Method for atraumatic hip access

摘要

An obturator provides access to a joint through a capsule surrounding the joint. A distal end of the obturator has a first distal location with a first width dimension and a second distal location with a second width dimension, wherein the second distal location is proximal to the first distal location and the second width dimension greater than the first width dimension. A retractable blade can extend from the obturator to be exposed between the first distal location and the second distal location.

主权项

1. A method for accessing a hip capsule in a hip arthroscopy procedure, the method comprising the steps of:
contacting the hip capsule with a distal end of an obturator comprising an axially elongated body, the distal end of the obturator being located on a distal extension of the body; pushing the distal extension of the body at least partially into the hip capsule until an abutment on the body which is located proximal to the distal extension is placed into abutment with the hip capsule; and then extending a retractable blade having a cutting edge from a retracted position in which the cutting edge is disposed within the body to an extended position in which the cutting edge extends out of the body distally of the abutment yet remains proximal of the distal end of the obturator; the blade thereby contacting and cutting the hip capsule.