Modulated constraining apparatus and methods of use

Abstract

A constraining apparatus includes a constraining structure that captures a first and a second anatomical structure. A motion limiting member coupled with the constraining structure is adapted to provide a force resistant to relative movement of the first anatomical structure away from the second anatomical structure. A regulating member is detachably coupled with the motion limiting member or the constraining structure and is adapted to change the resistant force provided by the motion limiting member when the regulating member is in direct engagement with the motion limiting member or constraining structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A constraining apparatus comprising:
 a constraining structure, wherein the constraining structure is adapted to capture a first and a second anatomical structure;   a motion limiting member coupled with the constraining structure, the motion limiting member adapted to provide a force resistant to relative movement of the first anatomical structure away from the second anatomical structure; and   a regulating member coupled with the motion limiting member or the constraining structure, the regulating member adapted to change the resistant force provided by the motion limiting member when the regulating member is in direct engagement with the motion limiting member or the constraining structure,   wherein the regulating member comprises a bioabsorbable cover encasing at least a portion of the motion limiting member in an expanded configuration such that upon erosion of the cover, the regulating member is biased to return to a contracted configuration thereby tightening the constraining structure.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the regulating member is detachably coupled with the motion limiting member. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the constraining structure comprises a substantially inelastic or inextensible tether. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the constraining structure comprises a strap. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first anatomical structure comprises a first spinous process and the second anatomical structure comprises a second spinous process or sacrum. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein a third spinous process is disposed between the first spinous process and the second spinous process or sacrum. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first anatomical structure comprises a bone and the second anatomical structure comprises a portion of the bone fractured or cut therefrom. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the bone comprises a greater trochanter. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motion limiting member comprises a compliance member. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the compliance member comprises a spring. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the compliance member is integral with the constraining structure. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the compliance member comprises an elastomer. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising a second compliance member coupled with the constraining structure. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the regulating member comprises a pin joint pivotably coupling the compliance member and the constraining structure so as to allow realignment of the constraining apparatus in response to expansion or contraction of adjacent tissue. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motion limiting member comprises a damper element. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein bioabsorbable cover encasing at least a portion of the motion limiting member limits movement of the motion limiting member and increases stiffness of the motion limiting member. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the regulating member into the contracted configuration. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the bioabsorbable cover comprises polylactic acid or polyglycolic acid. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the regulating member comprises a damper element adapted to absorb transient loads or motions. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the damper comprises a viscoelastic material. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the damper absorbs transient loads or motions due to friction between components in the damper. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the damper comprises a biodegradable component and biodegradation thereof adjusts the damping effect. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the damper is in parallel with the motion limiting member. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the damper is in series with the motion limiting member. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , further comprising a second damper element coupled with the constraining structure. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the regulating member comprises a restraint detachably coupled with the motion limiting member. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the restraint comprises a clip, and wherein engagement of the clip with the motion limiting member increases stiffness thereof, while disengagement of the clip from the motion limiting member decreases stiffness thereof. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the restraint is bioabsorbable. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the regulating member comprises an inner core and an outer sheath disposed at least partially over the inner core, and wherein one of the inner core or the outer sheath is bioabsorbable and the other is elastic. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism coupled with the constraining structure, the locking mechanism adapted to releasably hold the constraining structure in a loop around the first and second anatomical structures. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism coupled with the constraining structure, the locking mechanism adapted to adjust tension or size in the constraining structure. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a therapeutic agent carried by the apparatus and adapted to be released therefrom.