Method for performing automated microfracture
AssigneeZimmer Austin, Inc.
InventorBrian Burkinshaw
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method for repairing defects in articular cartilage and, more particularly, to a new method for performing automated microfracture on subchondral bone to repair articular cartilage. The microfractured holes on the surface of the subchondral bone plate are formed with an automated process using a pneumatically driven orthopedic microfracture instrument. The instrument moves a fracture pin through the end of a guide tube until a sharp end of the fracture pin punctures or penetrates the subchondral bone plate and creates a microfracture or hole in the bone.
Claims20
A method for performing microfracture surgery on subchondral bone in a knee to repair a full thickness chondral defect, the method comprising the steps of:
- establishing arthroscopic access to the knee;
- identifying the chondral defect in the knee;
- debriding the subchondral bone at the chondral defect;
- providing an automated microfracture inserter;
- creating multiple holes in the subchondral bone with the microfractured inserter;
- removing all instruments from the knee;
- and
- closing the arthroscopic access to the knee.
A method for performing microfracture surgery on subchondral bone to repair a chondral defect, the method comprising the steps of:
- establishing arthroscopic access to the chondral defect;
- debriding the subchondral bone at the chondral defect;
- providing a pneumatic instrument;
- creating micro fractures in the subchondral bone with the pneumatic instrument;
- and
- closing the arthroscopic access to the chondral defect.
A method for performing microfracture surgery on subchondral bone to repair a chondral defect, the method comprising the steps of:
- establishing surgical access to the chondral defect;
- providing an automated orthopedic instrument;
- creating microfractured holes in the subchondral bone with the orthopedic instrument;
- and
- closing the surgical access to the chondral defect.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.