System for tensioning ligament grafts

• US 6,001,106 A
• Filed: 09/03/1997
• Issued: 12/14/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: M & R Medical, Inc.
• Original Assignee: M & R Medical, Inc.
• Inventors: Ryan, James P., Moser, Thomas V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Buiz, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): REIP, DAVID OWEN
• Application Number:
  US08/922,707
• Time in Patent Office: 832 Days
• Field of Search: 606/102, 606/96, 606/97, 606/98, 606/86, 606/88, 606/72, 606/73, 623/13
• US Class Current: 606/102
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/0805 Implements for inserting tendons or ligaments

Abstract

Apparatus for tensioning a ligament graft includes a hydraulic tensioning cylinder with a piston having a distal end for holding and affixing, relative to the distal end of the piston, a free end of a ligament graft, where the other end of the ligament graft is affixed to a patient. An inflation device, in hydraulic communication with a cylinder, moves the piston to tension the graft.

Claims

1. A method for tensioning a ligament graft within a joint of a patient undergoing ligament surgery, wherein a ligament is harvested from one location of said patient, and moved to and attached to another location within said joint, said method comprising the steps of:

measuring elongation of said ligament while in its original location;

removing said ligament from said patient,

temporarily mounting said ligament on a tension board, and measuring tension relative to elongation; and

transplanting said ligament in position on said patient, affixing one end thereof, and tensioning the other end to a pre-determined tension as determined on said tension board.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein elongation of said ligament is measured while moving said patient'"'"'s joint through a range of motion.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said ligament is tensioned with one end affixed to said patient, while moving said joint through a range of motion, so that the maximum tension of said joint approximates the predetermined tension measured on said tension board.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein ligament tension is monitored while the patient'"'"'s joint is moved through a range of motion.

5. A method according to claim 3, and including the step of reapplying tension, and again moving said joint through a range of motion until tension repeats itself.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said joint comprises a knee, and wherein the ligament is fixed between a patient'"'"'s tibia and femur, under tension.