Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method

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.

1 . An implantable device for relieving knee pain, the implantable device comprising:
 first and second base components configured for attachment to a lateral or medial side of a knee joint;   an energy manipulation member connectable to the first and second base components at first and second connections respectively, wherein the energy manipulation member is configured such that the first and second connections move apart as the knee joint moves from 0° flexion to at least 60° flexion.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second connections comprise articulating surfaces. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy manipulation member is configured to be positioned entirely outside of the articular surfaces of the knee joint. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein energy manipulation member is configured to be positioned beneath the skin of the patient. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein energy manipulation member is configured to be positioned beneath the skin of the patient. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy manipulation member is configured to act in compression to share at least a portion of the load normally experienced by the knee joint. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy manipulation member comprises a spring. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the spring in arranged in the energy manipulation member to act in compression and to exert no force on the joint in tension. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy manipulation member comprises means to apply a force in a direction of distraction of the knee joint to relieve pain. 
   
   
       10 . An implantable device for relieving joint pain, the implantable device comprising:
 first and second base components configured for attachment to a lateral or medial side of a joint;   an energy manipulation member connectable to the first and second base components at first and second connections respectively, wherein the energy manipulation member is configured such that the first and second connections move apart as the joint moves from 0° flexion to at least 60° flexion.   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second connections comprise articulating surfaces. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the energy manipulation member is configured to be positioned entirely outside of the articular surfaces of the joint. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein energy manipulation member is configured to be positioned beneath the skin of the patient. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein energy manipulation member is configured to be positioned beneath the skin of the patient. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the energy manipulation member is configured to act in compression to share at least a portion of the load normally experienced by the joint. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the energy manipulation member comprises a spring. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the spring in arranged in the energy manipulation member to act in compression and to exert no force on the joint in tension. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the energy manipulation member comprises means to apply a force in a direction of distraction of the joint to relieve pain.