Fixation of orthopedic devices
OwnerRichard D. Couttsinventor
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods to provide superior fixation of orthopedic devices within bones, through use of a resorbable cement material. As well, methods to provide temporary fixation of orthopedic devices within bones until the natural bone tissue may ingrow with the device are also disclosed. The methods are broadly applicable to repair of fractures or other divisive or compressive maladies in bones, augmentation of the osteopenic skeleton, and attachment of prostheses.
Claims36
A method to repair a fractured bone that comprises the steps of:
- reaming a canal in the bone to form a longitudinal channel extending from a first end to a second end of the bone, said channel having a proximal opening, a proximal portion and a distal end;
- injecting an effective amount of a resorbable cement material into the distal end of the channel;
- inserting into the channel an intramedullary rod, having a proximal end and a distal end, such that the distal end of the rod contacts said cement;
- allowing said cement to cure thereby anchoring the rod to the bone, such that a bond strength between the rod and the bone is sufficient to withstand physiological loads during a healing period of the fracture until the bone can withstand normal physiological loads without augmentation;
- and
- leaving the intramedullary rod in place for sufficient time to allow the cement to undergo resorption, thereby allowing the rod to loosen so that stress shielding of the bone is reduced.
A method to fix an orthopedic implant in a bone, comprising:
- preparing the bone for implant insertion;
- reaming a hole in the prepared bone, such that at least a portion of the cancellous tissue of the bone is exposed, said hole sized for the implant;
- applying an effective amount of a resorbable cement, such that said cement provides contact surfaces between only a first portion of the implant that is in contact with the cancellous tissue of the bone;
- and
- allowing the cement to cure within the bone, such that fixation occurs between said first portion of the implant and a portion of the cancellous tissue of the bone through the cement and the contact surfaces, such that the fixation obtained is of sufficient strength to withstand physiological loads until fixation occurs by osteogenic growth between the bone and a second portion of the implant.
A method to repair a comminuted fracture in a bone, comprising:
- providing a bone having a comminuted fracture comprising one or more fragments each said fragment being separated by a space from a main portion of said bone;
- applying a resorbable cement to said space;
- and
- pushing each said fragment into a proper alignment with the main portion of said bone thereby substantially eliminating said space and forming a bond between said cement, said fragments, and said main portion of said bone.
A method to inject cement into a cavity within a bone, comprising:
- reaming a canal in the bone to form a longitudinal channel extending from a first end of the bone to a second end of the bone, said channel having a proximal opening, a proximal portion, and a distal end;
- inserting a cement introducer device into the canal, wherein said introducer device comprises:
- an elongate flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending therebetween;
- a connector on the proximal end for attaching a feed container containing a resorbable cement;
- and
- a feed container attached to said connector containing resorbable cement, said feed container having means for pushing said cement from said container through said lumen and out the distal end of said shaft, and wherein said flexible shaft is inserted into said channel;
- and
- injecting cement from said cement introducer device through said flexible shaft into said channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.