Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device

Abstract

A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . A method for treating a joint, comprising:
 implanting a first attachment structure on a first member of the joint;   implanting a second attachment structure on a second member of the joint;   attaching an energy absorbing device to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure; and   adjusting the energy absorbing device to change the amount of load the energy absorbing device can accommodate.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device includes translating a collar over an arbor shaft of the energy absorbing device to change the compression of a spring disposed over the arbor shaft. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device includes removing any load from the spring before translating the collar over the arbor shaft to change the compression of the spring. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device includes inserting a tool to unlock the collar, thereby allowing the collar to translate over the arbor shaft. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device includes locking the collar into a position along a length of the arbor shaft with the tool. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device is accomplished through the skin of a patient. 
     
     
         15 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method for treating a joint, comprising:
 implanting a first attachment structure on a first member of the joint;   implanting a second attachment structure on a second member of the joint; and   attaching an energy manipulation device to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure;   wherein the energy manipulation device is implanted in an inactive condition.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the energy manipulation device is left in the inactive condition for several weeks. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the energy manipulation device is left in the inactive condition during natural healing where surrounding tissues and bone grow over the device. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising adjusting the energy manipulation device subsequent to surrounding tissue overgrowing the device to an extent that the tissue aids in affixing the device at an implantation site. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising adjusting the energy manipulation device through the skin of a patient. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising adjusting the energy manipulation device with the aid of a tool. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein one or more of the attachment structures of the energy manipulation device are configured to absorb energy. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the energy manipulation device includes structure accomplishing bottoming out of energy absorbing components of the energy manipulation device. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , further comprising adjusting the structure accomplishing bottoming out of energy absorbing components so that the attachment structures absorb energy at a desired point in an articulation cycle of the members defining the joint.