Method for sculpting the surface of a joint

摘要

Methods and devices for sculpting bones, particularly in preparation for implanting prosthetic devices to replace articulating bone joint surfaces. Improved bone removal devices including burr mills driven by gears and loop drives are provided. Reciprocating cutters and belt cutters are also provided. Some devices have either integral or removable expandable portions to vary the force and bone resection depth. Devices can have irrigation ports and plenums to remove bone fragments. Some cutters are dual cutters, adapted to remove bone in two or more regions, such as the knee joint, simultaneously.

主权项

1. A method of sculpting the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone, the method comprising: fixing a bone-sculpting tool to the second bone; sculpting the articular surface of the first bone; and applying a distracting force between the bone-sculpting tool and the second bone, said distracting force reacted by the second bone so as to force the bone-sculpting tool into the first bone, in which the force applying is operated at least in part under load control.