Flexible ACL instrumentation, kit and method
US9232954B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/1615
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a first embodiment, the present invention includes an instrumentation system for preparing a bone for soft tissue repair, the instrumentation system including a flexible drill pin capable of bending along a curved path; an aimer capable of engaging the flexible pin to bend the flexible pin; and a flexible reamer having a flexible portion along at least a portion of its length, the flexible portion comprising a plurality of laser cuts. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention may also include a method for preparing a bone tunnel in a femur adjacent a knee joint, the method including introducing a flexible drill pin into the knee joint; guiding the flexible drill pin towards a surface of the femur with an instrument introduced into the knee joint; drilling the flexible drill pin into the femur; removing the instrument from the knee joint; introducing a cannulated flexible reamer into the knee joint by placing the flexible pin within the cannulation of the flexible reamer; and reaming the bone tunnel in the femur along the path of the flexible pin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.