Joint implants with bone interface connectors
Inventors
Smith, Fraser M. • Hart, Marcia Andrews • Katz, Ryan David • Doyle, Allan C.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12290445-B1
Publication Date
2025-05-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A joint implant can include a proximal joint implant element having a proximal curved interface surface and a proximal base portion. The joint implant can also include a distal joint implant element coupled to the proximal joint implant element, having a distal curved interface surface facing the proximal curved interface surface, and a distal base portion. A first filament segment and a second filament segment can extend from the proximal joint implant element to the distal joint implant element. The second filament segment can cross the first filament segment at a location between the proximal joint implant element and the distal joint implant element. A proximal bone interface connector can be connected to the proximal base portion, and a distal bone interface connector can be connected to the distal base portion.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a joint implant sized and configured to be implanted in a joint of a subject. The implant includes a proximal joint implant element with a proximal curved interface surface and a proximal base portion having a hollow interior, and a distal joint implant element rotatably coupled to the proximal joint implant element with a distal curved interface surface. The distal curved interface surface and the proximal curved interface surface interface with, and roll relative to, one another through a range of motion without slipping.
A first filament segment extends from an attachment point on the proximal joint implant element to an attachment point on the distal joint implant element. A second filament segment extends from an attachment point on the distal joint implant element to an attachment point on the proximal joint implant element, and the second filament segment crosses the first filament segment at a location between the proximal joint implant element and the distal joint implant element. At least one proximal groove and at least one distal groove are formed on the curved interface surfaces and are sized and configured to accommodate portions of the filament segments.
The joint implant further includes a proximal tensioning element positioned in the hollow interior of the proximal base portion and configured to tension at least one of the filament segments, and a distal tensioning element positioned in the hollow interior of the distal base portion and configured to tension at least one of the filament segments. A proximal bone interface connector is supported by the proximal tensioning element and is configured to be implanted in a first bone of a subject, and a distal bone interface connector is supported by the distal tensioning element and is configured to be implanted in a second bone of a subject. The disclosed configurations include modular joint implant arrangements with detachable bone anchors, including symmetric and asymmetric proximal/distal component arrangements.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines five inventive features covering the core joint implant structure and its cooperative filament-tensioning arrangement.
Joint implant with rolling proximal and distal curved interfaces
A joint implant comprising a proximal joint implant element having a proximal curved interface surface and an adjacent proximal base portion having a hollow interior; and a distal joint implant element rotatably coupled to the proximal joint implant element with a distal curved interface surface facing the proximal curved interface surface, where the curved interface surfaces interface with, and roll relative to, one another through a range of motion, and the distal joint implant element further comprises a distal base portion having a hollow interior.
Crossing first and second filament segments between proximal and distal elements
A first filament segment extends from an attachment point on the proximal joint implant element to an attachment point on the distal joint implant element, and a second filament segment extends from an attachment point on the distal joint implant element to an attachment point on the proximal joint implant element, wherein the second filament segment crosses the first filament segment at a location between the proximal joint implant element and the distal joint implant element.
Grooves accommodating filament portions on curved interface surfaces
At least one proximal groove formed on the proximal curved interface surface and at least one distal groove formed on the distal curved interface surface, each sized and configured to accommodate a portion of at least one of the first or second filament segments.
Proximal and distal tensioning elements tensioning filaments in hollow interiors
A proximal tensioning element positioned in the hollow interior of the proximal base portion and configured to tension at least one of the first or second filament segments, and a distal tensioning element positioned in the hollow interior of the distal base portion and configured to tension at least one of the first or second filament segments.
Proximal and distal bone interface connectors supported by tensioning elements
A proximal bone interface connector supported by the proximal tensioning element and configured to be implanted in a first bone of a subject, and a distal bone interface connector supported by the distal tensioning element and configured to be implanted in a second bone of a subject.
The claim integrates rolling proximal and distal curved interfaces with crossing filament segments received by grooves, while proximal and distal tensioning elements in respective hollow interiors tension the filaments and support proximal and distal bone interface connectors for implantation in two bones.
Stated Advantages
Non-slip rolling of the proximal and distal curved interface surfaces through a range of motion.
Accommodation of filament portions via proximal and distal grooves to manage filament behavior during rolling.
Filament tension is provided by proximal and distal tensioning elements positioned in hollow interiors.
Documented Applications
A joint implant sized and configured to be implanted in a joint of a subject, for hinge-like motion in joints including PIP joint, DIP joint, MCP joint, elbow joint, and knee joint.
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