METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTORING ARTICULAR CARTILAGE

摘要

The present invention comprises the provision and use of new and improved arthroscopic instrumentation for (i) harvesting a tissue biopsy from a non-critical section of a joint, and (ii) sizing and seating an autologous graft at an implant site. An exemplary arthroscopic cartilage biopsy tool may comprise: an outer tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; an inner core comprising a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and at least one blade mounted to the distal end of the shaft; and the inner core being rotatably mounted within the lumen of the outer tube such that the at least one blade protrudes beyond the distal end of the outer tube.