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 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method of relieving joint pain with an implantable device, comprising:
 making an incision in a patient's skin adjacent a natural knee joint;   manipulating tissue to expose bone in a region of device attachment;   inserting an implantable device within the incision;   placing the device on the bone;   attaching the device to the bone with screws under the patient's skin and outside of a natural joint capsule while preserving motion of the natural knee joint; and   closing the incision;   wherein the implanted device reduces load on at least a portion of the natural knee joint.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the device reduces load on a portion of the natural knee joint by transferring load during normal gait. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the amount of load transferred varies during pivoting of the natural knee joint. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the amount of load reduction is between about 1% and about 40% of the energy the joint normally experiences. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the amount of load reduction is between about 5% and about 20% of the energy the joint normally experiences. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein a highest load reduction occurs during knee extension and little or no load reduction occurs during flexion of the knee joint. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the device is contoured to match potential mounting surfaces of the femur or tibia. 
     
     
         42 . A method of relieving joint pain with an implantable device, comprising:
 making an incision in a patient's skin adjacent a natural knee joint;   manipulating tissue to expose bone in a region of device attachment;   inserting an implantable device within the incision;   placing the device on the bone;   attaching the device to the bone with screws under the patient's skin and outside of a natural joint capsule while preserving motion of the natural knee joint;   closing the incision; and   redistributing load on the natural knee joint during the pivoting of the natural knee joint to provide a highest load redistribution during extension of the natural knee joint and little or no load redistribution during flexion of the natural knee joint.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the device redistributes load on a portion of the natural knee joint by transferring load during normal gait. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the amount of load redistributed varies during pivoting of the natural knee joint. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the amount of load redistribution is between about 1% and about 40% of the energy the joint normally experiences. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the amount of load redistribution is between about 5% and about 20% of the energy the joint normally experiences. 
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the device is contoured to match potential mounting surfaces of the femur or tibia.