Method and apparatus for distracting a joint
US9186181B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/30754
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, comprising applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.