Patent ID: 9138187
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for reinforcing subchondral bone in a proximal tibia adjacent a knee joint to try to prevent or delay the onset of a bone marrow edema in subchondral bone of the proximal tibia, the proximal tibia having articular cartilage, the subchondral bone occurring under the articular cartilage, the method comprising: obtaining imaging of the proximal tibia that is usable to determine if the imaging detects a defect in the subchondral bone, wherein the imaging obtained includes one or more types of imaging that each fail detect a defect in the subchondral bone, said one or more types of imaging including an MRI of the proximal tibia; identifying an abnormality in the physicochemical environment of a subchondral region of the proximal tibia through use of a biochemical analysis of the subchondral region that is usable to determine if microenvironmental abnormalities exist in the subchondral region, said abnormality including an abnormal osteocyte level; creating, despite the one or more types of imaging failing to detect a defect in the subchondral bone, an access path to the subchondral region of the proximal tibia in a manner that preserves the articular cartilage of the proximal tibia; and injecting an injectable material into the subchondral region via the access path for reinforcing bone in the subchondral region, wherein the access path is created using at least one of the following: (i) a mapping system that provides a set of coordinates for targeting a location in the subchondral region; (ii) a guide instrument that provides a set of tool guiding portals for targeting a location in the subchondral region; and (iii) a template for targeting a location in the subchondral region.