Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a surgical implant including a body that extends along a longitudinal axis between a drive head and a tip. The body includes a cannulation disposed about the longitudinal axis and extending from the tip to the drive head, a solid thread that wraps around the body and a porous region circumferentially extending about the body between adjacent revolutions of the solid thread. In another embodiment, the surgical implant may include a wedge having at least one porous region that extends continuously around a wedge body between an inner wall and an outer wall.

The SI-Joint functions in the transmission of forces from the spine to the lower extremities, and vice-versa. The SI-Joint has been described as a pain generator for up to <NUM>% of lower back pain. To relieve pain generated from the SI Joint, SI Joint fusion is typically indicated as surgical treatment, e.g., for degenerative sacroiliitis, inflammatory sacroiliitis, iatrogenic instability of the sacroiliac joint, osteitis condensans ilii, or traumatic fracture dislocation of the pelvis. There is a continued need for improved threaded SI Joint fixation and fusion implants.

According to the present invention there is provided a threaded bone implant according to claim <NUM>.

The elongate body has a length, and the threaded multi-lead distal region, the threaded single-lead central region, and the threaded multi-lead proximal region may each have individual lengths such that when the implant is laterally implanted, the multi-threaded distal region can be positioned in a sacrum, the single-lead central region can be positioned across a SI-joint, and the multi-lead proximal region can be positioned in an ilium.

The threaded multi-lead distal region may be better adapted to anchor into dense sacral bone than the threaded single lead central region.

The threaded multi-lead proximal region may be better configured to anchor into dense iliac bone than the threaded single lead central region.

One or both of the multi-lead distal region and the multi-lead proximal region may be a dual-lead threaded region.

A proximal region or portion of the threaded single-lead central region may be free of a porous network of interconnected struts, and a threaded single-lead central region may have a major diameter from <NUM> to <NUM> (the outer diameter of the thread).

A threaded multi-lead distal region may be a dual-lead distal region comprising a pattern of high and low threads.

A threaded multi-lead proximal region may be a dual-lead distal region comprising a pattern of high and low threads.

A first thread may be continuous and extend from the distal region, through the central region, and into the proximal region. A continuous thread in this regard may be interrupted by a plurality of fenestrations and/or flutes extending through the elongate body.

A plurality of helical flutes may consist of three helical flutes in the elongate implant body. Each of a plurality of flutes may have a plurality of fenestrations aligned with the respective flute, the fenestrations spaced from each other along a length of the flute and extending into an elongate body central lumen or area. Each of a plurality of fenestrations may have a radially inward tapered configuration. At least one of a plurality of fenestrations may be disposed in the distal region, at least one of the plurality of fenestrations may be disposed in the central region, and at least one of the plurality of fenestrations may be disposed in the proximal region. In some embodiments the proximal region is free of fenestrations.

A first fenestration in the distal region may be larger than a second fenestration in the central region, and optionally each of a plurality of distal fenestrations may be larger than each of a plurality of central fenestrations.

The elongate body may further comprise a plurality of fenestrations therethrough. A first fenestration in the distal region may be larger than a second fenestration in the central region. In some embodiments, each of a plurality of distal fenestrations may be larger than each of a plurality of central fenestrations.

A proximal region of the elongate body may be tapered, with a proximal end having a larger radial dimension than a distal end of the proximal region.

At least one of the threads may have an inverse fillet that is curved.

A proximal end of the elongate body may be counter-sunk.

The length of the distal region may be from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The length of the central region may be from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The length of the proximal region may be from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Also described is a threaded bone stabilization implant adapted for a lateral delivery and sized for placement across a sacro-iliac ("SI") joint. The implant includes an elongate body having a distal end and a proximal end. The elongate body may include a threaded distal region, a threaded central region disposed proximally of the distal region, and a proximal region disposed proximally of the central region. The elongate body may further include a plurality of helical flutes, each of the plurality of helical flutes having formed therethrough a plurality of fenestrations extending into a central lumen. The body may have a length, and the threaded distal region, the threaded central region, and the proximal region may each have individual lengths such that when the implant is laterally implanted, the threaded distal region can be positioned in a sacrum, the threaded central region can be positioned across an SI-joint, and the proximal region can be positioned in an ilium.

Also described is a threaded bone implant. The implant includes an elongate body extending from a distal end to a proximal end. The elongate body may include one or more helical threads, each of the one or more helical threads extending axially along at least a portion of the elongate body. The elongate body may include an inner shank or inner member from which the one or more helical threads radially extend. The elongate body may also include a porous network of interconnected struts disposed about the inner shank (or inner member) and about a longitudinal axis of the elongate bone implant body. A porous network of interconnected struts may be disposed between the one or more helical threads along at least a section of the elongate body, and optionally disposed in each of a distal region, a central region, and a proximal region of the implant. In some examples a porous network of interconnected struts has a continuous helical configuration through a distal region, a central region, and into a proximal region. Continuous in this context and as used herein includes discontinuities in the porous network due to one or more flutes and/or one or more fenestrations. A porous network of interconnected struts may have an outer dimension that is less than a major diameter of the one or more helical threads.

Also described is a method not claimed of manufacturing a threaded bone implant. The method may include printing a threaded bone implant from a distal end to a proximal end (although printing from a proximal end (head) to a distal end (tip) may be used). Printing the implant may include printing an inner shank, printing one or more helical threads extending radially from the inner shank, each of the one or more helical threads extending along at least a portion of the threaded bone implant. The method may include printing a porous network of interconnected struts about the inner shank, about a long axis of the elongate bone implant body, and between at least a section of the one or more helical threads. The porous network of interconnected struts generally has an outer dimension less than a major diameter of the one or more helical threads.

This method may include any other suitable method step herein, and may be a computer executable method stored in a memory and adapted to be executed by a processor or processing component, concepts of which are known (e.g., one or more pieces of software, an algorithm, etc.).

Also described is a not claimed method of 3D printing a threaded bone implant. The method may include printing a threaded bone implant from a distal end to a proximal end. Printing the implant may include printing a sacrificial distal tip, printing a threaded bone implant above the sacrificial distal tip, and subsequent in time to printing the threaded bone implant, removing the sacrificial tip and forming a distal end on the threaded bone implant.

Also described is a 3D printed threaded bone implant. The implant may include a 3D printed implant body having a distal end and a proximal end. The implant body may have one or more threads thereon extending radially outward from an inner shank. At least one thread may form an angle greater than <NUM> degrees relative to a long axis of the implant body.

The disclosure relates generally to threaded bone stabilizing implants, which may be used for fixation and/or fusion, for example. The bone stabilizing implants described herein are generally sized and configured to be delivered in a lateral delivery pathway and implanted such that a distal region of the implant is implanted in a sacrum, an intermediate region is implanted in or across a sacro-iliac ("SI") joint, and a proximal region is implanted in an ilium. The bone implants herein include one or more threads along at least a portion of the implant, which allows the implants to be rotated into and anchored into bone during implantation. When an implant herein is referred to as a threaded implant, it refers to an implant having one or more threads, any one of which may extend along at least a portion of a length of the implant.

The threaded bone implants herein generally include different regions or portions along their lengths that are sized and/or configured to provide functionality based at least partially on the anatomical region in which they implanted. For example, implants herein may have distal regions that are sized (e.g., length and/or width) and configured (e.g., threaded) such that the distal region is adapted with functionality to anchor into relatively more dense cancellous sacral bone. The functionality may be compared relative to other regions of the implant that are not so sized and/or configured, or to other types of implants that are not so sized and/or configured in the manner(s) described herein.

The disclosure herein may be related to disclosure from <CIT>,<CIT> and<CIT>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary bone stabilization implant <NUM> that includes an elongate body as shown, the elongate body extending from distal end <NUM> to proximal end <NUM>. The elongate body includes distal anchor region <NUM>, intermediate or central region <NUM>, and proximal region <NUM>. In this embodiment, distal region <NUM> includes a threaded region that is multi-lead, and in this particular example is dual-lead, with threads 122a and 122b shown in <FIG>.

Distal region <NUM> also includes a porous network of interconnected struts <NUM> in between the threads, one region of which is labeled in <FIG>. A porous network of interconnected struts may be referred to herein as a porous lattice. <FIG> illustrates an example of a porous network of interconnected struts that may be considered to have a general helical configuration that extends between helical threads of the threaded region, as shown. The helical configuration of the porous lattice may be interrupted by one or more fenestrations and/or flutes where no lattice is present (such as shown in <FIG>), but the porous lattice may still be considered to have a general helical configuration in these examples.

Distal region <NUM> is multi-lead (dual-lead in this example), the configuration of which adapts distal region <NUM> to more securely anchor into dense cancellous sacral bone.

The porous lattices herein may comprise an outer porous network of interconnected struts, an example of which is shown in <FIG>, and which are described in more detail below. Any of the individual struts herein may also be referred to as a beam. Generally, the porous regions in between the threads preferably have a smooth outer profile to facilitate rotational insertion and proper anchoring. Alternatively stated, it is generally desirable for the porous regions in between threads to avoid having a significantly rough outer surface with exposed strut ends, which may deleteriously damage the adjacent bone and result in less stable anchoring. The porous network may have an irregular configuration of struts, or it may have a regular pattern of struts, or a combination thereof. It is therefore understood that the term lattice as used herein does not require a regular or repeating pattern of struts. Additional exemplary features of porous networks of interconnected struts are described below.

The implant <NUM> also includes central or intermediate region <NUM>, which is sized and configured (including relative to other implants regions) to be positioned across a SI joint when the implant <NUM> is delivered laterally across the SI joint. Central region <NUM> includes a fewer-lead threaded region than distal region <NUM> and proximal region <NUM>, and in this embodiment is single-lead. In this embodiment thread <NUM> in central region <NUM> is considered to continue into distal region <NUM> as thread 122b, as shown, but in alternative embodiments the central region thread may be considered part of a different thread that does not continue or extend into distal region <NUM>. Thread 122b is considered continuous with thread <NUM> from distal region <NUM> into central region <NUM>, even though the thread is interrupted one or more times by fenestrations and fluted regions, which are described in more detail below.

Central region <NUM> includes a porous network of interconnected struts <NUM> (which may be referred to here as a lattice), only one region of which is labeled in <FIG>. Lattice <NUM>, like lattice <NUM>, is disposed between threads in central region <NUM>. The porous lattice <NUM> may be considered continuous with porous lattice <NUM> in that they together approximate a generally helical configuration extending from distal region <NUM> into central region <NUM>, which again is interrupted by one or more fenestrations and fluted region as shown.

The exemplary single-lead design in central region <NUM> provides for relatively greater axial spacing between threads, compared to, for example, distal region <NUM>. This relatively greater axially spacing creates a greater porous lattice <NUM> surface area, which is better adapted and configured to facilitate ingrowth and/or ongrowth when central region <NUM> is implanted across the SI joint. Distal region <NUM> and central region <NUM> are examples of regions in which the central region has a relatively greater spacing between threads, which provides for a greater porous surface area between threads.

The elongate body also includes proximal region <NUM>, which includes a threaded region with a greater lead than central region <NUM>. In this example, proximal region <NUM> includes a threaded region that is dual-lead, as shown. Thread 162a in proximal region <NUM> is continuous with thread <NUM> in central region <NUM>, although in alternative embodiments they may not be continuous. It is again understood that the phrase continuous in this context includes one or more interruptions with fluted region and/or fenestrations, as shown in <FIG>. The multi-lead threaded region in proximal region <NUM> facilitates strong anchoring in dense iliac bone when implant <NUM> is implanted laterally across a SI joint.

As mentioned above, implants herein may have a distal region, a central region and a proximal region that are each configured and sized to provide one or more functions based on the anatomical region in which they are positioned after the implant is fully implanted. In some embodiments, any of the distal regions herein (e.g., distal region <NUM> in <FIG>) may have a length from <NUM> to <NUM>, for example. This may ensure that the multi-lead region is anchored into dense sacral bone near the mid sacrum. In some embodiments, any of the central regions herein (e.g., central region <NUM>) may have a length from <NUM> to <NUM>. This may ensure that the central region is positioned across the SI joint, with the relatively larger porous surface area extending across the joint to facilitate one or more of ingrowth and/or ongrowth areas. In some embodiments, any of the proximal regions herein (e.g., proximal region <NUM> in <FIG>) may have lengths from <NUM> to <NUM>, which can ensure that the multi-lead threaded proximal region is anchored into dense iliac bone. The proximal regions herein with respect to their lengths are not considered to include a proximal end of the elongate body that is free of threads, such as where reference number <NUM> is pointing in <FIG>.

Implant body <NUM> also includes an inner shank or inner member from which the one or more threads and one or more porous lattice regions radially extend. The inner shank may be considered the same or similar to a shank of a screw or other threaded body. The inner shanks herein need not be considered to be continuous structures, and may include one or more breaks or discontinuities therein, such as one or more fenestrations extending therethrough. The inner shank or inner members herein in this context may be considered to include inner surfaces from which one or more threads and one more porous lattice structures extend radially therefrom.

The distal region <NUM> is tapered towards its distal end, as shown in <FIG>, a feature of which may be incorporated into any of the implants herein. Distal end <NUM> in this example also includes sharpened distal end elements, which may be incorporated into any of the implants herein.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary threaded bone implant <NUM>. Implant <NUM> may have one or more features of implant <NUM> in <FIG>, including features that may be similarly labeled (e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>). One difference between implant <NUM> and implant <NUM> is that implant <NUM> includes a central region, a proximal portion <NUM> of which is void or free of a porous network of interconnected struts. Proximal portion <NUM>, which may be considered a solid portion, is disposed at the SI joint when the implant is fully implanted. The proximal portion <NUM> of the central single threaded region <NUM> includes inner member or inner shank <NUM> and a thread radially extending therefrom. In some embodiments, implant <NUM> may be the same as implant <NUM> in all other ways. As shown in <FIG>, shank <NUM> in proximal portion <NUM> has the same or substantially the same radial dimension (e.g., diameter) as the porous network of interconnected struts <NUM> in the distal portion of the central region <NUM>. An exemplary advantage of the proximal portion <NUM> without the lattice, and the larger diameter shank in proximal portion <NUM>, is that proximal region <NUM> may be stronger and more fatigue resistant in the region of the larger diameter shank. This may be important on some bone implants with certain dimensions where including a lattice structure along its entire length, including a region across the SI joint, may reduce fatigue strength to an extent that is undesired. For example, in some embodiments, implant <NUM> may have a major diameter from <NUM> to <NUM> (outer diameter of the thread), such as <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, inner shank <NUM> has step-up in region <NUM> in central region <NUM>, where the diameter of the shank increases at the step-up from the distal portion of central region <NUM> to proximal portion <NUM> of central region <NUM>. The step-up in shank diameter increases the fatigue strength in the proximal portion <NUM>, which is generally positioned across the joint.

<FIG> illustrate exemplary lag threaded implants <NUM>-<NUM>, respectively, in which the central regions and proximal regions are not threaded, as shown. The lag implants include a proximal washer, as shown, methods of use of which are generally known for lag implants. In some applications, the threaded lag implants herein may be used for fracture and repair, for example.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary threaded lag implant <NUM> that includes a distal threaded region <NUM>, a central non-threaded region <NUM> spaced to be disposed across a SI joint, and a proximal non-threaded region <NUM>. Distal region <NUM> is multi-lead, and in this embodiment in dual-lead. Implant <NUM> includes a plurality of helical flutes or fluted region <NUM> (e.g., 370a, 370b and 370c, as shown). Implant <NUM> further includes a plurality of fenestrations <NUM>, which may be similar or the same as any of the fenestrations herein. For example, and as shown, each of the helical flutes <NUM> is aligned with a plurality of fenestrations <NUM>. Fenestrations in the distal region <NUM> may be larger than fenestrations in the central and/or proximal regions <NUM> and <NUM> respectively, such as for the reasons set forth herein.

As shown in <FIG>, implant <NUM> includes porous lattice or network of interconnected struts <NUM>, additional exemplary details of which are described herein. Porous lattice <NUM> may also be considered to have a helical configuration, disposed between both threads <NUM> and the flutes, as shown. In this example, the porous lattice extends in the distal region <NUM>, the central region <NUM>, and into the proximal region <NUM>. Any of the description herein related to a porous network of interconnected struts may be incorporated into lattice <NUM>. Washer <NUM> is also shown, and is configured to be disposed about the proximal end of implant <NUM> and allows for a range of motion between implant <NUM> and washer <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates implant <NUM> and illustrates features similar or the same as implant <NUM> in <FIG>, in particular a proximal portion of central region <NUM> that is free of a porous lattice. The relevant description of <FIG> with respect to a section free of a porous lattice is incorporated by reference into the description of implant <NUM> in <FIG> for all purposes. An exemplary advantage of the proximal portion of the central region <NUM> without the lattice as shown, and the larger diameter shank in the proximal portion of central region <NUM>, is that the proximal region may be stronger and more fatigue resistant in the region of the larger diameter shank, for the same reasons set forth herein with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates implant <NUM> from <FIG>, and also illustrates an exemplary angle of rotation and washer <NUM>, with implant <NUM>' shown to illustrate the exemplary angle of rotation.

<FIG> illustrates implant <NUM> that may be similar or the same as implant <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary angle of rotation and <NUM>. Any suitable description herein related to implant <NUM> is incorporated by reference into the disclosure of <FIG>.

Threaded bone implants herein may include one or more flutes, or fluted regions, examples of which are shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates exemplary threaded bone implant <NUM>, which may include any other suitable feature of any other threaded bone implant described herein. Implant <NUM> has an elongate body that includes a plurality of helical flutes or fluted regions 770a, 770b, 770c, extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongate body. Similarly, <FIG> shows implant <NUM> including a plurality of helical flutes 270a, 270b and 270c formed therein. Threaded bone implants herein may include three flutes (as shown in the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>), although implants herein may be modified to include more or fewer than three flutes.

Implant <NUM> also includes fenestrations <NUM>, only two of which are labeled in <FIG>. Implant <NUM> is another example of an implant body that includes flutes <NUM> that are each aligned with a separate plurality of fenestrations <NUM> formed through the elongate body. Each fluted region in this example includes a separate plurality or set of fenestrations aligned with the respective fluted region, as is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show exemplary implants that include a plurality of helical flutes, each of which extends from the distal region and into and through the central region, and which may optionally extend in the proximal regions. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of helical flutes may extend to a minimal extent into the proximal multi-lead region <NUM>, but the flutes may optionally not extend all the way through proximal regions herein.

As is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> (but shown in other embodiments herein), the flutes or fluted regions (as well as one or more of the fenestrations) of the implant create an interruption in the one or more threads that extend around the elongate body.

The threaded implants herein may include one or more fenestrations, or relatively larger apertures, extending therethrough. <FIG> illustrates a plurality of fenestrations <NUM> (only two of which are labeled). <FIG> and <FIG> are examples of threaded implants in which at least one (optionally all) of the fenestrations is aligned, or overlaps with, a fluted region of the implant. <FIG> and <FIG> each illustrate a plurality of fluted regions of the respective threaded implant, each of which is aligned or overlapped with a plurality of fenestrations. The fenestrations aligned with or overlapping each of the fluted regions are axially spaced apart along the fluted region, and together the fenestrations are disposed in a helical configuration, as shown more clearly in <FIG>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, for example, there are three sets of helically-oriented fenestrations, each set including a plurality of fenestrations.

In any of the embodiments herein, any or all of the fenestrations in the implant may have a tapered configuration in the radial direction. <FIG> illustrates a single fenestration <NUM> in a threaded implant elongate body having a tapered configuration between a larger radially outer fenestration opening <NUM> and a smaller radially inner fenestration opening <NUM>, wherein the difference in opening sizes defines the tapered configuration. This type of taper is referred to herein as a radially inward taper. Any or all of the fenestrations in the threaded implant may be tapered in this manner. Fenestration <NUM> is also an example of a fenestration aligned with a fluted region, as shown. <FIG> is also an example of a continuous thread, as shown, that is interrupted by a fluted region and fenestration <NUM>.

Any of the implants herein may have a plurality of fenestrations, but not all of the implant fenestrations may have the same size or configuration as one or more other fenestrations in the implant. For example, in some embodiments, a distal region of the implant (e.g., distal region <NUM> in <FIG>) may not need to have as much fatigue strength as a more proximally disposed region, such as central region <NUM>, or a proximal portion <NUM> of the central region, which may be implanted across a SI joint. Any of the implants herein may thus have distal regions with one or more fenestrations therein that are larger than one or more fenestrations in at least a portion of the central region that is disposed across the SI j oint. The threaded implant central regions may have smaller fenestration so that the implant has more structural material in the region that is disposed across the SI joint. The distal region, which may not need the same fatigue strength, can have more openings, such as in the form of larger fenestrations, without negatively impacting strength of the implant.

Additionally, any of the implants herein may include fenestrations in the distal region that have less pronounced tapers in which there is less of a difference in size or circumferential area between the radially inner opening and the radially outer opening (i.e., a steeper transition between the inner opening and the outer opening). Compared to one or more central region fenestrations, distal region fenestrations may have radially inner openings that are relatively larger than radially inner openings in the central region of the implant.

As described herein, any of the implants herein may include porous regions disposed radially outward from an inner member or shank, wherein the porous regions extend along at least a portion of the threaded implant, including in regions in between the one or more threads. For example, <FIG> shows implant <NUM> that includes porous network of interconnected struts (e.g., <NUM>) in between threads and extending along substantially all of the elongate body. <FIG> shows an example of an implant <NUM> that includes porous regions (e.g., <NUM>) in between threads and extending along at least a distal region of an implant, and in a proximal region of the implant.

Any of the porous network of interconnected struts herein (e.g., lattice <NUM> in <FIG>, porous lattice <NUM> in <FIG>) may be a porous network of interconnected struts disposed about the inner shank, an example of which is shown in <FIG>. With threaded implants such as those described herein, it may be desirable to have the porous network of interconnected struts that are between the threads to rotationally approximate a smooth shank and thereby facilitate a smooth rotational entry into the bone. This can create a minimal amount of resistance and bony damage as the threaded implant is rotated through bone, helping securely anchor the threaded implant into bone. This may be contrasted with porous region that include struts with many free ends that extend radially outward and are not interconnected with other struts as a network. The porous regions herein may be configured as a porous network of interconnected struts that are disposed about an inner shank (e.g., <NUM>), an exemplary highlighted region of which is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a portion of an exemplary implant <NUM> including thread <NUM>, in between which the implant includes a porous network of interconnected struts <NUM>. Network of interconnected struts <NUM> includes a plurality of interconnected struts <NUM> (e.g., 950a, 950b, 950c), only some of which are labeled in <FIG> for clarity. The struts <NUM> are interconnected at connections or nodal locations <NUM>, and only two of which are labeled for clarity - 951a and 951b. The connections or nodal locations herein may be the connection of two, three, four, or more individual struts or beams of the porous network of interconnected struts. As set forth above, the porous network of interconnected struts preferably creates a smooth outer surface and may approximate a cylindrical shank (even though the network defines a plurality of pores between the struts), which facilitate a relatively smooth rotation of the implant through bone.

The porous network of interconnected struts has an outer dimension less than a major diameter (diameter of thread(s)) of the at least one helical thread, which is shown in at least <FIG> and <FIG>.

The porous networks of interconnected struts herein may be defined in a variety of ways. For example, the porous network of interconnected struts may be considered to be substantially concentric about a long axis of the elongate body in at least a portion of the porous network of interconnected struts, which is partially shown in the perspective view of <FIG>. Additionally, the interconnected struts in the porous networks of interconnected struts herein may be considered to have the same radially outermost dimension and concentric about an elongate body long axis. The porous networks of interconnected struts herein may be considered to define a generally circular shape in an end view of the elongate body, which is partially shown in <FIG>. Additionally, the interconnected struts in the porous networks of interconnected struts herein may be considered to approximate an outer cylindrical profile, even though there are pores defined by the struts, and even though threads may interrupt sections of the outer cylindrical profile. Additionally, the porous network of interconnected struts may be considered to define a generally cylindrical outer profile, even though there are pores defined by the struts, and even though threads may interrupt sections of the generally cylindrical profile. Additionally, the porous networks of interconnected struts may be considered to define a substantially smooth outer surface, even though there are pores defined by the struts. Additionally, any of the porous networks of interconnected struts herein may be considered to include radially outer struts, which are substantially free of strut free ends extending radially outward.

As shown in <FIG>, the porous lattice may further include a plurality of generally radially extending struts <NUM> that extend radially outward from the inner shank or inner member <NUM> and connect to the porous network of interconnected struts. The plurality of radially extending struts <NUM> generally couple the inner shank <NUM> to the outer porous network of interconnected struts. Radially extending struts as described in this context (e.g., strut <NUM>) are not necessarily orthogonal, as they may have some radial dimension in addition to some axial dimension.

In any of the embodiments herein, the porous network of interconnected struts includes struts or beams, any of which may have a diameter from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In any of the embodiments herein, the porous network of interconnected struts may include point spacings from <NUM> to <NUM>.

In some embodiments herein, such as is shown in <FIG>, the porous networks of interconnected struts may have or define a general helical configuration extending along the elongate body between the at least one helical thread. Helically extending porous networks herein may have interruptions formed therein and are still considered to have helical configurations.

Any of the porous networks of interconnected struts herein may include one or more end regions including strut free ends (e.g., <NUM> in <FIG>), wherein the strut free ends are coupled or extending from a fluted region of the elongate bone implant body, particularly in embodiments in which the threaded implanted is 3D printed. A strut free end in this context refers to a strut end that is not directly connected to another strut, and may be directly connected to another portion of the implant such as an inner shank, a thread or a flute, for example.

Any the threaded implants herein may be 3D printed, using one or more generally known methods or techniques. <FIG> illustrates a portion of an exemplary implant <NUM>, which may include any of the features of any of the threaded bone implants herein. Relative distal and proximal directions are labeled. Thread <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be the same or substantially the same as any of the threads shown in the examples of <FIG>. When threaded bone implants herein, including the threads described herein, are 3D printed with the proximal or head side down, the threads are printed in the orientation shown in <FIG>. When angle alpha as shown is large enough, the threads may tend to droop proximally (towards the head) during a 3D printing process. For example, in some embodiments, alpha may be greater than <NUM> degrees, such as from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, such as <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees. 3D printing some types of threaded bone implants in a head-to-tip direction may thus produce threads that do not have the desired configuration after the printing process.

One option to manufacture threaded bone implants with threads that are disposed at certain angles is to print the threaded implants from the tip end (distal end) up to the head end (proximal end), the orientation of which is generally shown in <FIG>. Printing in this orientation may, depending on the thread angles, produce threads at angles that are beneficially less likely to droop or sag during the printing process. To print some threaded bone implants, it may be important to have a sturdy base upon which to print the implant upward to maintain a vertical long axis throughout the printing process. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary distal portion of 3D printed threaded implant <NUM>, including a printed sacrificial tip <NUM> with a flattened base <NUM>, which is removed (e.g., machining away) after the printing process to create the finished and optionally sharpened distal tip configuration shown in <FIG>. In this example, the sacrificial tip <NUM> includes a flattened base <NUM> that provides a sturdy base upon which the implant may be printed up towards the head or proximal region. Printing in this orientation with an optional sacrificial sturdy base may allow for 3D printing some threaded implants that would be challenging to print if attempts were made to print from the proximal head upward to a distal tip end.

Described in this disclosure is a not claimed method of a method of 3D printing a threaded bone implant (such as any of the threaded implants herein). The method may include printing a threaded bone implant from a distal end to a proximal end. The method may include printing an inner shank, printing at least one helical thread extending along at least a portion of the threaded bone implant and extending from the inner shank. The method may also include printing a porous network of interconnected struts about the inner shank, about a long axis of the elongate bone implant body, and between at least a section of the at least one helical thread, where the porous network of interconnected struts has an outer dimension less than a major diameter of the at least one helical thread. The method may include printing the porous network of interconnected struts to be substantially concentric about a long axis of the elongate body in at least a portion of the porous network of interconnected struts. The method may include printing the porous network of interconnected struts to have a general helical configuration extending along the elongate body between the at least one helical thread and about the inner shank. The method may include printing the porous network of interconnected struts to have the same radially outermost dimension and concentric about an elongate body long axis. The method may include printing strut ends that are disposed within and coupled to fluted regions of the implant. The method may include printing the porous network of interconnected struts to define a substantially smooth radially outer surface that approximate a cylindrical profile.

Claim 1:
A threaded bone implant (<NUM>), comprising:
an elongate body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the elongate body including
one or more helical threads (<NUM>), each of the one or more helical threads extending along at least a portion of the elongate body,
an inner shank (<NUM>) from which the one or more helical threads radially extend,
a plurality of helical flutes (<NUM>), each of the plurality of helical flutes having formed therethrough a plurality of fenestrations (<NUM>) extending into a central lumen,
a porous network of interconnected struts (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed about the inner shank and about a longitudinal axis of the elongate bone implant body,
a plurality of radially extending struts (<NUM>) that extend outward from the inner shank to the porous network of interconnected struts,
the porous network of interconnected struts (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed between the one or more helical threads (<NUM>) along at least a section of the elongate body,
the porous network of interconnected struts having an outer dimension that is less than a major diameter of the one or more helical threads.