Patent ID: 9566101
Date: 2017-02-14
CPC Classifications: A61B

Claim:
1. A method of forming a curvilinear void in bony structure, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a bony structure with a cannula; inserting a distal end of a drill device through the cannula and into the bony structure, the drill device comprising a flexible drill shaft assembly, wherein the flexible drill shaft assembly comprises a handle having a rotatable element and a handle spring, a drill shaft affixed to a feed screw, a compression spring, a band retention element, and a lever and cam sub assembly comprising a drill cam and a cam pusher assembly for varying a force used to apply a curvature to a distal end of the flexible drill shaft assembly, wherein the drill cam comprises an outer surface wall and an inner surface wall, wherein the outer surface wall is in contact with the cam pusher assembly, and the band retention element is positioned outside of the drill cam, wherein the lever has a first position pointing toward the compression spring that is against the handle and a second position that is away from the handle, wherein when the lever is in the second position away from the handle the compression spring is under greater compression than when the lever is in the first position against the handle, further wherein when the lever is in the second position the drill cam is pivoted and forces the cam pusher assembly toward the compression spring; manipulating the distal end of the drill device to create a curvilinear void in the bony structure; and removing the distal end of the drill device from the cannula, wherein the flexible drill shaft assembly further comprises a sharp cutting tip, a band coupled at a distal end proximate to the cutting tip and at a proximal end to the compression spring, a flexible rotatable drive shaft coupled to the tip, and a flexible, moveable and non-rotatable housing.