TETHER-BASED ORTHOPEDIC JOINT DEVICE DELIVERY METHODS

摘要

Devices and treatments for various joint conditions include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a suture. The suture is passed through the joint space and used to pull the orthopedic device into the joint space. The suture may be using a percutaneously inserted needle or other type of needle-based delivery instrument. The resilient elongate orthopedic device may be restrained to a reduced profile that permits minimally invasive implantation, but assume an enlarged profile when positioned at an implantation site. To facilitate insertion of the orthopedic device through a minimally invasive or limited access procedure, a delivery system may be used to support and orient the orthopedic device during implantation. In some instances, the delivery system may also reduce the delivery profile of the device for insertion through a minimally invasive or limited access procedure.