US 7,022,140 B2 · Acromioclavicular joint prosthesis

Abstract

The acromioclavicular joint prosthesis of the present invention provides a mechanism for securing the distal or outer end of the clavicle to the acromion of the scapula. The present prosthetic device includes an acromion attachment component, an opposite clavicle attachment component, and an articulated joint between the two components. The intermediate joint may include a “breakaway” component, allowing the joint to be temporarily misaligned in the event that a severe force is applied to the shoulder, rather than damaging the joint or shoulder structure. The breakaway joint may be quickly and easily realigned by a medical professional. The joint may also include a spring loaded shock absorption component as well, to avoid damage to the joint due to excessive tensile forces. Tools and a method for surgically installing and locking the present prosthesis securely to the respective bones of the skeletal structure, are also disclosed.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An acromioclavicular joint prosthesis, comprising:

an acromion attachment component;
a clavicle attachment component;
and
an articulated linkage connecting said acromion attachment component and said clavicle attachment component to one another;
a pair of mutually opposed, parallel clavicle attachment arms extending from said clavicle attachment component;
and
a screw disposed through said clavicle attachment arms.

4 more elements

A method of reattaching an acromion to a clavicle in a patient, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a prosthesis having an acromion attachment component, a clavicle attachment component, and an articulated linkage connecting the acromion and clavicle attachment components to one another;
(b) reshaping the acromion to accommodate the acromion attachment component;
(c) reshaping the clavicle to accommodate the clavicle attachment component;
(d) permanently securing the acromion attachment component to the acromion;
and
(e) permanently securing the clavicle attachment component to the clavicle.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Acromioclavicular joint prosthesis

Life of this patent

Acromioclavicular joint prosthesis

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19