Method and Device for Stabilizing Joints With Limited Axial Movement
AssigneeAlaska Hand Research, LLC
InventorsMichael G. McNamara, Avery B. Munoz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for stabilizing a joint with low relative motion during orthopedic surgery. The apparatus includes a press-fit fastener body and a coupler. The press-fit fastener body has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to be press-fit into a tunnel in a first bone member. The coupler is located on or is part of the press-fit fastener body and is configured to receive at least one flexible element trailing from at least one suture anchor. At least a portion of the suture anchors are located within a second bone member.
Claims30
A method of stabilizing joints with limited axial movement comprising:
- inserting at least one suture anchor into a first bone member, wherein an at least one flexible element having a first end and a second end is attached to the at least one suture anchor at the first end of each of the at least one flexible element, the at least one flexible element spanning a space between the first bone member and a second bone member and passing through a tunnel in the second bone member and an intermediate bone member, the intermediate bone member being located between the first and second bone member;
- securing the at least one flexible element to a fastener configured to be press-fit into the tunnel in the second bone member;
- inserting the fastener into the tunnel in the second bone member;
- and
- adjusting the at least one flexible member to a desired tension, thereby securing the first bone member to the second bone member.
A method for stabilizing joint with limited axial movement comprising:
- making an incision on a first site of the joint, the incision being proximal to a first bone member;
- drilling a guidewire through the first bone member, a second bone member, and into a third bone member, the second bone member being located between the first and third bone members;
- preparing a bone tunnel through the first and second bone members and into the third bone member;
- securing a suture anchor within the third bone member, the suture anchor having a flexible member extending through the bone tunnel and the second bone member and spanning a space between the first and third bone members, the flexible member having a first end and a second end, the first end being secured to the suture anchor;
- inserting a press-fit fastener into the first bone member, the press-fit fastener creating a press-fit between the press-fit fastener and the bone tunnel;
- and
- securing the second end of the suture anchor to the press-fit fastener.
A method for stabilizing joint with limited axial movement comprising:
- making an incision on a first incision site of the joint, the first site being proximate to a first bone member;
- drilling a guidewire through the first bone member, a second bone member, and a third bone member, the second bone member being located between the first and third bone members;
- making a second incision on a second incision site of the joint, the second site being proximate to the third bone member;
- creating a bone tunnel through the first, second, and third bone members;
- passing a flexible element through the bone tunnel such that the flexible element extends from the first incision to the second incision and passes through the first, second, and third bone members;
- inserting a first fastener into the third bone member through the second incision, the first fastener creating a press-fit within the third bone member;
- securing a first end of the flexible element to the first fastener;
- inserting a second fastener into the first bone member through the first incision, the second fastener creating a press-fit within the first bone member;
- and
- securing a second end of the flexible element to the second fastener.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.