Patent ID: 7828853
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for delivering an articular surface implant within a joint comprising a first and a second bone having at least a first and a second articular surface, respectively, said method comprising: forming an implant site in said first articular surface, said implant site configured to receive said articular surface implant for replacing at least a portion of said first articular surface; forming a socket in an articulating feature associated with said second articular surface of said second bone; disposing said articular surface implant at least partially in said socket, moving said second bone from a first position, wherein said socket is exposed relative to said first articular surface of said first bone and is configured to receive said articular surface implant, to a second position, wherein said socket is generally aligned with implant site; and pulling said articular surface implant from said socket at least partially into said implant site via a tether extending through an access tunnel extending through said first bone in a direction away from said first articular surface.