SI Joint Prosthesis Deployment for Minimally Invasive Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional SI joint stabilization methods, both open and minimally-invasive, suffer from significant disadvantages such as extensive tissue damage, increased risk of complications, suboptimal visualization, and structural failure of prostheses, particularly when addressing SI joint dysfunction.

Innovation Solution

A minimally-invasive system for stabilizing dysfunctional SI joints using a tool assembly with a guide pin, drill guide, and a SI joint prosthesis deployment assembly, allowing for posterior access through a 3.0 cm incision, with drill guide fixation sub-systems to create pilot openings and guide prostheses into optimal engagement with SI joint structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional open SI joint stabilization methods are used, then structural stability of the joint is improved, but extensive tissue damage and surgical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilityVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the essential stabilization function from the complex open surgical procedure by using a minimally-invasive percutaneous approach. The prosthesis is delivered through a small incision using a deployment device, separating the stabilization function from extensive tissue dissection and exposure required in open surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment device serves as an intermediary tool that enables prosthesis insertion through a minimally-invasive approach. This intermediary device allows the prosthesis to be delivered percutaneously through a small incision, avoiding the need for open surgical exposure while still achieving proper prosthesis placement and joint stabilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional minimally-invasive SI joint stabilization methods are used, then tissue disruption is reduced, but prosthesis engagement reliability and structural strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue disruptionVSAvoidprosthesis engagement reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is designed with self-expanding or self-locking features that enable it to achieve secure engagement with the SI joint structures automatically upon deployment. The prosthesis structure itself provides the engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for additional fixation steps or complex anchoring procedures that could compromise reliability in minimally-invasive approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional SI joint stabilization methods are used, then joint stabilization is achieved, but surgical time and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint stabilizationVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is pre-loaded into the deployment device in a compressed or collapsed state before the procedure. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment through a small incision without requiring time-consuming intraoperative assembly or complex positioning maneuvers, significantly reducing surgical time while maintaining joint stabilization efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If conventional open surgical approaches are used, then prosthesis placement precision is improved, but visualization requirements and surgical invasiveness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthesis placement precisionVSAvoidsurgical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical exposure and direct visualization approach of open surgery with image-guided navigation and fluoroscopic imaging. This allows precise prosthesis placement to be achieved through minimally-invasive percutaneous access, substituting direct mechanical visualization with advanced imaging technologies to guide the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12582528B2Systems for sacroiliac joint stabilization

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 TENON MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Systems are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. The systems include a drill guide adapted to create a pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint through an incision comprising a length no greater than 3.0 cm; portions of the pilot SI joint opening being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. The drill guide includes a tri-mode fixation system adapted to position and stabilize the drill guide during creation of the pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint and delivery of the SI joint prosthesis therein. The systems also include a SI joint prosthesis configured to be inserted into the pilot SI joint opening of the dysfunctional SI joint, and a prosthesis deployment assembly configured to engage the SI joint prosthesis and advance the SI joint prosthesis into the dysfunctional SI joint.