Method for ACL reconstruction
US5139520A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1990 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/0882
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved method of reconstructing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is disclosed. Unique instruments and systems for use with the method are also disclosed. The knee joint is inspected arthroscopically to confirm the rupture and possibly take care of other defects. The patellar tendon or semitendinosus tendon is harvested from the patient for the graft (if either is going to be used for the reconstruction), or another ACL substitute is obtained. The graft is prepared for implanting. Notchplasty is generally performed to expand the intercondylar notch. The tibial attachment site of the ACL is determined and a tibial tunnel is drilled over a K-wire from the front face of the tibia to the attachment site using a drill guide system. Preferably, the tibial tunnel starts at a point 20-25 mm below the knee joint. An optimal site for drilling the femoral tunnel is determined through use of a suture anchor and isometer. The suture anchor is a threaded peg which is positioned by a hand-held cannulated driver. A pilot hole is formed preferably with a unique K-wire device having means thereon for limiting the depth of the hole. Once the isometric point has been determined, a closed-en…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.