Sacroiliac joint immobilization
Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.
1. A tool set for an orthopedic procedure, the kit comprising:
a guide pin;
a cannula comprising a drill channel extending along the length of the cannula;
a threaded drill bit comprising an outer surface that fits within the drill channel and a bore sized to receive the guide pin; and
an immobilization element comprising an outer surface that fits within the drill channel wherein the immobilization/fusion element through the cannula is insertable within the joint between an ilium bone and a sacrum bone.
2. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the immobilization element comprises a tapered shaft.
3. The tool set of claim 2 wherein the taper is at least about 1 degree.
4. The tool set of claim 3 wherein the taper is at least about 2 degrees to about 30 degrees.
5. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the immobilization element comprises threads.
6. The tool set of claim 5 wherein the threads are asymmetric.
7. The tool set of claim 1 further comprising a biologically active agent associated with the immobilization element.
8. The tool set of claim 7 wherein the biologically active agent comprises a bone morphogenic protein.
9. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the immobilization element comprises a bioresorbable material.
10. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the immobilization element comprises a synthetic bone material selected from the group consisting of hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, calcium sulfite and combinations thereof.
11. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the immobilization element comprises a titanium or stainless steel.
12. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the immobilization element comprises a titanium powder and a rigid polymer.
13. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the immobilization element comprises surface texturing.
14. The tool set of claim 1 wherein the drill bit further comprises a shaft having distal end comprising a cutting flute or cutting edges.
15. The tool set of claim 14 wherein the drill bit further comprises length markings along the shaft.
16. The tool set of claim 1 further comprising a drill and wherein the drill bit further comprises a shaft having a proximal end adapted to fit into the drill.
17. The tool set of claim 1 further comprising a trocar comprising a shaft, a channel along the length of the shaft sized to receive the pin, and an outer surface that fits within the cannula.