Self-positioning drill guide
AssigneeArthrex, Inc.
InventorsAlexander CAMPAGNOLI, Ronja KEUPER
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Surgical constructs, assemblies and methods of tissue fixation are disclosed. A self-positioning drill guide can automatically reference a drill point or drill angle for drilling tunnels in bones by using peripheral edges. A self-positioning drill guide can be a center point drill guide configured to automatically center drill tunnels in bones by using peripheral edges that precisely reference the center point. A centering guide helps to automatically determine the center of bones as well as to provide increased control during drilling.
Claims28
A drill guide, comprising:
- at least one cannulated shaft with a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end;
- and
- a plurality of flexible arms located at the distal end of the at least one cannulated shaft, wherein at least two of the plurality of flexible arms are adapted to reference peripheral edges of tissue to be drilled.
A surgical kit, comprising:
- a drill guide comprising a cannulated shaft with a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end;
- a plurality of flexible arms or wings located at the distal end of the cannulated shaft, wherein the plurality of flexible arms or wings reference peripheral edges of one or more bones to be drilled;
- and
- a cutting instrument.
A method of forming a bone tunnel or hole in a bone, comprising:
- determining a reference drill point of a bone tunnel or hole to be formed in bone by referencing opposite peripheral edges of the bone;
- and
- drilling the bone tunnel or hole at the reference drill point and through the bone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.