AU2012312658B2

AU PATENT 2012312658 B2     Systems for and methods of fusing a sacroiliac joint

A sacroiliac joint fusion system including a joint implant, anchor element and delivery tool. The joint implant includes a bore extending non-parallel to the implant longitudinal axis. The anchor element is for receiving in the bore. The delivery tool includes an implant arm and anchor arm. The implant arm distal end is releasably coupled to the joint implant proximal end so the implant arm longitudinal axis is coaxial or parallel with the implant body longitudinal axis. An anchor arm distal end is engaged to the anchor element proximal end. The anchor arm is coupled to the implant arm such that the anchor element longitudinal axis is coaxially aligned with the bore longitudinal axis when the implant arm distal end is releasably coupled with the implant proximal end and the anchor arm distal end is engaged with the anchor element proximal end.

CLAIMS

1. A sacroiliac joint fusion system comprising:

a) a joint implant comprising a longitudinal axis and a first bore extending non-parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the joint implant includes a hollow interior and an exterior surface having a plurality of openings defined therein that extend into the hollow interior, which is adapted to have a biological material located therein prior to the implantation of the joint implant, the hollow interior defining a space linking the plurality of openings with each other, the exterior surface comprising a first surface defining a first portion of the plurality of openings, and a second surface opposite the first surface and defining a second portion of the plurality of openings, the first and second surfaces being generally parallel to each other, wherein the first portion of the plurality of openings are arranged in a first pattern on the first surface, and the second portion of the plurality of openings are arranged in a second pattern on the second surface, the first and second patterns matching each other, and wherein a first plurality of linearly extending struts separates the first portion of the plurality of openings where at least three struts of the first plurality of linearly extending struts extend diagonally to the longitudinal axis in a first strut pattern, and wherein a second plurality of linearly extending struts separates the second portion of the plurality of openings where at least three struts of the second plurality of linearly extending struts extend diagonally to the longitudinal axis in a second strut pattern, the first and second strut patterns matching each other;

b) an anchor element configured to be received in the first bore; and

c) a delivery tool comprising: i) an implant arm configured to releasably couple to the joint implant; and ii) an anchor arm coupled to the implant arm and configured to deliver the anchor element to the first bore, wherein a final manufactured configuration of the tool and a final manufactured configuration of the joint implant are such that, when the system is assembled such that the implant arm is releasably coupled to the joint implant, a delivery arrangement automatically exists such that the anchor arm is correctly oriented to deliver the anchor element to the first bore.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein in being coupled together, the implant arm and anchor arm form an angle relative to each other, and the angle is non-adjustable.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the implant further comprises a distal end, a proximal end, and a body extending between the proximal and distal ends, wherein the first bore extends non-parallel to the hollow interior.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the joint implant further comprises a first pair of planar members radially extending from the body of the joint implant.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the body of the joint implant is defined by at least a portion of an intersecting or intermediate region of the first pair of planar members.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the hollow interior extends within the confines of the first pair of planar members and the exterior surface in which the plurality of openings is defined includes exterior planar surfaces of the first pair of planar members.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the implant further comprises a second pair of planar members radially extending from the body of the joint implant generally perpendicular to the first pair of planar members.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first pair of planar members extend over a wider radial extent than the second pair of planar members.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the space links the plurality of openings so as to be in fluid communication with each other.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the joint implant further comprises a side surface extending between the first and second surfaces, the side surface extending a perimeter of the joint implant and including a closed inferior portion so as to limit an amount of seepage of the biological material from the hollow interior of the joint implant.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of openings is triangular in shape.