Magnetic joint implant
AssigneeP Tech, LLC
InventorsPeter M. Bonutti, Justin E. Beyers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The application is directed to devices and methods where one or more magnetic or magnetizable implants provides therapeutic benefits to a patient. The implant may be useful for expanding the range of motion of joints or dynamically providing different responses to changing conditions in the body where the implant is placed. An electromagnet is placed on or in a bone on one side of a joint, and another electromagnet or magnetically active material is placed on or in a bone on the opposing side of the joint. The electromagnet may be continuously energized to relieve pressure in the joint space, or may be energized in response to forces applied to the joint.
Claims20
A method for maintaining a space between first and second bone portions, the method comprising the steps of:
- implanting a first magnetic element into the first bone portion, the first magnetic element having a first magnetic field associated therewith;
- implanting a second magnetic element into the second bone portion, the second magnetic element having a second magnetic field associated therewith;
- and
- selectively distracting or attracting the first and second bone portions by interaction between the first and second magnetic fields;
- wherein the first magnetic element is a first electromagnet;
- and
- wherein the first magnetic field is dynamically adjustable based on pressure exerted on the first bone portion.
An apparatus for adjusting separation of opposing sides of a joint in a body, comprising:
- at least one electromagnet associated with a first side of the joint;
- means to energize said at least one electromagnet, responsive to a force driving the opposing sides of the joint together or apart;
- an element associated with a second side of the joint, attracted to or repelled by said electromagnet when said electromagnet is energized.
A method of treating a disease of a joint, comprising the steps of:
- providing at least one implantable electromagnet to a surgical practitioner;
- instructing said practitioner in the manner of associating said at least one electromagnet with at least one side of the diseased joint;
- providing at least one element that is attracted or repelled by said electromagnet when said electromagnet is energized;
- providing means to energize said electromagnet, responsive to a force driving the opposing sides of the joint together or apart.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.