Devices, techniques and methods for assessing joint spacing, balancing soft tissues and obtaining desired kinematics for joint implant components

• US 9,675,471 B2
• Filed: 06/11/2013
• Issued: 06/13/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/11/2012
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Conformis Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Conformis Incorporated
• Inventors: Fitz, Wolfgang, Bojarski, Raymond A
• Primary Examiner(s): Waggle, Jr., Larry E
• Application Number:
  US13/915,609
• Publication Number:
  US 20130331850A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,463 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/061 for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/06 Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/38 for elbows or knees
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/389 Tibial components A61F2/3868 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/40 for shoulders
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4657 Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints for surgical instruments A61B90/06
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/4684 Trial or dummy prostheses
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30153 rectangular
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/30617 Visible markings for adjusting, locating or measuring
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2002/4661 for measuring thickness

Abstract

Improved assessment probes and measuring tools, systems, procedures and methods to facilitate the selection and/or implantation of prosthetic joint components, and assist a surgeon or medical practitioner with the proper assessment, balancing and/or restoration of natural and/or desired joint kinematics during a joint replacement procedure.

Claims

1. A system for treating a joint of a patient, the system comprising:

an assessment probe, the assessment probe including first and second prongs connected at a common hub,

the first prong extending from the common hub in a first direction and

the second prong extending from the common hub in a direction substantially the same as the first direction,

the first prong having a first predetermined thickness and the second prong having a second predetermined thickness, the first thickness being different from the second thickness; and

a patient-specific mold, the patient-specific mold including at least one patient-specific surface having a shape based, at least in part, on a shape of a corresponding surface of the joint of the patient, wherein the at least one patient-specific surface is configured to mate with the corresponding surface of the joint of the patient, wherein the joint of the patient is a hip or shoulder joint of the patient.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the joint of the patient is a hip joint of the patient.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the assessment probe is configured to measure distraction of two portions of a femoral head of the hip joint of the patient simultaneously.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the joint of the patient is a shoulder joint of the patient.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the assessment probe is configured to measure distraction of two portions of a humeral head of the shoulder joint of the patient simultaneously.