Method and system for mammalian joint resurfacing

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001] The present application is a continuation of an international patent application filed Aug. 28, 2001 and assigned Ser. No. PCT / US01 / 41908 which application has not yet been published and which itself is a continuation-in-part of Provisional U.S. Application Serial No. 60 / 228,444, filed Aug. 28, 2000, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002] In one aspect, this invention relates to biomaterials formed ex vivo for implantation and use within the body. In another aspect, the invention relates to in situ curable biomaterials. In yet another aspect, this invention further relates to the field of orthopedic implants and prostheses, and more particularly, for implantable materials for use in orthopedic joints.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003] Applicant has previously described, inter alia, prosthetic implants formed of biomaterials that can be delivered and finally cured in situ, e.g., using min...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] The present invention provides a method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, and particularly articulating joints such as the knee. In one preferred embodiment, the method relies, at least in part, upon the manner in which the various stages of curing a curable biomaterial, and in turn, the various stages of forming a component from the cured or curing biomaterial, can be correlated and optimized in a desired manner. In turn, such a method provides the ability to both generally and specifically form the component for use in situ.

Problems solved by technology

In so doing, the device of Fell et al. tends to require a significant amount of intact cartilage and meniscus.

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