Patent ID: 11950820
Assignee: EXACTECH, INC.
Field: Medical technology (Instruments)
Classification: CPC A | IPC A

Claim 20:
21. A method, comprising:
providing a device including:
a first plate configured to interface with a first bone structure of a joint of a patient;
a second plate configured to interface with a second bone structure of the joint opposite the first bone structure; and
at least one mechanical actuation mechanism disposed between the first plate and the second plate and configured to apply a distraction force along an axis between the first plate and the second plate so as to urge the first plate and the second plate away from one another, wherein the at least one mechanical actuation mechanism comprises:
a first actuation sub-mechanism, and
a second actuation sub-mechanism,
wherein the first actuation sub-mechanism is configured to provide a first actuation sub-mechanism distraction force, and wherein the second actuation sub-mechanism is configured to provide a second actuation sub-mechanism distraction force that is antagonist to the first actuation sub-mechanism distraction force;

wherein the device is configured so as to have a range of expansion ranging from a minimum distance between the first plate and the second plate to a maximum distance between the first plate and the second plate,
wherein the first actuation sub-mechanism distraction force varies as the device moves through the range of expansion from the maximum distance to the minimum distance,
wherein the second actuation sub-mechanism distraction force varies as the device moves through the range of expansion from the maximum distance to the minimum distance, and
wherein the varying first actuation sub-mechanism distraction force and the varying second actuation sub-mechanism distraction force combine to provide the distraction force that is a substantially constant distraction force across the range of expansion;

performing a cut to the second bone structure of the joint so as to produce a cut surface of the second bone structure;
positioning the device within the joint of the patient such that the second plate abuts the cut surface; and
characterizing laxity of ligaments of the joint of the patient while the device is positioned within the joint.