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US 10,070,964 B2Granted
Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
AssigneeMoximed, Inc.
InventorsAnton G. Clifford, Mary O'Connell, Joshua Makower, Richard G. Vecchiotti
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.
Claims30
A method for supporting a knee joint, comprising:
- providing a knee support apparatus comprising a first base, a second base, and an energy manipulation assembly, wherein the energy manipulation assembly is configured to transfer load between the first base and the second base in a fully extended position and avoid transferring force between the first base and the second base in a fully flexed position;
- anchoring the first and second bases to the femur and tibia in positions which ensure elongation of the energy manipulation assembly as the knee moves from extension into flexion;
- after said anchoring, off-loading the joint at knee extension with said knee support apparatus;
- and after said anchoring, decreasing said off-loading upon knee flexion from knee extension until no off-loading is performed, wherein the knee support apparatus energy manipulation assembly comprises:
- a spring;
- a rod;
- a mating section engaged to the first base;
- a first joint positioned between and connected to the mating section and one of the rod and the spring;
- and a second joint positioned between the other of the rod and the spring and the second base, wherein the rod is configured to compress the spring and transfer load between the first base and the second base in a fully extended position of the knee joint and the rod is configured to move relative to the spring such that the energy manipulation assembly substantially avoids transferring force between the first base and the second base in a fully flexed position of the knee joint.
6 more elements
A method for supporting a knee joint including a femur and a tibia, comprising:
- providing a knee support apparatus comprising a first base, a second base, and an energy manipulating assembly including a spring for absorbing energy between members defining the knee joint;
- anchoring the first base to the femur;
- anchoring the second base to the tibia;
- and after said anchoring steps, configuring the energy manipulating assembly such that the spring absorbs loads between the femur and tibia at knee extension, and decreasingly absorbs loads between the femur and tibia upon knee flexion from knee extension until no off-loading is performed, wherein the knee support apparatus includes:
- a rod;
- a mating section engaged to the first base;
- a first joint positioned between and connected to the mating section and one of the rod and the spring;
- and a second joint positioned between the other of the rod and the spring and the second base, wherein the rod is configured to compress the spring and transfer load between the first base and the second base in a fully extended position of the knee joint and the rod is configured to move relative to the spring such that the energy manipulating assembly substantially avoids transferring force between the first base and the second base in a fully flexed position of the knee joint.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.