Method of repairing a bone joint
AssigneesBone Runner Technologies, LLC, Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
InventorsNabil L. Muhanna, Lance Middleton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of repairing a bone joint by using a simple and flexible artificial ligament which easily conforms to a patient's anatomy and can be used independently or in combination with an intervertebral graft, implant or prosthesis to return stability to the spine subsequent to a surgical spine procedure, is disclosed. The method includes anchoring the artificial ligament to at least two vertebrae to aid in restoring stability to the compromised joint. The artificial ligament is also disclosed.
Claims20
A method of repairing a joint formed by at least two bone sections, said method comprising:
- positioning a body fabricated from a generally flexible material that permits a degree of flexibility approximating a natural ligament, said body having a first end with at least one aperture extending therethrough and a second end with at least one aperture extending therethrough, across said joint such that said first and second ends are, respectively, aligned with one of said at least two bone sections;
- and
- anchoring said first and second ends, respectively, to one of said at least two bone sections to facilitate flexible movement between said at least two bone sections,
- wherein said body facilitates movement between said body and at least one of the two bone sections.
A method of repairing a portion of a vertebral column, said method comprising:
- positioning a body fabricated from a generally flexible material, that permits a degree of flexibility approximating a natural ligament, said body having a first end with at least one aperture extending therethrough, a second end with at least one aperture extending therethrough, and an intermediate portion having a width substantially less than corresponding widths of said first and second ends, across a joint such that said first and second ends are, respectively, aligned with a first and a second bone section, wherein said first and second bone sections are on opposite sides of said joint;
- and
- anchoring said first and second ends of said body, respectively, to said first and second bone sections to facilitate flexible movement between said first and second bone sections,
- wherein said body facilitates movement between said body and at least one of said bone sections.
A method of repairing a joint formed by at least two bone sections, said method comprising:
- positioning a body fabricated from a generally flexible material that permits a degree of flexibility approximating a natural ligament, said body having a first end with at least one aperture extending therethrough and a second end with at least one aperture extending therethrough, across said joint such that said first and second ends are, respectively, aligned with one of said at least two bone sections, wherein the at least one aperture at the first end or second end provides translational movement of the body with respect to one of said at least two bone sections;
- and
- anchoring said first and second ends, respectively, to one of said at least two bone sections to facilitate flexible movement between said at least two bone sections,
- wherein said body facilitates movement between said body and at least one of the two bone sections.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.