Method and system for mammalian joint resurfacing
US6652587B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2430/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed and procured components, adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. In a preferred embodiment, component(s) can be partially cured and generally formed ex vivo and further and further formed in vivo at the joint site to enhance conformance and improve long term performance. In another embodiment, a preformed balloon or composite material can be inserted into the joint site and filled with a flowable biomaterial in situ to conform to the joint site. In yet another embodiment, the preformed component(s) can be fully cured and formed ex vivo and optionally further fitted and secured at the joint site. Preformed components can be sufficiently pliant to permit insertion through a minimally invasive portal, yet resilient enough to substantially assume, or tend towards, the desired form in vivo with additional forming there as needed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.