Method and device for regenerating cartilage in articulating joints
OwnerCharles L. McDowellinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of repairing a damaged joint uses a prosthetic shield and/or spacers to protect regenerating cell growth on the articulating surface of the joint. The shield and spacers protect the articulating surfaces of the joint from compression and frictional stresses while guarding the bone from further damage. The shield and spacers also can deliver transplanted cells and cell enhancing growth factors to the site. The shield can be left in place or removed after the joint heals.
Claims13
A method of repairing a joint having an articulating surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a gap between at least part of the articulating surfaces of two bones in the joint;
- denuding to the bleeding subchondral bone at least a portion of the articulating surface of one bone of the joint;
- maintaining the gap for a period of time;
- allowing cells to grow into the gap on the articulating surface of at least one bone;
- implanting a shield into a first bone of the joint at the articulating surface;
- implanting a spacer into a second bone of the joint at the articulating surface opposite the first bone;
- and
- protecting the cells growing on the articulating surface of at least one bone.
A method of repairing a joint having an articulating surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a gap between at least part of the articulating surfaces of two bones in the joint;
- denuding to the bleeding subchondral bone at least a portion of the articulating surface of one bone of the joint;
- maintaining the gap for a period of time;
- transplanting cells to the denuded articulating surface;
- covering the transplanted cells with a membrane;
- securing the membrane with a spacer;
- allowing cells to grow into the gap on the articulating surface of at least one bone;
- and
- protecting the cells growing on the articulating surface of at least one bone.
A method of repairing a joint having an articulating surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a gap between at least part of the articulating surfaces of two bones in the joint;
- denuding to the bleeding subchondral bone at least a portion of the articulating surface of one bone of the joint;
- maintaining the gap for a period of time;
- transplanting cells to the denuded articulating surface;
- covering the transplanted cells with a membrane;
- securing the membrane with a shield;
- allowing cells to grow into the gap on the articulating surface of at least one bone;
- and
- protecting the cells growing on the articulating surface of at least one bone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.