Patent Application
20250161055
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of joint replacement systems. More specifically, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a joint replacement system for a temporomandibular joint configured to enable the efficient movement of the temporomandibular joint.
The jawbones are essential to the performance of a wide variety of functions including, but not limited to, defining the shape of the mouth, holding teeth in place, and making it possible for the teeth to perform a number of functions (e.g., mastication) by enabling the teeth to be moved in opposition of each other. The temporomandibular joints, in particular, act as hinges on both sides of the face that serve to connect the lower jawbones to the skull to enable the jawbones to conduct the aforementioned functions. Efficient temporomandibular joint movement and mobility aid in lowering physical injury in that in the event of an elevated range of joint movement, joint strength is greatly reduced, thus increasing the risk of discomfort and ultimate pain and injury. The development of temporomandibular joint disorder (“TMD”) is generally associated with excessive strain on the temporomandibular joint which may be caused by, for example, bruxism, otherwise characterized as the grinding or clenching of one's teeth involuntarily. Alternatively, TMD may result from the jaw disks eroding or moving out of their proper alignment, the temporomandibular joint's fibrocartilage being damaged by disease (e.g., arthritis), or the joint being damaged from some sort of an impact or blow to the jaw. TMD can, in turn, lead to a number of painful and unpleasant symptoms such as lock jaw, difficulty and pain while chewing, jaw pain, and ear pain. Additionally, untreated TMD can cause tooth damage, negatively impact one's diet, contribute to the development of tinnitus, and disrupt regular sleeping patterns.
Accordingly, there is interest in temporomandibular joint replacement systems that mitigate the degradation of the temporomandibular joints over time, in turn reducing the likelihood and severity of developing TMD and promoting longevity of healthy temporomandibular joint movement.
An aspect of the present disclosure provides a temporomandibular joint replacement system. The temporomandibular joint replacement system includes an insert configured to be disposed on an articular surface of a temporomandibular joint, the insert fabricated at least in part from polytetrafluoroethylene; a biocompatible fluid including a synthetic synovial fluid; a porous condyle configured to contain the biocompatible fluid and to be disposed on an opposing surface of the temporomandibular joint, the porous condyle fabricated at least in part from a rubberized biocompatible material, and a sensor disposed along a first surface of the insert. The porous condyle includes an exterior surface defining a recess configured to separate a first curvilinear portion of the porous condyle from a second curvilinear portion of the porous condyle, the recess disposed between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle; an interior surface defining a cavity for containing the biocompatible fluid and a diffusible sac containing an additional volume of biocompatible fluid; a channel disposed along the exterior surface, the channel configured to drain excess biocompatible fluid within the porous condyle; and a connector member disposed within the cavity between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle, the connector member configured to enable fluid communication within the cavity between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle. The porous condyle and the insert are aligned to enable articulation along a central articular disk of the temporomandibular joint. A first surface of the insert is continuous and configured to contact the porous condyle and a second opposing surface of the insert is configured to be disposed on the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint. The insert is secured on the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint by a biocompatible adhesive including at least one of an ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive or a biocompatible adhesive spray.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, the condyle may be configured to selectively receive an amount of the biocompatible fluid therein.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, the biocompatible fluid may further include at least one of glucosamine and a biomimetic synovial fluid.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a sponge disposed along the opposing surface of the temporomandibular joint upon which the porous condyle rests.
In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the diffusible sac may be configured to selectively release an amount of the biocompatible fluid when a decrease of an existing volume of biocompatible fluid within the cavity of the porous condyle is detected.
In yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the system may further include a plurality of channels.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, the channel may be configured to selectively lubricate the porous condyle.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, the insert and the porous condyle may be configured to be in a contact relationship with one another when the temporomandibular joint is in both a flexed and extended position.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, during articulation of the temporomandibular joint, a surface of the porous condyle may be configured to distribute a pressure applied thereon across a surface of the insert, the surface of the insert configured to absorb the applied pressure.
In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor may be configured to detect pressure application across a surface of the insert in response to articulation of the temporomandibular joint.
In yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor may be configured to detect degradation of the porous condyle in response to articulation of the temporomandibular joint.
An aspect of the present disclosure provides a temporomandibular joint replacement system. The temporomandibular joint replacement systems includes an insert configured to be disposed on an articular surface of a temporomandibular joint, the insert fabricated at least in part from polytetrafluoroethylene; a biocompatible fluid including a synthetic synovial fluid; and a porous condyle configured for being disposed on an opposing surface of a temporomandibular joint. The porous condyle includes a first exterior surface made at least in part from a rubberized biocompatible material defining a recess configured to separate a first curvilinear portion of the porous condyle from a second curvilinear portion of the porous condyle, the recess disposed between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle; a second exterior surface encasing the first exterior surface, wherein the second exterior surface is coated in a biocompatible coating including calcium phosphate; an interior surface defining a cavity for containing a biocompatible fluid including a synthetic synovial fluid; a diffusible sac within the cavity, wherein the diffusible sac is configured to contain an additional volume of biocompatible fluid; a channel disposed along the second exterior surface, wherein the channel is configured for drainage of excess biocompatible fluid within the porous condyle; and a connector member disposed within the cavity between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle, the connector member configured to enable fluid communication within the cavity between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, the biocompatible fluid may further include glucosamine and/or a biomimetic synovial fluid.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, the temporomandibular joint replacement system may further include a sponge disposed along the opposing surface of the temporomandibular joint upon which the porous condyle rests.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the diffusible sac may be further configured to selectively release an amount of the biocompatible fluid when a decrease of an existing volume of biocompatible fluid within the cavity of the porous condyle is detected.
In a further aspect of the present disclosure, the temporomandibular joint replacement system may further include a plurality of channels.
In yet a further aspect of the present disclosure, the channel may be further configured to selectively lubricate the porous condyle.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, the temporomandibular joint replacement system may further include a sensor disposed along a first surface of the insert.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the sensor may be configured to detect pressure application across a surface of the insert in response to articulation of the temporomandibular joint and/or degradation of the porous condyle in response to articulation of the temporomandibular joint.
An aspect of the present disclosure provides a temporomandibular joint replacement system. The temporomandibular joint replacement systems includes an insert configured to be disposed on an articular surface of a temporomandibular joint, the insert fabricated at least in part from polytetrafluoroethylene; a biocompatible fluid including a synthetic synovial fluid; a porous condyle configured to contain the biocompatible fluid and disposed on an opposing surface of the temporomandibular joint, the porous condyle fabricated at least in part from a rubberized biocompatible material, and a sensor disposed along a first surface of the insert. The porous condyle including a first exterior surface made at least in part from a rubberized biocompatible material defining a recess configured to separate a first curvilinear portion of the porous condyle from a second curvilinear portion of the porous condyle, the recess disposed between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle; a second exterior surface encasing the first exterior surface, wherein the second exterior surface is coated in a biocompatible coating including calcium phosphate; an interior surface defining a cavity for containing a biocompatible fluid including a synthetic synovial fluid; a diffusible sac within the cavity, wherein the diffusible sac is configured to contain an additional volume of biocompatible fluid; a channel disposed along the second exterior surface, wherein the channel is configured for drainage of excess biocompatible fluid within the porous condyle; and a connector member disposed within the cavity between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle, the connector member configured to enable fluid communication within the cavity between the first and second curvilinear portions of the porous condyle. The porous condyle and the insert are aligned to enable articulation along a central articular disk of the temporomandibular joint. A first surface of the insert is continuous and configured to contact the porous condyle and a second opposing surface of the insert is configured to be disposed on the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint. The insert is secured on the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint by a biocompatible adhesive including at least one of an ultraviolet (UV) curable adhesive or a biocompatible adhesive spray.
A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative aspects, in which the principles of the present disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of temporomandibular joint replacement systems. More specifically, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a temporomandibular joint replacement system that enables the efficient movement of a temporomandibular joint. The disclosed joint replacement system mitigates the degradation of the temporomandibular joints over time, in turn minimizing the likelihood and severity of developing TMD and promoting longevity of healthy temporomandibular joint movement. The disclosed temporomandibular joint replacement system weighs less than metal reinforcements of the temporomandibular joint, providing the benefit, over metal reinforcement, of creating a symmetric weight distribution and not causing a transfer of weight to the opposite side. This provides the additional benefit of minimizing stress and improving the range of motion.
Aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.
Although the present disclosure will be described in terms of specific aspects and examples, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions may be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to exemplary aspects illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the present disclosure.
Referring to
Porous condyle 102 is configured to hold biocompatible fluid 103. Generally, biocompatible fluid 103 is fabricated from a fluid that mimics natural synovial fluid. For example, biocompatible fluid 103 may be fabricated from synthetic synovial fluids such as hyaluronan, glucosamine, and/or biomimetic synovial fluids. A second surface 300 of porous condyle 102 may be secured to an opposing surface 212 of a jaw joint 200 through the use of a biocompatible adhesive 101. Suitable biocompatible adhesives include but are not limited to cyanoacrylates and UV curable adhesives. In aspects, the biocompatible adhesive may be a liquid, gel or spray, or in the form of a biocompatible adhesive film. In various embodiments, a sponge may be first placed on the opposing surface 212 of the temporomandibular joint 200 prior to adhesion of the porous condyle 102 such that the porous condyle 102 does not sit directly on the temporomandibular joint 200. This provides a benefit over traditional temporomandibular joint replacement systems by promoting longevity of the porous condyle and assisting in load distribution for the temporomandibular joint replacement system. The sponge may be configured as a special type of absorbent material used to manage fluids, such as gauze, foam, and/or Gelfoam. Porous condyle 102 replaces and/or performs the function of a patient's synovial membrane, which may be damaged by physical trauma and/or disease or simply worn out. Porous condyle 102 may be filled with a fluid that mimics the function of the synovial fluid. Porous condyle 102, once filled with the fluid, serves as a cushion upon the end portion of bones and, ultimately, significantly reduces the amount of friction created when the temporomandibular joint 200 is articulated during usage. Porous condyle 102 may be periodically refilled with biocompatible fluid 103 as needed through an injection port 105 disposed along an exterior surface of a first surface 301 of porous condyle 102. The injection port 105 may contain various configurations such as a single injection port, dual injection port, and/or a port connected to a reservoir with biocompatible fluid. In various embodiments a channel, or a plurality thereof, may be disposed along the second exterior surface 102a″ of the porous condyle 102. The channels provide a benefit of traditional condyles by enabling refilling of the biocompatible fluid 103 drainage of excess biocompatible fluid 103 within the porous condyle 102, and/or excretion of lubricant to the second exterior surface 102a″ of the porous condyle 102 for efficient articulation. The channel also provides the added benefit of refilling, draining, and/or lubricating the porous condyle 102 in a minimally invasive manner through the use of needles and injections rather than invasive procedures, which may lead to potential scarring and infection. The channel may include various configurations, such as channels interconnecting with pores, longitudinal channels running parallel to the length of the condyle to promote bone and/or tissue growth, radial channels, and/or other configurations configured to promote healthy joint articulation.
In an effort to promote minimally invasive procedures and reduce the need for operations that may lead to infections and discomfort, a diffusible sac may be disposed within the porous condyle 102. The diffusible sac may be configured to contain an additional volume of biocompatible fluid 103 such that when a decrease of an existing volume of biocompatible fluid 103 is detected within the porous condyle 102, the diffusible sac may selectively release an amount of biocompatible fluid 103 to replenish the porous condyle 102 and retain a preferred volume.
Once filled with biocompatible fluid 103, porous condyle 102 may possess a self-sealing quality to restore the porous condyle 102 to a pre-injected form. Porous condyle 102 is disposed upon opposing surface 212 of temporomandibular joint 200 to provide cushioning when pressure is placed upon a first surface 303 of an insert 104 and, ultimately, to promote efficient temporomandibular joint movement. The present temporomandibular joint replacement system 100 (
The temporomandibular joint replacement system 100 generally includes the insert 104 configured to be disposed on an articular surface 222 of a temporomandibular joint 200 and porous condyle 102 configured to contain biocompatible fluid 103. Insert 104 includes the first surface 303 and a second surface 302. First surface 303 is configured to contact porous condyle 102 when the system 100 is installed in the temporomandibular joint 200, and second surface 302 is configured to be disposed on the articular surface 222 of temporomandibular joint 200. Porous condyle 102 includes a first surface 301 and a second surface 300. Second surface 300 of porous condyle 102 is configured to be disposed on an opposing surface 212 of temporomandibular joint 200, and first surface 301 of porous condyle 102 is configured to contact first surface 303 of insert 104 when the temporomandibular joint replacement system 100 is installed in temporomandibular joint 200 such that insert 104 and porous condyle 102 are aligned to enable articulation of temporomandibular joint 200 along central articular surface 112.
Insert 104 serves as an artificial replacement of a patient's articular cartilage, which may be damaged by physical trauma and/or disease or simply worn out. Insert 104 may be formed to match the shape of the natural articular cartilage that it serves to replace. In aspects, insert 104 may be fabricated from a lubricative biocompatible material having sufficient strength to withstand the stresses present in temporomandibular joint 200. Polytetrafluoroethylene, sometimes marketed under the trademark Teflon™, is an example of a resilient material that possesses a small likelihood of deformity and offers effective lubricative qualities.
Second surface 302 of insert 104 may be secured to articular surface 222 of temporomandibular joint 200 using a biocompatible adhesive 101 such as a cyanoacrylate and/or a UV curable adhesive. In aspects, the biocompatible adhesive may be a liquid, gel or spray, and/or in the form of a biocompatible adhesive film. Alternatively, the usage of surgical screws or other fasteners may be used to secure the second surface 302 of insert 104 to the articular surface 222 of temporomandibular joint 200. First surface 303 of insert 104 receives the shock and pressure associated with the articulating temporomandibular joint, as transferred by first surface 301 of porous condyle 102 which is positioned on opposing surface 212 of temporomandibular joint 200. First surface 303 of insert 104 serves as a continuous plateau upon which first surface 301 of porous condyle 102 may efficiently move to provide a smooth, lubricated surface for articulation and/or to facilitate the transmission of loads with a low frictional coefficient. As used here, “continuous” means a flat, smooth, and/or unbroken, which may exclude interruptions, indentations, holes, and/or discontinuities therein.
Inverting the placement of porous condyle 102 and insert 104 such that porous condyle 102 is placed on articular surface 222 and insert 104 is placed on opposing surface 212 would lead to rapid degradation of the temporomandibular joint and the development of temporomandibular joint disorder. After implanting porous condyle 102, first surface 303 of insert 104 and first surface 301 of porous condyle 102 are in a contact relationship with one another to efficiently allow temporomandibular joint 200 to articulate between flexed (
In various embodiments, a sensor 150 may be disposed along first surface 303 of insert 104. The sensor 150 may be adhered to first surface 303 using any of the biocompatible adhesives discussed above. The sensor 150 may be configured to measure internal data including temperature, pressure, and/or degradation, and monitor the status of temporomandibular joint replacement system 100 as a result of frequent use and articulation. For example, the sensor 150 may include electro-chemical sensors, impedance sensors, acoustic sensors, among others. The use of the sensor 150 provides the added benefit of enabling external monitoring of the lifespan and/or status of temporomandibular joint replacement system 100, thereby mitigating the need to utilize invasive measures and procedures to observe the temporomandibular joint replacement system 100 when not yet necessary. The sensor 150 may be configured to communicate through a network with a third-party device (e.g., a personal computer, cellular device, or tablet). The sensor 150 may communicate and/or initiate an alert to a user (e.g., the user having temporomandibular joint replacement system 100) regarding health notifications, such as lifespan and/or status issues. While shown on insert 104, it is contemplated that sensor 150 may be placed anywhere on the joint replacement system 100, e.g., on a portion of porous condyle 102.
Referring to
The aspects disclosed herein are examples of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For instance, although certain aspects herein are described as separate aspects, each of the aspects herein may be combined with one or more of the other aspects herein. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed. Like reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the figures.
The phrases “in an aspect,” “in aspects,” “in various aspects,” “in some aspects,” or “in other aspects” may each refer to one or more of the same or different example Aspects provided in the present disclosure. A phrase in the form “A or B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B).” A phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).”
It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the present disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variances. The aspects described with reference to the attached drawing figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that are insubstantially different from those described above and/or in the appended claims are also intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.
The present application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/205,649 filed on Jun. 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18205649 | Jun 2023 | US |
| Child | 18921605 | US |
