Apparatus and method for protecting prosthetic joint assembly from wear debris

摘要

The disclosure relates to a tissue and debris barrier for use in association with implanted joint replacement devices. The barrier comprises a biocompatible membrane that is impermeable to debris. The membrane defines an aperture which is positioned about a component of the joint replacement prosthesis. The periphery of the membrane may be mechanically attached by suturing to adjacent tissue. The barrier permits full motion of the replacement joint while preventing or impeding tissue and debris from migrating to and from bone implant interfaces. The preferred barrier material is porous expanded PTFE with one side having a microstructure that promotes tissue attachment and the opposing side having a microstructure that allows highly efficient filtration of fine particulate debris. The barrier may be a single layer material or may be a composite construction in which two or more layers are bonded together.