US 6,589,281 B2 · Transosseous core approach and instrumentation for joint replacement and repair

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and instrumentation for gaining access to areas in and around joints for treatment and to provide new implants and instrumentation adapted for the new method. In a transosseous core approach of the present invention, the joint is entered through a pathway provided in a portion of a joint bone. Such pathway is preferably made by taking out a bone core from the bone in or adjacent to the joint, wherever possible without substantially compromising physical integrity and physiological viability of the joint. Typically the main route for the transosseous core approach traverses through a more-accessible bone of the joint which can be aligned with a less-accessible bone of the joint in order to facilitate treatment of articular surfaces and/or other structures in the joint. The transosseous pathway into the joint is preferably provided by novel surgical instruments such as a core cutter, cartilage punch, hemostatic device, and retractable axial/transaxial cutting device. Implants modules are also provided which can be inserted into the joint through the transosseous pathway and assembled in situ inside the joint to form an implant assembly.

Claims42

Dependent claims

A method for treating a joint, wherein the joint includes at least one first bone, at least one second adjacent bone and surrounding anatomical structures, and wherein the first bone has an articular surface and a first region, the second bone has an articular surface and a first region, and the second bone articular surface functionally opposes the first bone articular surface, the method comprising:

positioning the first bone with respect to the second bone;
removing a bone core from the first bone along a first axis to provide a bone core hole beginning in the first bone first region and approaching the first bone articular surface without penetrating said articular surface;
performing an intervention through said bone core hole;
and
reimplanting at least portion of said first bone core within said bone core hole.

2 more elements

A method for treating a joint, said joint including at least one first bone, at least one second adjacent bone and surrounding anatomical structures, wherein the first bone has an articular surface and a first region, the second bone has an articular surface and a first region, the method comprising:

positioning the first bone with respect to the second bone;
cutting a hole having a first diameter in the first bone along a first axis beginning in the first bone first region and passing through the first bone articular surface;
continuing cutting said hole through the second bone articular surface and into said second bone;
enlarging said hole to a second diameter greater than the first diameter at a location spaced away from the first bone first region;
and
implanting at least one component of a prosthetic device within the enlarged hole by passing said at least one component through said hole with the first diameter.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Transosseous core approach and instrumentation for joint replacement and repair

Life of this patent

Transosseous core approach and instrumentation for joint replacement and repair

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims42