APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT

摘要

A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normal ly articulates with a first bone by attaching a bone sculpting tool (22) direct ly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool (22) in bone sculpting engagement with the articular surface of the second bone, and then sculpting the articular surface of the second bone with the joint reduced and moving o ne bone with respect to the other. An implant (60) placed to replaced the articular surface of the second bone using an impaction device (102) directl y or indirectly attached to the first bone, wherein the force to place the implant (60) is reacted by the second bone and the first bone.