Robert L Ball

US Patent:

20140074247, Mar 13, 2014

Filed:

May 7, 2010

Appl. No.:

13/319068

Inventors:

Kevin L. Ohashi - Jamaica Plain MA, US
Donald E. Running - Warsaw IN, US
Robert J. Ball - West Olive MI, US
Randip R. Bindra - Clarendon Hills IL, US
John J. Fernandez - Chicago IL, US
Dale R. Peterson - Carlsbad CA, US

International Classification:

A61F 2/46
A61F 2/42

US Classification:

623 2112

Abstract:

The implant () is shaped to generally mimic the form of the trapezium (), or portions thereof. For example, the implant optionally defines a first metacarpal projection () and a second metacarpal projection () spaced from the first metacarpal projection to form a C-type, or cuff-type receptacle () for receiving the first metacarpal () such as the first and second metacarpal projections extend along either side of the first metacarpal. The receptacle optionally acts as a support surface (A) for the first metacarpal during articulation thereof. In some embodiments, the first metacarpal projection is configured to extend adjacent the end portion of the first metacarpal that is adjacent the CMC joint () and the second metacarpal projection is configured to extend into the space () between the end portions of the first and second metacarpals (), thereby helping maintain the intermetacarpal spacing between the first and second metacarpals. The implant may comprise an inflatable cover for minimally invasive implantation.