Implantation of micronized allograft tissue over a microfractured defect

Abstract

Techniques, mixtures, mixing and delivery kits, and improved delivery instruments for implantation of micronized allograft tissue over a microfractured defect. Allograft cartilage tissue is delivered over a cartilage defect that has been debrided and microfractured, without the need for a periosteal covering or separate type of patch sewn over the top. The allograft tissue may be any micronized cartilage particulates obtained by various methods, for example, cartilage delivered in its native form, dehydrated via lyophilization, “freeze-dried,” dehydrated via desiccation, or dehydrated by any other method.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 660,351 filed Jun. 15, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of surgery and, more particularly, to improved technologies for allograft cartilage repairs.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Articular cartilage injuries affect approximately 900,000 individuals in the United States every year. Numerous surgical interventions exist which focus on inciting cartilage repair including debridement and chondroplasty, microfracture, osteochondral allograft transplantation, and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). These techniques have varying levels of success, with the ultimate goal being to generate hyaline cartilage in the defect, to recreate normal articular congruity, and to improve overall functioning, disability and health. Of these various techniques,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to techniques and tools for implanting micronized allograft tissue over a microfractured defect, such as a cartilage defect. The allograft tissue is delivered over a prepared defect without the need for a periosteal covering or separate patch sewn over the top. The allograft material can be any micronized cartilage particles obtained through various methods, including dehydrated cartilage. The method involves using a paste-like mixture of the allograft material that can be conformed to any defect size or shape, either during an open procedure or arthroscopically. The method also utilizes fibrin adhesive as a covering, and can include the formation of micronized particles through desiccation instead of lyophilization. The technical effects of this invention include improved delivery of micronized allograft tissue for implantation over microfractured defects, which can facilitate the healing process and promote tissue regeneration.

Problems solved by technology

Blood and bone marrow (which contains stem cells) seep out of the fractures, creating a blood clot over the defect.

Although good results have been achieved with microfracture treatments, some studies have concluded that, while microfracture provides effective short-term functional improvement of knee function, there is insufficient data on its long-term results.

Additional shortcomings of the technique include limited hyaline repair tissue, variable repair cartilage volume, and possible functional deterioration over time.

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