Devices, systems, and methods for managing compression and alignment of joints
View Patent ↗Devices, systems, and methods are provided that include correlated magnet structures (“programmable magnets”) to manage compression, rotation forces, and/or alignment of bone joints in a human body. The joints may include the knee, spine, hip, and the like. In one example, correlated magnet assemblies are implanted directly into bones adjacent the joint. In another example, plates may be implanted between adjacent bones, e.g., adjacent vertebrae, that may be receive magnet assemblies.
1 . A system for supporting first and second adjacent vertebrae of a spine, comprising:
a first plate configured for mounting to an upper surface of a first vertebral body;
a second plate configured for mounting to a lower surface of a second vertebral body opposite the upper surface of the first vertebral body; and
first and second correlated magnet assemblies configured to be secured to the first and second plates, respectively, to provide a desired spatial gap between the first and second vertebral bodies,
wherein each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies comprises a plurality of coded correlated magnets (Maxels) programmed to generate magnetic field interaction suitable to maintain the desired spatial gap when compression and lateral forces are applied by the vertebral bodies,
wherein each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies comprises a plurality of magnet arrays spaced apart from one another on a surface of the assemblies opposite the contact surface, and
wherein the plurality of magnet arrays on each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies comprise a central array programmed to maintain alignment of the vertebral bodies and a plurality of secondary arrays spaced apart around the central array programmed to maintain a desired spatial gap between the first and second vertebral bodies during movement of the spine.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein each plate includes a contact surface configured for placement against the respective vertebral body and one or more features extending from the contact surface for securing the plate to the respective vertebral body.
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the one or more features comprise a pair of ridges extending from the contact surface configured to be received in respective grooves formed in the respective vertebral body.
4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the ridges extend substantially parallel to one another.
5 . The system of claim 2 , wherein each plate further comprises a socket opposite the contact surface for receiving a respective correlated magnet assembly.
6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein each plate includes a sidewall extending partially around a perimeter of the plate to define the socket such that the respective magnet assembly may be slid into the socket from one edge of the plate.
7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the sidewall includes one or more features to prevent the magnet assembly received in the socket from separating from the plate.
8 . The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more features comprise a rim extending at least partially around a perimeter of the sidewall.
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the secondary arrays are smaller than the central array.
10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the magnet arrays comprises a plurality of coded correlated magnets (Maxels).
11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the secondary arrays are spaced apart symmetrically from one another around the central array.
12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the central array and the secondary arrays have the same arrangement on each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies.
13 . A method for supporting a first and second vertebrae of a spine, comprising:
mounting a first plate to an upper surface of a first vertebral body;
mounting a second plate to a lower surface of a second vertebral body opposite the upper surface of the first vertebral body;
securing a first correlated magnet assembly to the first plate; and
securing a second correlated magnet assembly to the second plate such that the magnet assemblies are spaced apart from one another to provide a desired spatial gap between the first and second vertebral bodies,
wherein each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies comprises a plurality of coded correlated magnets (Maxels) programmed to generate magnetic field interaction suitable to maintain the desired spatial gap when compression and lateral forces are applied by the vertebral bodies,
wherein each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies comprises a plurality of magnet arrays spaced apart from one another on a surface of the assemblies opposite the contact surface, and
wherein the plurality of magnet arrays on each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies comprise a central array programmed to maintain alignment of the vertebral bodies and a plurality of secondary arrays spaced apart around the central array programmed to maintain a desired spatial gap between the first and second vertebral bodies during movement of the spine.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein mounting the first plate comprises:
forming an elongate groove in the upper surface; and
inserting an elongate ridge extending from a contact surface of the first plate into the elongate groove.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein mounting the first plate comprises:
forming a pair of elongate grooves in the upper surface; and
inserting a pair of elongate ridges extending from a contact surface of the first plate into the elongate grooves.
16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the pair of elongate grooves extend from an outer edge of a cortical rim of the first vertebral body at least partially across towards an opposite edge.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the first plate is slid across the upper surface while the ridges slide into the elongate grooves.
18 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the secondary arrays are smaller than the central array.
19 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the secondary arrays are spaced apart symmetrically from one another around the central array.
20 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the central array and the secondary arrays have the same arrangement on each of the first and second correlated magnet assemblies.