Method and Apparatus for Altering Biomechanics of Articular Joints

摘要

Pathology of the human knee can arise from excessive and/or uneven loading of regions within the joint. Methods and apparatus are disclosed that enable displacement of soft tissue around the knee, without displacing or severing bone thereby altering the mechanical load distribution within the joint in a less invasive manner than previous techniques.

主权项

1. An apparatus for treating disorders of articular joints, the joint being subject to forces exerted by soft tissues disposed proximate to the joint with said soft tissues forming target tissues for treatment, the apparatus comprising a prosthesis implantable in engagement with at least one said target tissue so as to displace said target tissue sufficiently to alter the location, angle or magnitude of the forces exerted by the soft tissues so as to achieve a therapeutic effect in the joint, wherein said prosthesis comprises:
a fixation portion including bone fixation means configured to be secured in contact with a bone forming said joint at a fixation location outside the articular capsule of the joint, and a displacement portion configured and dimensioned to extend from the fixation portion to engage and displace the soft tissue, the displacement portion having an outer surface, wherein said displacement portion outer surface is smooth and free of holes or fixation means.