Advanced Sacroiliac Joint Fusion Implants and Methods
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to improved sacroiliac joint fusion implants and methods that enhance the stability and efficiency of posterior SI joint fusion procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent describes a sacroiliac joint implant system, but it lacks adaptability to varying SI joint anatomies and has limited bone growth facilitation. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a reaming guide with a dynamic cutting surface, a fusion plate with an integrated graft material holder, and a porous material facilitating bone growth.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced sacroiliac joint fusion implant system comprises a reaming guide with a dynamic cutting surface, which adapts to varying SI joint anatomies, ensuring accurate and efficient tool path definition. The fusion plate features an integrated graft material holder, allowing for optimal bone growth facilitation. The porous material used in the fusion plate promotes bone growth across the plate, enhancing the overall stability of the joint. The inventive concept also includes methods for posterior SI joint fusion, which utilize the advanced reaming guide and fusion plate.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a reaming guide with a dynamic cutting surface and a fusion plate with an integrated graft material holder, which are not present in the original patent. These features, combined with the porous material, provide a significant improvement in stability and efficiency over the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include a reaming guide with a built-in navigation system, adjustable windows for holding graft material, or varying porous material structures to facilitate bone growth. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to different clinical scenarios.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced sacroiliac joint fusion implants and methods have significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and spine surgery industries, addressing the growing demand for minimally invasive and efficient joint fusion procedures.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F2/30988 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/2846 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/30749 |
| A | A61 | A61F2/4603 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7011 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/3093 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30622 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30784 |
| A | A61 | A61F2002/30995 |
| A | A61 | A61F2310/00023 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical implants and medical devices, specifically sacroiliac joint fusion technologies, requiring expertise in biomechanical engineering, surgical instrumentation, and orthopedic device design with advanced knowledge of spinal and pelvic anatomical structures
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic device designer with advanced degrees, 5-10 years of experience in medical device development, familiar with surgical implant design, biomaterials, and minimally invasive surgical techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's sacroiliac joint fusion system by introducing incremental design modifications that enhance surgical precision and implant performance. The dynamic reaming guide and integrated graft material holder represent logical extensions of existing sacroiliac joint fusion technologies. These variations solve known limitations in surgical implant design through standard problem-solving approaches common in medical device engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,420 |
|---|---|
| Title | Sacroiliac joint fusion implants and methods |