Sacroiliac joint immobilization
AssigneeIlion Medical, Inc.
InventorJohn G. Stark
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.
Claims13
A method for immobilizing a patient's sacroiliac joint through a passageway provided by an extra-articular recess into the sacroiliac joint wherein the sacroiliac joint and the extra-articular recess are formed by a surface of an ilium bone and a surface of a sacrum bone, the method comprising inserting an immobilization/fusion element into the sacroiliac joint between the ilium and the sacrum bones through the extra-articular recess and thereby driving apart the surfaces of the ilium and sacrum bones that form the sacroiliac joint and adjoining surfaces of the extra-articular recess, wherein the element is inserted through a cannula, over a pin, or both, that is placed through an incision formed in the patient to immobilize the sacroiliac joint.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.