Patent ID: 8951254
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of fusing a joint in a human or animal patient, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fusion device comprising a liquefiable material that is in a solid state, and implanting the fusion device in a gap between two articular surfaces of a synovial joint or across said gap and, during implantation, transmitting energy to the liquefiable material for a time sufficient to cause at least part of the liquefiable material to transform from the solid state into liquefied material and to make the liquefied material penetrate into bone tissue in a region of said gap to form a positive fit connection with the bone tissue on re-solidification of the liquefied material, wherein the fusion device comprises a first anchorage portion, a second anchorage portion and a stabilization portion, wherein the stabilization portion is arranged between the first anchorage portion and the second anchorage portion, wherein each of the first anchorage portion and the second anchorage portion comprises a pointed distal end, and wherein a first opening and a second opening are provided in a proximal face of the fusion device, the first opening extending axially from the proximal face into the first anchorage portion and the second opening extending axially from the proximal face into the second anchorage portion wherein, prior to the implanting step, the method further comprises: inserting a protrusion provided on a distal end of a gap finder tool between the two articular surfaces of the synovial joint into which the fusion device is to be implanted; sliding a guide bush tool over the gap finder tool, the guide bush tool being provided with an axial tunnel having a cross-section that corresponds to a cross-section of the gap finder tool, and fixing a distal end face of the guide bush tool to bone on either side of the two articular surfaces using spikes or blades; withdrawing the gap finder tool while leaving the guide bush tool in place; inserting a drill guide tool through the axial tunnel of the guide bush tool and using the drill guide tool to drill two axial bores adapted in diameter and distance from each other so as to correspond to the two anchorage portions of the fusion device to be implanted; withdrawing the drill guide tool while leaving the guide bush tool in place; inserting a cutter guide tool through the axial tunnel of the guide bush tool and using the cutter guide tool to guide a drill laterally or pivotally to remove material between the two axial bores; and withdrawing the cutter guide tool while leaving the guide bush tool in place; and wherein, during the implanting step, the fusion device is mounted to a distal end of a vibration tool, which is inserted through the axial tunnel of the guide bush tool, and wherein, after the implanting step, the method further comprises: separating the vibration tool from the fusion device that has formed the positive fit connection with the bone tissue on re-solidification of the liquefied material and withdrawing the vibration tool from the guide bush tool; and removing the guide bush tool.