Patent ID: 9198776
Filing Date: 2015-12-01
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of separating a stem of an orthopaedic implant from surrounding bone, comprising the steps of: providing an ultrasonically-vibratable surgical tool having a cutting element, the cutting element comprising an elongate waveguide and an elongate blade, each of the waveguide and the blade having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end, the elongate blade extending from adjacent the distal end of the elongate waveguide, the central longitudinal axis of the waveguide and the central longitudinal axis of the blade intersecting at an acute non-zero angle, wherein the blade is provided on a face thereof adjacent its distal tip with spacing means adapted to contact a substrate surface to prevent direct contact between said face of the blade and substrate surface, wherein the spacing means comprises a layer of thermoplastics material, and wherein the spacing means comprises a different material than the blade; applying the blade to a region between an inner surface of a cavity in a bone and the stem of the orthopaedic implant embedded in said cavity; and causing the cutting element to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency so as to sever bonding material extending within said region.