Patent · US Active

Methods and apparatus for joint distraction

US9526486B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
54References
16Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 19, 2015
Grant dateDec 27, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 19, 2035

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M2025/1088
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.