Patent ID: 8574303
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of subchondrally treating pain associated with a subchondral defect of a knee joint with arthritis, the defect being attributed to overstressed bone as a result of a biomechanical breakdown of the bone or adjacent meniscal tissues, said method comprising: identifying a defect in a subchondral region of a bone of the joint based on capturing an image of said joint; determining, after identifying the defect, an extent of treatment based on size and shape of the defect; selecting at least one reinforcing member; creating, in said bone that contains the defect in its subchondral region, subchondral access into an area in or adjacent to the defect, while preserving an existing condition of the articular surface residing substantially over the subchondral region of said bone that contains the subchondral defect; implanting in the subchondral region of said bone the selected at least one reinforcing member in or adjacent to the subchondral defect via the subchondral access; and surgically stabilizing the defect in a manner that enhances the strength of the overstressed bone, the surgery being conducted with the use of guidance consistent with the image of said joint; wherein the stabilization alleviates corresponding pain in the joint.