Method of repairing a bone joint
AssigneeHowmedica Osteonics Corp.
InventorsNabil L. Muhanna, Lance Middleton
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Abstract
A method of repairing a bone joint by using a simple and flexible artificial ligament which easily conforms to a patient's anatomy and can be used independently or in combination with an intervertebral graft, implant or prosthesis to return stability to the spine subsequent to a surgical spine procedure, is disclosed. The method includes anchoring the artificial ligament to at least two vertebrae to aid in restoring stability to the compromised joint. The artificial ligament is also disclosed.
Claims11
A method of repairing a joint formed by at least two bone sections, said method comprising:
- positioning a flexible body having a first end with at least two slotted apertures extending therethrough and a second end with at least two slotted apertures extending therethrough, across said joint such that said first and second ends are, respectively, aligned with one of said at least two bone sections;
- and
- anchoring said first and second ends, respectively, to one of said at least two bone sections to facilitate flexible movement between said at least two bone sections.
A method of repairing a joint formed by at least a first and a second bone section, said method comprising:
- positioning a flexible body having a first end and a second end across said joint such that said first and second ends are, respectively, aligned with said first and second bone sections;
- determining first and second end anchor positions on said first and second bone sections, respectively;
- forming first and second anchoring bores on said flexible body at positions corresponding, respectively, to said first and second anchor positions;
- and
- anchoring said first and second ends at said first and second anchoring bores, respectively, to said first and second bone sections to facilitate flexible movement between said first and second bone sections.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.