Patent ID: 9119721
Filing Date: 2015-09-01
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of subchondrally accessing an area in or adjacent to a bone marrow lesion in a subchondral region of a proximal tibia, the method comprising: identifying a bone marrow lesion in a subchondral region of a proximal tibia, the subchondral region occurring under an articular surface of the proximal tibia; providing a guide instrument positioned adjacent the proximal tibia with a tip of a probe of the guide instrument contacting a location on the articular surface of the proximal tibia and with a first opening in the guide instrument being in receipt of an access tool that is advanceable through the first opening for entry into the proximal tibia, wherein the tip of the probe contacting said location establishes a targeted delivery site in the subchondral region of the proximal tibia, the targeted delivery site spaced a distance from the tip of the probe and located in an area of the subchondral region in or adjacent to the bone marrow lesion; and advancing the access tool through the first opening and into the proximal tibia, wherein the first opening guides the access tool to the targeted delivery site in a first direction and in a manner that preserves an existing condition of the articular surface of the proximal tibia.