METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRACTING A JOINT, INCLUDING THE PROVISION AND USE OF A NOVEL JOINT-SPACING BALLOON CATHETER AND A NOVEL INFLATABLE PERINEAL POST

摘要

A method for creating space in a joint, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an expandable member into the intrajoint space while the expandable member is in a contracted condition; expanding the expandable member within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the expandable member.