System for ostechondral flap repair and method
AssigneeArthrex, Inc.
InventorReinhold Schmieding
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of fixation of osteochondritis dissecans fragments in which chondral fragments are approximated to bone using a guide sleeve having multiple parallel guide tunnels. A drill is inserted through one of the guide tunnels, and a hole is drilled through the fragment and into the bone to a predetermined depth. A fragment-retaining implant inserted into the hole secures the fragment to the bone. Further holes are drilled while the fragment is held in place with the guide sleeve. The implant is inserted using the guide sleeve as a guide.
Claims7
A method of fixation of osteochondritis dissecans fragments, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) approximating a chondral fragment to bone using a guide sleeve having a plurality of parallel guide tunnels;
- b) inserting a drill through a selected guide tunnel;
- c) drilling a hole through the fragment and into the bone to a predetermined depth;
- d) inserting a fragment-retaining dart into the hole to secure the fragment to the bone;
- and
- e) repeating steps b)-d) for at least one other selected guide tunnel.
A system for installing osteochondral fragment-retaining darts, comprising:
- a guide sleeve having a plurality of parallel tunnels;
- a trocar sized to be inserted through a selected one of the tunnels for forming a hole in bone;
- and
- a cannulated dart inserter insertable into the selected one of the tunnels for installing a dart into the hole formed in the bone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.