Allograft bone or synthetic wedges for osteotomy

• US 20020010513A1
• Filed: 06/01/2001
• Published: 01/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arthrex Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Arthrex Incorporated
• Inventors: Schmieding, Reinhold
• Granted Patent: US 6,823,871 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 623/23.72
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1714 for applying tendons or ligaments implements for applying tendons or ligaments A61F2/0805
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1764 for the knee
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0805 Implements for inserting tendons or ligaments

Abstract

Methods of performing opening wedge osteotomies are disclosed in which healing of the osteotomy defect is enhanced by packing the opening with pre-packaged, wedge-shaped bone grafts. The bone wedges are provided in sets of three: two larger outer pieces and a smaller inner piece that fits behind a bone plate. The wedge pieces are made of allograft bone or synthetic bone material. Outer surfaces of the two larger pieces preferably are cortical bone or cortical bone-like material.

Claims

1. A method of correcting a deformity by performing an osteotomy in a bone at an osteotomy site using a bone plate, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) resecting the bone from a first side of the bone to a second side of the bone so as to leave a bony hinge on the second side;

(b) opening the resection to a depth at which the deformity is corrected;

(c) placing the bone plate in a location such that the bone plate spans the open resection; and

(d) packing the resection with prepackaged graft material provided in three sections, including two larger outer pieces, and a smaller inner piece.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of packing the resection includes the steps of inserting the smaller inner piece behind the bone plate, and inserting the two larger outer pieces on either side of the smaller wedge within the resection.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the two larger outer pieces have outer surfaces formed of cortical bone.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of inserting the smaller inner piece takes place prior to placing the bone plate.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the graft material is provided in a wedge shape.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the graft material comprises allograft bone.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the graft material comprises synthetic bone.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the synthetic bone comprises a biodegradable polylactide combined with a hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate.