474 results about "Joint spaces" patented technology

A joint endoprosthesis system has first and second prosthetic components. The second prosthetic component has a bearing surface. The interface of the bearing surface and the first prosthetic component defines the joint articulation. A signal source and sensor are affixed on opposite sides of the joint articulation. The signal source generates a first signal that is received by the sensor. The sensor generates a second signal that has a characteristic that varies depending on the distance between the sensor and the signal source. A transmitter transmits a signal. The signal has a characteristic that varies depending on the characteristic of the second signal. This system can be used to measure a dimension of the joint space and to determine whether a dimension of the joint space has changed over time. The system may alternatively use magnets and magnetic sensors.

The present invention has multiple aspects relating to assembled self fixing bone-tendon-bone (BTB) grafts and BTB implants. A preferred application in which self fixing assembled bone-tendon-bone (BTB) grafts and implants of the present technology can be used is for ACL repairs in a human patient. In one embodiment, a self fixing BTB graft is characterized by the presence of threads along at least a portion of the exterior surface of one or both bone blocks. In another embodiment, a self fixing assembled bone-tendon-bone implant comprises a removable tendon tensioner which imparts a predetermined tension on the tendon of the BTB graft. In this embodiment, the tensioner can be narrower than the diameter of the bone blocks or can be threaded such that the threads are continuous with the threads of at least one of the bone blocks. The threads facilitate the simultaneous implantation of the leading and trailing bone blocks of the BTB graft in tapped (threaded) holes in the tibia and the femur of a recipient patient. The tensioner maintains the tension on the tendon and the spacing between the bone blocks until the leading bone block is fixed (threaded) in the tapped hole in the femur and the trailing bone block is fixed (threaded) into the tapped tibial bone tunnel. Once the bone blocks are substantially in their fixed positions, the tensioner is removed arthroscopically in the joint space between the tibia and the femur.

Dynamic knee balancing devices, systems and methods provide for enhanced total knee arthroplasty (“TKA”) procedures. Devices generally include a stationary femoral member for removably attaching to a distal femur and an adjustable femoral member coupled with the stationary member for adjusting ligament tension of the knee. The adjustable femoral member includes at least one positioning feature for providing positional and / or orientation information for facilitating the TKA procedure. Additionally, the adjustable femoral member is movably couplable with a tibial member engaged with the proximal tibia to allow movement of the knee through a range of motion without removing the device from the joint space. When the adjustable femoral member is adjusted, the positional feature(s) move relative to the distal femur to provide positional information.

The present disclosure relates to a spinal fusion impactor tool that includes an attachment means for securing an implant device to the distal end of the tool, a means for adjusting the angle of the distal head relative to the handle to better position the implant for introduction into the implant site, means for remotely releasing the implant device at the distal end and a clamp device on the shaft of the tool to secure tabs, attachments and other devices. The impactor tool is preferably used in conjunction with implantation of an intervertebral fusion cage that is equipped with shims having tabs or other removing means, but may also be used to introduce, for example, an implant, graft, fusion device, wedge or distractor device into any joint space or bony region in preparation for implantation.

The invention describes a variety of implantable artificial joint complexes adapted for implantation within a target joint space within a human body. The joint complexes comprise: an expandable joint segment adapted to fit within the target joint space; and at least one of a first cannulated anchor adapted to engage the expandable joint segment and adapted to engage a bony structure adjacent the target joint space; and a second anchor adapted to engage the expandable joint segment and adapted to engage a bony structure adjacent a target joint space. The invention also discloses methods of implanting a patient specific artificial joint complex. The methods include the steps of: accessing a target joint space by creating an access hole through an adjacent bony structure; inserting a joint complex device having a cannulated anchor and an expandable joint segment through the access hole with the expendable joint segment being positioned between the surfaces forming the joint; injecting material into the expandable joint segment; and sealing access to the target joint space.

A device for repair of intervertebral discs and cartilages in articular joints includes a catheter for inserting through a cannula, the catheter having a distal end and a proximal end and a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough. An expandable balloon may optionally be detachably attached to the catheter near the distal end. The proximal end of the catheter is coupled to an injector that holds a supply of a thermoplastic elastomer material at a predetermined elevated temperature sufficiently high to maintain the thermoplastic elastomer at a liquid state. The device allows a thermoplastic elastomer material to be injected into the intervertegral disc space or the articular joint space as a replacement prosthetic for the disc's nucleus pulposus or the joint's cartilage. This procedure is carried out percutaneously through the cannula.

A joint endoprosthesis system has first and second prosthetic components. The second prosthetic component has a bearing surface. The interface of the bearing surface and the first prosthetic component defines the joint articulation. A signal source and sensor are affixed on opposite sides of the joint articulation. The signal source generates a first signal that is received by the sensor. The sensor generates a second signal that has a characteristic that varies depending on the distance between the sensor and the signal source. A transmitter transmits a signal. The signal has a characteristic that varies depending on the characteristic of the second signal. This system can be used to measure a dimension of the joint space and to determine whether a dimension of the joint space has changed over time. The system may alternatively use magnets and magnetic sensors.

A system and method of bone fixation are provided for improving the bone growth and stability of the fixated bones. For example, a target site for a bone fixation procedure can be accessed at a facet of a first vertebra using a tissue dilator. Bone material can be disrupting from or at the target site, and a bone fixation device can be installed to fix the first vertebra relative to a second vertebra. The disruption and / or removal of the bone material, such as by rasping facets or a facet joint of the first vertebra and the second vertebra, can tend to promote bone growth. Further, it is contemplated that bone graft material can be inserted at the target site, such as into a joint space formed between facets of the first vertebra and the second vertebra.

An orthopedic anchoring system for attaching a spinal stabilization system and concomitantly fusing a sacroiliac joint is disclosed that includes a delivery tool and an implant assembly for insertion into a joint space of a sacroiliac joint. The implant assembly may be secured using anchors inserted through bores within the implant body and into the underlying sacrum and / or ilium. The implant body may also include an attachment fitting reversibly attached to a guide to provide attachment fittings for elements of the spinal stabilization system. The implant assembly may be releasably coupled to an implant arm of the delivery tool such that the implant arm is substantially aligned with the insertion element of the implant assembly. An anchor arm used to insert the anchor may be coupled to the implant arm in a fixed and nonadjustable arrangement such that the anchor is generally aligned with a bore within the implant assembly.

Methods and apparatus for arthroscopic tenodesis using sockets in bone created by retrograde cutting. A cannulated pin is drilled through bone and into a joint space in the normal, antegrade direction, guided by a drill guide. A strand provided through the cannulated pin is used to draw a retrodrill cutter into the joint space. The retrodrill cutter is threaded onto the cannulated pin, which is turned for retrograde cutting of a socket into the bone. The method is used to form a pair of sockets in the joint, which accept the respective ends of a replacement graft. The graft is brought into position in the joint space using loops formed in the strands, in a manner similar to introduction of the retrodrill cutter. The reconstruction is completed by securing suture attached to the graft ends with a button implant installed at the bone surface.

A prosthesis for placement into a joint space between two or more bones is disclosed. The prosthesis includes a body formed from a pre-formed solid one piece elastomer, wherein the elastomer is formed from a synthetic organic polymer that is biocompatible and has a modulus of elasticity and a mechanical strength between 0.5 MPa and 75 MPa. The body having a shape contoured to fit within a joint space between the femoral condyle, tubercle, and tibial plateau without any means of attachment.

Systems for and methods of fusing a sacroiliac joint are provided which include an implant assembly adapted to be inserted into the joint space defined by the bones of a sacrum and an ilium, a delivery tool and means for inserting the implant assembly into the joint. The implant assembly includes a body disposed intermediate distal and proximate end portions thereof and having oppositely disposed side members adapted to expandably engage the sacroiliac joint following insertion of the assembly into the joint space. A tool is provided and provides a means for placing the implant assembly adjacent the sacroiliac joint, inserting it into the joint space and expanding means are thereafter applied to expand the oppositely disposed side members into operative engagement with the joint.

The disclosure is directed to a resilient implant for implantation into human or animal joints to act as a cushion allowing for renewed joint motion. The implant endures variable joint forces and cyclic loads while reducing pain and improving function after injury or disease to repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint integrity. The implant is deployed in a prepared debrided joint space, secured to at least one of the joint bones and expanded in the space, molding to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation. The implant has opposing walls that move in varied directions, and an inner space filled with suitable filler to accommodate motions which mimic or approximate normal joint motion. The implant pads the damaged joint surfaces, restores cushioning immediately and may be employed to restore cartilage to normal by delivering regenerative cells.

Methods, apparatus, and systems for controlling a plurality of manipulator assemblies of a robotic system. In accordance with a method, a first plurality of sensor signals are received at a plurality of joint space interface elements from a plurality of connector input elements via a first mapping between the joint space interface elements and joints of the first manipulator assembly. The connector input elements are operable to couple to only one manipulator assembly at a time. The received first sensor signals are then processed with a joint controller so as to control the first manipulator assembly. A second plurality of sensor signals are then received from the connector input elements at the joint space interface elements via a second mapping different than the first mapping. The received second sensor signals are then processed with the joint controller so as to control a second manipulator assembly different than the first manipulator assembly.

Joint temperature monitoring and control systems and methods are described herein in which the temperature of a fluid within a body or joint space is determined and / or monitored despite the energy generated during treatment by an ablation probe. One or more temperature sensors are positioned along the probe proximally of the electrode assembly and measure the temperature of an electrically conductive fluid without being overly influenced by the surgical effect occurring proximate the electrode assembly. The controller coupled to the probe can also be configured to set temperature limits and treatment times as well as moderating joint temperature by altering the electrically conductive fluid flow.

The invention discloses a transitional tracking planning method applied by an industrial robot, which can realize the transition between a joint space track and a cartesian space track, and the transition between two tracks of the cartesian space, the transitional track between different movement tracks are planned under the cartesian space, and has an intuitive shape; by adopting the algorithm that two parabolas are fused into one transitional curve, the smoothness of the track, speed and acceleration can be ensured, and the curve shape is controllable; the transitional track is formed by six independent curves, and the transition can be realized on the track with only posture change without position change; from the engineering application angle, the path velocity of transitional track boundary is restrained by utilizing the included angle between the tracks and the system allowable chord error, the boundary posture rotation speed is restrained by the similar mode, so that the large impact on a mechanical system caused by overhigh engagement speed can be prevented.

Devices and treatments for various joint conditions include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a suture. The suture is passed through the joint space and used to pull the orthopedic device into the joint space. The suture may be using a percutaneously inserted needle or other type of needle-based delivery instrument. The resilient elongate orthopedic device may be restrained to a reduced profile that permits minimally invasive implantation, but assume an enlarged profile when positioned at an implantation site.

An orthopedic anchoring system for attaching a spinal stabilization system and concomitantly fusing a sacroiliac joint is disclosed that includes a delivery tool and an implant assembly for insertion into a joint space of a sacroiliac joint. The implant assembly may be secured using anchors inserted through bores within the implant body and into the underlying sacrum and / or ilium. The implant body may also include an attachment fitting reversibly attached to a guide to provide attachment fittings for elements of the spinal stabilization system. The implant assembly may be releasably coupled to an implant arm of the delivery tool such that the implant arm is substantially aligned with the insertion element of the implant assembly. An anchor arm used to insert the anchor may be coupled to the implant arm in a fixed and nonadjustable arrangement such that the anchor is generally aligned with a bore within the implant assembly.

An orthopedic anchoring system for attaching a spinal stabilization system and concomitantly fusing a sacroiliac joint is disclosed that includes a delivery tool and an implant assembly for insertion into a joint space of a sacroiliac joint. The implant assembly may be secured using anchors inserted through bores within the implant body and into the underlying sacrum and / or ilium. The implant body may also include an attachment fitting reversibly attached to a guide to provide attachment fittings for elements of the spinal stabilization system. The implant assembly may be releasably coupled to an implant arm of the delivery tool such that the implant arm is substantially aligned with the insertion element of the implant assembly. An anchor arm used to insert the anchor may be coupled to the implant arm in a fixed and nonadjustable arrangement such that the anchor is generally aligned with a bore within the implant assembly.

An implant is insertable in the joint space to separate bones of the joint. The implant has two endplates each configured to engage a separate articulating bone of the joint, and a threaded member positioned between the two endplates and configured to increase the space between the two endplates when the threaded member is rotated. A rotatable gear is engaged with the threaded member, and is engageable with a rotating gear of a connected implantation tool, so that rotation of the gear on the tool causes rotation of the threaded member and expansion of the implant to separate the bones. Connector portions on the tool and the implant may be rotated together to securely engage the implant and the tool so that the gears of the tool and the implant can be rotated using an actuator outside of the body, when the implant is inside the body.

A method for synergistically treating a joint of an animal, including introducing a cushioning agent into a joint; and introducing an enzyme or hormone adapted to stimulate cartilage production into the joint. The joint may be subjected to a compression regimen following injection of the cushioning agent and enzyme / hormone. Alternatively, the invention may include a composition for synergistically treating a joint of an animal, comprising a viscous cushioning material adapted to be introduced within a joint space to provide cushioning for the joint, and hormones dispersed through the cushioning material, the hormones operable to increase cartilage production.

Devices, systems, and methods for providing a desired movement of one or more joints of a manipulator arm having a plurality of joints with redundant degrees of freedom while effecting commanded movement of a distal end effector of the manipulator. Methods include defining a constraint, such as a network of paths, within a joint space defined by the one or more joints and determining a movement of the plurality of joints within a null-space to track the constraints with the one or more joints. Methods may further include calculating a reconfiguration movement of the joints and modifying the constraints to coincide with a reconfigured position of the one or more joints. Various configurations for devices and systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.

The invention discloses a robot cartesian space trajectory planning method. The method includes establishing a connecting rod coordinate system and obtaining a forward kinematic equation through a kinetic modeling analysis method; solving the rotating angles of a master control joint and a middle joint according to the vector geometric property and trajectory planning requirement of the robot; seeking a relation equation including introduced variables and solving the rotating angle of the corresponding joint by means of the kinetic modeling analysis method and the solved joint rotating angle; determining whether the pose position can be reached through a vector geometric method when the trajectory planning is carried out in a task space with obstacles; and planning the continuous time variant attitudes of coupled position information to complete the planning tasks. According to the method, extraneous roots can be prevented, efficient solutions can be screened and matched, strange paths can be effectively avoided, and meanwhile, the defects of complex end trajectory planned by the joint space can be prevented and optimized.

A system and method for joint restoration by extracapsular means includes an actuator operable to apply a force to a portion of a bone to effect a change in the joint space geometry. One embodiment of the system includes an actuator operable to apply a cyclic loading to subchondral bone of a femur, wherein loads of a predetermined magnitude are alternately applied and released. Between periods of cyclic loading, rest periods are provided where no load is applied. Over time, the femoral joint surface is remodeled in accordance with the location, direction, magnitude, and frequency of the loading.

The invention discloses a submersible AGV abut-joint method. The submersible AGV abut-joint method is used for abut joint of abut-joint space allowing an AGV to enter the bottom of a goods shelf and the goods shelf, specifically, a collection unit on the AGV collects an image, including at least one label, of the first plane of the goods shelf, according to the position information of the label in the image, the deviation of the current position of the AGV relative to the abut-joint position is calculated, and the deviation comprises a deviation angle and a deviation position; according to the deviation, the position of the AGV is adjusted so as to enable the AGV to be in the abut-joint position, and meanwhile, a submersible AGV abut-joint method and the submersible AGV are provided; through the submersible AGV abut-joint method and system and the submersible AGV, the error caused by abut-joint of the submersible AGV and the goods shelf can be greatly reduced, and the warehousing or logistics field is more intelligent. Meanwhile, the problem that when the position of the goods shelf deviates due to impact or carrying, the AGV cannot find the position of the goods shelf is solved, and an abut-joint mechanism on the AGV and the goods shelf further enables the AGV and the goods shelf to be in precise abut joint without errors.

The invention relates to a position / force hybrid control method for a space manipulator, which is a double-loop control method combining a Cartesian space and a joint space. Compared with a conventional control method on the basis of an integral model, which has the problems of oscillation of the transition process and algorithm complexity, the position / force hybrid control method for the space manipulator has the advantages that the position / force hybrid control problem is decomposed into the planning problem of the Cartesian space and the control problem of the joint space; a position / force kinematic plan from the Cartesian space to the joint space and kinematic control of the joint space are given out; an internal and external loop control system is formed; and position control on a free space at the tail end of the manipulator and contact force control in a space restrained by the environment are implemented. A simulation result for a SDOF ( Seven Degrees of Freedom) redundant manipulator proves that the method disclosed by the invention is simple to operate, is effective and is easy for engineering realization.

Devices, systems, and methods for providing a desired movement of one or more joints of a manipulator arm having a plurality of joints with redundant degrees of freedom while effecting commanded movement of a distal end effector of the manipulator. Methods include defining a constraint, such as a network of paths, within a joint space defined by the one or more joints and determining a movement of the plurality of joints within a null-space to track the constraints with the one or more joints. Methods may further include calculating a reconfiguration movement of the joints and modifying the constraints to coincide with a reconfigured position of the one or more joints. Various configurations for devices and systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.