Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems

Abstract

A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

1 .- 44 . (canceled) 
     
     
         45 . A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint, the members collectively defining a path of motion and having a cartilage configured therebetween, the system including an energy absorption assembly, comprising:
 a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint;   a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint;   a first curved load bearing surface connected to the first attachment structure; and   a second curved load bearing surface connected to the second attachment structure;   wherein the first curved load bearing surface and the second curved load bearing surface are configured to engage and rotate with respect to each other and to absorb energy as the first and second members of the joint move through flexion.   
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the energy absorption assembly includes an elastic component configured between the first curved load bearing surface and the first attachment structure. 
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the energy absorption assembly includes an elastic component configured between the second curved load bearing surface and the second attachment structure. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the energy absorption assembly includes an elastic component configured between the first attachment structure and the first member of the joint. 
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the energy absorption assembly includes an elastic component configured between the second attachment structure and the second member of the joint. 
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein a connection between the first curved load bearing surface and the first attachment structure is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein a connection between the second curved load bearing surface and the second attachment structure is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein a connection between the first attachment structure and the first member of the joint is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein a connection between the second attachment structure and the second member of the joint is spring-loaded. 
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the first curved load bearing surface defines a cam surface. 
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the second curved load bearing surface defines a cam surface. 
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein as the first and second members of the joint transition between extension and flexion, the first and second curved load bearing surfaces move between varying degrees of engagement. 
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein when the first and second members of the joint are in an extension configuration, off-loading and energy manipulation is at its greatest. 
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein varying degrees of engagement between the first and second curved load bearing surfaces are pre-selected. 
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the system transfers energy that the cartilage would normally experience during gait to bone outside the joint. 
     
     
         60 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the joint is a knee joint affected with osteoarthritis and variable amounts of energy absorption occurs while the members defining the joint follow the path of motion. 
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the energy absorption assembly complements energy absorbing function of the cartilage. 
     
     
         62 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the energy absorption assembly augments energy absorbing function of the cartilage. 
     
     
         63 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the energy absorption assembly is a cartilage mimicking assembly.