Shoulder implant

Abstract

Apparatus and method for a shoulder implant, for example, for the glenohumeral joint. Optionally, The implant is expandable and deflatable during implantation. Optionally the implant is sized for the gelnoid fossa. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the selection and/or implantation of the implant include adapting the implant by size and function to a particular patient's need.

1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . An expandable implantable device sized to fit within a glenoid fossa, when in an expanded, deployed form, between and selectively formable from a minimally invasive delivery form to a chosen expanded form smaller in at least one dimension than said deployed expanded form. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . An expandable implantable device sized and shaped to include at least a section which fits in a synovial joint capsule such that it sits in a fossa, when in an expanded, deployed form, between and selectively formable from a minimally invasive delivery form to a chosen expanded form smaller in at least one dimension than said deployed expanded form, wherein said device has a body which fits within a glenoid fossa and one or more anchoring elements which extend onto a Labrum. 
     
     
         20 . An expandable implantable device sized and shaped to include at least a section which fits in a synovial joint capsule such that it sits in a fossa, when in an expanded, deployed form, between and selectively formable from a minimally invasive delivery form to a chosen expanded form smaller in at least one dimension than said deployed expanded form, wherein said device has a main body shaped to sit in a glenoid fossa and one or more elements which extend out of said fossa, and are thinner over a Labrum than at said main body. 
     
     
         21 . A device according to  claim 19 , wherein said one or more anchoring element comprises a lip. 
     
     
         22 . A device according to  claim 19 , wherein said one or more anchoring element comprises a plurality of ears adapted to have anchors attached thereto. 
     
     
         23 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein said device is ellipse-like to match a glenoid fossa shape. 
     
     
         24 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein said device is circular with a diameter to match an inner diameter of a glenoid fossa. 
     
     
         25 . A device according to  claim 23 , wherein said device has at least one aperture therethrough. 
     
     
         26 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein said device is non-planar to comply, at least in part, with a curvature of said glenoid fossa. 
     
     
         27 . A device according to  claim 26 , wherein said device has two faces, each adapted to conform to a bone face and wherein the two faces have different spatial curvatures. 
     
     
         28 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein said device is constructed to endure compressive forces of at least 100 Kg over a period of at least 3 years without mechanical failure. 
     
     
         29 . A device according to  claim 17 , wherein said device can be inflated and deflated during implantation to have a chosen consistency. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 29 , wherein said chosen consistency resembles at least one of a natural healthy bone consistency, a natural healthy articular cartilage consistency, and a natural healthy synovium consistency. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said device is formed of a biodegradable material. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising at least one connection between two sides of the device other than at its edge, the connection defining a maximum expansion volume of said device. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising a mesh or other surface adapted to adhere or cause adherence to a joint face. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said device comprises a smooth surface adapted to allow a humeral head to slide on. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said device comprises a smooth surface adapted to allow a glenoid to slide on. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising an anti-adhesive layer adapted to prevent bone adhesion. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising at least one anchor adapted for attaching said device to a joint portion. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein said at least one anchor comprises an anchor adapted for attaching said device to a bone. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein said at least one anchor comprises an anchor adapted for attaching said device to a labrum section. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 17 , comprising a sleeve for surrounding said implant during implantation and a deployment tube incorporating at least one of a seal and a valve for passage of fluid into said device during implantation thereof. 
     
     
         41 . A device according to  claim 17 , comprising a second section, connected to said device by a bridge, which second section is adapted to provide a bursa function to a shoulder joint. 
     
     
         42 . A device according to  claim 41 , wherein said bridge comprises a valve. 
     
     
         43 - 49 . (canceled) 
     
     
         50 . The device of  claim 20 , comprising a smooth surface adapted to allow a humeral head to slide on. 
     
     
         51 . The device of  claim 20 , comprising a smooth surface adapted to allow a glenoid to slide on.