Methods are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. In one embodiment, a drill assembly is advanced from a posterior approach into the SI joint to create a pilot SI joint opening; portions of which being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. After the pilot SI joint opening is created, a SI joint prosthesis is inserted into the pilot SI joint opening, wherein the SI joint prosthesis is positioned in the dysfunctional SI joint at a distance of at least 3.0 mm away from the SI joint dorsal recess.

Methods are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. In one embodiment, a drill assembly is advanced from a posterior approach into the SI joint to create a pilot SI joint opening; portions of which being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. After the pilot SI joint opening is created, a SI joint prosthesis is inserted into the pilot SI joint opening, wherein the SI joint prosthesis is positioned in the dysfunctional SI joint at a distance of at least 3.0 mm away from the SI joint dorsal recess.

Methods are described for stabilizing dysfunctional bone structures. The methods include the step of providing prostheses having an elongated body with dual, i.e., first and second, threaded ends and an intervening central region. The threaded ends have helical threads wound thereon that extend from the intervening central region to the ends of the first and second threaded ends. The methods further include the steps of creating a pilot opening in the dysfunctional bone structures and inserting the prostheses into the pilot opening and, thereby dysfunctional bone structure.

Systems are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. The systems include a drill guide adapted to create a pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint through an incision comprising a length no greater than 3.0 cm; portions of the pilot SI joint opening being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. The drill guide includes a tri-mode fixation system adapted to position and stabilize the drill guide during creation of the pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint and delivery of the SI joint prosthesis therein. The systems also include a SI joint prosthesis configured to be inserted into the pilot SI joint opening of the dysfunctional SI joint, and a prosthesis deployment assembly configured to engage the SI joint prosthesis and advance the SI joint prosthesis into the dysfunctional SI joint.

Systems are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. The systems include a drill guide adapted to create a pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint through an incision comprising a length no greater than 3.0 cm; portions of the pilot SI joint opening being disposed in the sacrum and ilium bone structures. The drill guide includes a tri-mode fixation system adapted to position and stabilize the drill guide during creation of the pilot SI joint opening in the dysfunctional SI joint and delivery of the SI joint prosthesis therein. The systems also include a SI joint prosthesis configured to be inserted into the pilot SI joint opening of the dysfunctional SI joint, and a prosthesis deployment assembly configured to engage the SI joint prosthesis and advance the SI joint prosthesis into the dysfunctional SI joint.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to an adjustable implant configured to be implanted into a patient that includes an adjustable portion moveable relative to a housing. The adjustable implant may include various smart components for enhancing operation of the implant. Smart components may include a controller for managing operations and a transducer for communicating ultrasound data with an external interface device. Additional smart components may include a load cell within the housing for measuring an imparted load; a sensor for measuring angular position of the adjustable portion; a dual sensor arrangement for measuring imparted forces; a reed switch; a half piezo transducer; and an energy harvester.

Methods are described for conducting minimally invasive medical interventions utilizing instruments and assemblies thereof to stabilize and/or fixate a dysfunctional sacroiliac (SI) joint. The methods include the initial steps of providing a drill guide assembly adapted to create a pilot opening in the dysfunctional SI joint, a prosthesis configured to be inserted into the pilot opening created by the drill guide assembly and a prosthesis deployment assembly adapted to engage and advance the prosthesis into the pilot opening in the dysfunctional SI joint. The drill guide assembly includes a drill guide having a prosthesis access opening therethrough; the opening having a configuration that corresponds to the shape of the prosthesis. In some aspects of the invention, the methods thus include the step of advancing the prosthesis through the drill guide and then into the pilot opening in the dysfunctional SI joint with the prosthesis deployment assembly; the initial advancement of the prosthesis through the drill guide providing consistent, optimal placement of the prosthesis in the dysfunctional SI joint.