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. In one embodiment, there is provided a system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint, the members collectively defining a path of motion and having a cartilage having an energy absorption component configured therebetween.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

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. In an exemplary embodiment, a coil spring or elastic member is positioned around a piston, and together act to transfer load around a joint during a portion of its range of motion.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods are directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint, and the patella specifically, maintain alignment or address misalignment of a patella through a full range of motion of the knee joint Exemplary devices include an elastomeric, Y-shaped device which is secured to the femur and patella on opposite ends thereof by bone anchors. The elastomeric device can be either rotatably or non-rotatably connected to the bone anchors.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for controlling a load on a human ankle joint during normal gait while preserving motion. The approach is intended to treat osteoarthritis and pain of the ankle without substantially resisting an angular displacement associated with full mobility of the ankle joint. In one particular embodiment, the device includes a first load transmission support, a second load transmission support and an implantable compressible absorber.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to base components that are usable with implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems. According to one embodiment, the base component includes a low-profile body having a elongate, straight portion at a first end and a curved body portion at a second end. The second end is elevated as compared to the first end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The base component also includes a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy.

Abstract: A ball and socket assembly including a ball component with a notch formed therein. The socket is a one-piece structure including an opening sized to receive the ball component. The ball is a capable of being inserted into the socket when the notch, cavity, or undercut is properly oriented relative to the opening of the one-piece socket.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: An implantable assembly (21) for a knee joint includes a force absorber assembly (33) connected to a first attachment structure (25) for a tibia and a second attachment structure (29) for a femur. The absorber assembly includes a cylinder body (47) connected to the first attachment structure and a piston (41) connected to the second attachment structure. The piston includes a first portion (39) connected to the second attachment structure and a second portion receivable in a cylinder body opening (43) of the cylinder body, the second portion of the piston being of greater flexibility than the first portion of the piston.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches. In one particular approach, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is addressed by unloading one or more of the lateral and medial compartments.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to base components that are usable with implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems. According to one embodiment, the base component includes a low-profile body having a elongate, straight portion at a first end and a curved body portion at a second end. The second end is elevated as compared to the first end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The base component also includes a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy.

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. Springs may be used to transfer loads across a joint, and can be used in conjunction with pistons and sleeves.

Abstract: A load control device can be attached to bones on either side of an articulated joint in order to control the forces and loads experienced by the joint. The device comprises an apparatus for controlling the load on articular cartilage of a human or animal joint and includes: a first fixation assembly for attachment to a first bone; a second fixation assembly for attachment to a second bone; a link assembly coupled to the first fixation assembly by a first pivot and coupled to the second fixation assembly by a second pivot, the first and second fixation assembly thereby each being angularly displaceable relative to the link assembly. The apparatus enables a clinician to effectively control the environment of cartilage in a joint during a treatment episode.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint and the patella specifically are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches involving implanting a joint surface load reducing implant proximate the joint to change the direction of the tendons or muscles exerting forces on the joints.