controlled method that prevents migration while maintaining efficient implantation workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of implanting SI joint stabilization implants across a SI joint from a dorsal approach. The methods may include advancing an elongate implant positioning guide in a dorsal trajectory into an ilium of a subject, directly engaging a guide interface member of a SI joint stabilization implant with the positioning guide to restrict movement of the implant with respect to the positioning guide in at least one direction, and advancing the implant across the SI joint while guiding the implant with the positioning guide.