Percutaneously deliverable orthopedic joint device

Abstract

A percutaneously implantable orthopedic device is a shape-changing joint prosthesis with a generally arcuate or generally rectilinear configuration which is delivered through a delivery device in a substantially straightened or slightly curved configuration into a joint in a patient. The generally arcuate configuration may include an open ring or spiral shape. The generally rectilinear configuration may include a polygon or zig-zag shape. The delivery and retrieval device can be a syringe, hypodermic needle or cannula. The orthopedic device is moveable into its generally arcuate or generally rectilinear configuration in the joint by manipulation or a shape memory set. The orthopedic device acts as a soft compliant bearing surface or cushion that minimizes the bone-on-bone wear from articulation and loading.

1 . An orthopedic device suitable for minimally invasive deployment using a tubular delivery apparatus, the orthopedic device comprising an elongate core having a proximal end and a distal end, the core comprising a generally arcuate configuration at substantially body temperatures to enhance self-centering positioning of the orthopedic device when deployed, said core being manipulatable into a substantially straight configuration to permit delivery. 
   
   
       2 . The orthopedic device of  claim 1 , further comprising an articular layer surrounding at least a portion of the core. 
   
   
       3 . The orthopedic device of  claim 1 , wherein the core comprises shape memory material. 
   
   
       4 . The orthopedic device of  claim 1 , wherein the generally arcuate configuration comprises a spiral shape. 
   
   
       5 . The orthopedic device of  claim 1 , wherein the core, when in a generally arcuate configuration, is substantially non-planar. 
   
   
       6 . The orthopedic device of  claim 2 , wherein the device is further configured to permit at least partial removal of at least part of the core from the articular layer resulting in a void within the articular layer. 
   
   
       7 . The orthopedic device of  claim 6 , wherein the device is further configured so that at least part of the void created by removal of at least part of the core may be partially filled with a polymer material. 
   
   
       8 . The orthopedic device of  claim 2 , wherein the articular layer is a polymeric material. 
   
   
       9 . The orthopedic device of  claim 1 , further comprising a coating of antifriction high wear material on a surface of said device. 
   
   
       10 . The orthopedic device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least a second core. 
   
   
       11 . An orthopedic device suitable for minimally invasive deployment using a tubular delivery apparatus, the orthopedic device comprising an elongate core having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongate core comprising a generally rectilinear configuration at substantially body temperatures to enhance self-centering positioning of the orthopedic device when deployed, said elongate core being manipulatable into a substantially straight configuration to permit delivery. 
   
   
       12 . The orthopedic device of  claim 11 , further comprising an articular layer surrounding at least a portion of the core. 
   
   
       13 . The orthopedic device of  claim 11 , wherein the core comprises shape memory material. 
   
   
       14 . The orthopedic device of  claim 11 , wherein the core, when in a generally rectilinear configuration, is substantially non-planar. 
   
   
       15 . The orthopedic device of  claim 12 , wherein the device is further configured to permit at least partial removal of at least part of the core from the articular layer resulting in a void within the articular layer. 
   
   
       16 . The orthopedic device of  claim 15 , wherein the device is further configured so that at least part of the void created by removal of at least part of the core may be partially filled with a polymer material. 
   
   
       17 . The orthopedic device of  claim 12 , wherein the articular layer is a polymeric material. 
   
   
       18 . The orthopedic device of  claim 11 , further comprising a coating of antifriction high wear material on a surface of said device. 
   
   
       19 . The orthopedic device of  claim 11 , further comprising at least a second core. 
   
   
       20 . A method of treating an orthopedic joint comprising using a tubular delivery apparatus to minimally-invasively deploy an orthopedic device suitable so that the device forms a substantially non-linear pre-formed configuration in situ at substantially body temperatures to enhance self-centering positioning of the orthopedic device when deployed. 
   
   
       21 . The method of treating an orthopedic joint of  claim 20 , further comprising inserting an apparatus at or proximal the situs of deployment to remove at least a portion of the device. 
   
   
       22 . The method of treating an orthopedic joint of  claim 20 , further comprising creating a gap in the orthopedic joint. 
   
   
       23 . The method of treating an orthopedic joint of  claim 20 , wherein the tubular delivery apparatus comprises a curved channel. 
   
   
       24 . The method of treating an orthopedic joint of  claim 20 , further comprising inserting an apparatus at or proximal the situs of deployment to remove at least a portion of the core. 
   
   
       25 . The method of treating an orthopedic joint of  claim 20 , wherein the substantially non-linear pre-formed configuration is rectilinear.