U.S. patent application number 14/711937 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for joint spacer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bonutti Skeletal Innovations LLC. Invention is credited to Peter M. BONUTTI.
Application Number | 20150238317 14/711937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22477458 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150238317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BONUTTI; Peter M. |
August 27, 2015 |
JOINT SPACER
Abstract
To change a spatial relationship between two or more bones in a
patient's body, a wedge member is moved into a joint between the
bones. The wedge member may have a cam-shaped configuration and be
rotated through less than a revolution to apply force against the
bones. The wedge member may have a porous construction which
enables bone to grow through the wedge member and immobilize the
joint. The wedge member may be coated with and/or contain bone
growth promoting material. The wedge member may be connected to
only one of the bones or may be connected to two adjacent bones. If
the wedge member is connected to only one bone, the joint may be
capable of being flexed after the wedge member is inserted into the
joint.
Inventors: |
BONUTTI; Peter M.;
(Effingham, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bonutti Skeletal Innovations LLC |
Plano |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
22477458 |
Appl. No.: |
14/711937 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10755996 |
Jan 13, 2004 |
9044341 |
|
|
14711937 |
|
|
|
|
10163480 |
Jun 5, 2002 |
7780670 |
|
|
10755996 |
|
|
|
|
09569020 |
May 11, 2000 |
6423063 |
|
|
10163480 |
|
|
|
|
09137443 |
Aug 20, 1998 |
6099531 |
|
|
09569020 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
623/17.11 ;
623/18.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2002/30556
20130101; A61F 2310/00976 20130101; A61F 2002/30518 20130101; A61F
2230/0034 20130101; A61F 2002/30128 20130101; A61F 2002/30187
20130101; A61F 2002/30578 20130101; A61F 2002/30787 20130101; Y10S
606/909 20130101; A61F 2230/0069 20130101; A61B 17/8095 20130101;
A61F 2002/30754 20130101; A61F 2/38 20130101; A61F 2/0077 20130101;
A61F 2002/0086 20130101; A61F 2002/30622 20130101; A61F 2230/0008
20130101; Y10S 606/907 20130101; A61F 2002/30232 20130101; A61F
2/4455 20130101; A61F 2/30734 20130101; A61F 2250/0009 20130101;
A61F 2220/0025 20130101; A61B 17/562 20130101; A61F 2002/3023
20130101; A61B 17/86 20130101; A61F 2002/30736 20130101; A61F 2/442
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/30 20060101
A61F002/30; A61F 2/00 20060101 A61F002/00; A61F 2/44 20060101
A61F002/44; A61B 17/56 20060101 A61B017/56 |
Claims
1. An implantable device for maintaining a spatial relationship
between a first bone and a second bone of a joint, the implantable
device comprising: a body formed of a polymeric material having a
trailing end, a leading end, an upper surface and a lower surface,
the upper and lower surfaces configured such that the body is
thicker at the trailing end than at the leading end, a tooling
socket extending into the trailing end, an upper mounting tab
integrally formed with the body and extending upwardly from the
upper surface, a lower mounting tab integrally formed with the body
and extending downwardly from the lower surface, an upper fastener
hole in the upper mounting tab and a lower fastener hole in the
lower mounting tab, the tooling socket positioned between the upper
and lower fastener holes; an upper fastener having a head and a
threaded shaft, the upper fastener configured for positioning in
the upper fastener hole and for positioning in the first bone in a
mounted configuration; and a lower fastener having a head and a
threaded shaft, the lower fastener configured for positioning in
the lower fastener hole and for positioning in the second bone in
the mounted configuration.
2. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the heads of the
upper and lower fasteners are positionable in engagement with the
trailing end in the mounted configuration.
3. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the upper fastener
hole defines an upper longitudinal axis and the lower fastener hole
defines a lower longitudinal axis, the upper and lower longitudinal
axes oriented generally perpendicular to the trailing end.
4. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body further
includes a first side portion and a second side portion, the first
and second side portions extending between the upper and lower
surfaces.
5. The implantable device of claim 4, wherein the first and second
side portions taper from the trailing end toward the leading
end.
6. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the tooling socket is
comprised of a hexagonal socket, the hexagonal socket generally
centered on a longitudinal central axis of the body, the hexagonal
socket configured to receive a suitable tool to rotate the body
through less than one revolution.
7. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the upper and lower
surfaces are substantially flat.
8. The implantable device of claim 7, wherein the upper and lower
surfaces are generally smooth.
9. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the leading end has a
blunt end portion.
10. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the leading end
tapers to a sharp leading edge.
11. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body further
includes a bone growth passage formed therein, the bone growth
passage extending between the upper surface and the lower surface,
the bone growth passage configured to facilitate bone growth
through the body between the first bone and the second bone in a
mounted configuration.
12. The implantable device of claim 11, wherein the bone growth
passage is packable with bone growth material.
13. The implantable device of claim 11, wherein the body includes a
longitudinal central axis, the bone growth passage is substantially
linear and oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
central axis.
14. The implantable device of claim 11, wherein the bone growth
passage is comprised of a first passage and a second passage, the
first and second passages being substantially linear, the first
passage extending between the upper and lower surfaces and the
second passage extending between the upper and lower surfaces.
15. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein shapes of the upper
and lower surfaces of the body are configured to correspond to the
first and second bones, the first and second bones being comprised
of a superior vertebra and an inferior vertebra, respectively.
16. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body is coated
with a material that promotes bone growth.
17. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a
compartment formed therein, the compartment configured for packing
with bone growth inducing material, the compartment defining upper
and lower inner side surfaces, the upper and lower inner side
surfaces being smaller than the upper and lower surfaces,
respectively.
18. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body tapers from
the trailing end toward the leading end, the taper being configured
to facilitate insertion of the body into the joint, the joint being
comprised of a vertebral joint between a superior vertebra and an
inferior vertebra.
19. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a
first side surface and a second side surface extending between the
trailing end and the leading end, the first and second side
surfaces having an irregular configuration such that the first and
second side surfaces are configured to be aligned with outer
surfaces of the first and second bones, wherein the first bone is a
superior vertebra and the second bone is an inferior vertebra.
20. The implantable device of claim 1, wherein the body includes a
first side surface and a second side surface extending between the
trailing end and the leading end, the first and second side
surfaces being nonlinear and shaped to correspond to the
configuration of the joint, wherein the joint is between vertebrae.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/755,996, filed Jan. 13, 2004, which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/163,480,
filed Jun. 5, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,780,670, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/569,020, filed
May 11, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,423,063, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/137,443, filed Aug. 20,
1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,531, the disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a new and improved method
of changing a spatial relationship between bones which are
interconnected at a joint in a patient's body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It has previously been suggested that joints between bones
be fused, that is, surgically immobilized, to promote patient
comfort. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,373 suggests that a fusion cage
be positioned between adjacent vertebrae. Perforations are formed
in the cage. The cage is packed with a bone-inducing substance. A
method for immobilizing vertebrae is also disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,015,255.
[0004] It has previously been suggested that the spatial
relationship between portions of a bone in a patient's body be
changed to correct deformities. This may be done by removing a
wedge-shaped piece of bone in the manner disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,601,565.
[0005] Another method of changing the spatial relationship between
portions of a bone in a patient's body includes forming a slot in
the bone. A forked wedge tool is inserted into the slot. A plate is
then placed in a central opening in the forked wedge tool and
positioned against the bone. The plate is secured to the bone. The
forked wedge tool is then removed from the opening. This method of
changing the spatial relationship between portions of a bone in a
patient's body is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,448.
[0006] A method and apparatus for use in changing a spatial
relationship between portions of a bone in a patient's body is also
disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/109,126, filed Jun. 30, 1998 by Peter M. Bonutti and entitled
Method And Apparatus For Use In Operating On A Bone. This
application discloses the use of a wedge member to expand a slot
formed in a bone. The wedge member is porous and may be coated with
and/or contain bone growth promoting material. The wedge member may
have a configuration which corresponds to a configuration of a
portion of the bone which is engaged by the wedge member.
Alternatively, the wedge member disclosed in the aforementioned
application Ser. No. 09/109,126 may have a circular cross sectional
configuration with an external thread convolution to enable the
wedge member to be moved into an opening in a bone by rotating the
wedge member
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A new and improved method and apparatus is provided to
change a spatial relationship between bones which are
interconnected at a joint in a patient's body. When this is to be
done, an opening is formed in a portion of the patient's body to
expose the joint interconnecting the bones. One of the bones is
moved relative to the other by expanding at least a portion of the
joint with a wedge member. The wedge member is moved into the joint
and applies force against the bones. The opening is closed with the
wedge member still disposed in the joint between the bones. Force
is then transmitted between the bones through the wedge member to
maintain the joint in an expanded condition.
[0008] If the joint is to be flexed after being expanded by the
wedge member, the wedge member may be connected with only one of
the bones. Alternatively, if the joint is to be immobilized (fused)
after inserting the wedge member, the wedge member may be fixedly
connected with the bones interconnected at the joint. The wedge
member may be porous and may be coated with and/or contain bone
growth promoting material.
[0009] One embodiment of the wedge member has major side surfaces
extending between thick and thin end portions of the wedge member.
The wedge member is moved into the joint with the thin end portion
leading. As the wedge member is moved into the joint, the thick
trailing end portion of the wedge member expands the joint.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, the wedge member is
rotated relative to the joint to expand the joint. The wedge member
may have a circular cross sectional configuration and an external
thread convolution which extends from a thin leading end of the
wedge member to a thick trailing end of the wedge member. The wedge
member is pressed into the joint and rotated to cause the wedge
member to expand the joint.
[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the wedge member has
surface areas which are relatively close together and other surface
areas which are relatively far apart. The wedge member is moved
into the joint with the surface areas which are close together
engaging the adjacent bones. The wedge member is then rotated to
apply force against the adjacent bones to expand the joint. The
wedge member may be rotated about its central axis to apply forced
against the bones and expand the joint. Alternatively, the wedge
member may be rotated about a location where the wedge member
engages one of the bones.
[0012] Regardless of which embodiment of the wedge member is
selected, the wedge member may be used with any one of the many
different bones and joints in a patient's body. The wedge member
may be utilized at joints in a patient's wrist, ankle, hand, foot,
back or other portions of the patient's body. The wedge member may
be particularly advantageous when a joint between vertebrae in
patient's back is to be immobilized. One or more wedge members may
be used to expand a joint and transmit force between bones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing and other features of the present invention
will become more apparent from the following description taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration depicting the spatial
relationship between bones at a joint in a patient's body;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in
which a wedge member is inserted into the joint between the bones
of FIG. 1 to expand a portion of the joint and change the spatial
relationship between the bones;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of
the invention in which the joint of FIG. 1 is flexed after the
wedge member has been inserted into the joint and connected with
only one of the bones;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration depicting an alternative
manner of inserting the wedge member into the joint between the
bones of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a schematic pictorial illustration of the wedge
member of FIGS. 2 and 3;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a plan view further illustrating the construction
of the wedge member of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view, taken generally along the line 7-7 of
FIG. 6, of the wedge member of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic sectional view
depicting the manner in which the wedge member of FIGS. 5-7 is
positioned, as shown in FIG. 2, in a joint between bones;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, generally
similar to FIG. 8, but on a reduced scale, illustrating an
embodiment of the invention in which the wedge member is
porous;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, generally
similar to FIG. 9, illustrating an embodiment of the wedge member
which is porous and has a chamber which holds bone growth promoting
material;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, generally
similar to FIGS. 8-10, illustrating the manner in which the wedge
member of FIG. 3 is connected with only one bone to enable the
joint between bones to be flexed;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in
which a rotatable wedge member is moved into a joint between
bones;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration depicting the wedge
member of FIG. 12 after the wedge member has been rotated to expand
a portion of the joint between the bones;
[0027] FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic sectional view,
taken generally along the line 14-14 of FIG. 12, illustrating the
relationship of the rotatable wedge member to the bones prior to
rotation of the wedge member;
[0028] FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic sectional view,
taken generally along the line 15-15 of FIG. 13, illustrating the
relationship of the rotatable wedge member of FIG. 14 to the bones
after rotation of the wedge member;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, taken
generally along the line 16-16 of FIG. 15, illustrating the manner
in which the rotatable wedge member is connected with the
bones;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, generally
similar to FIG. 16, illustrating an embodiment of the rotatable
wedge member which is porous;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view, generally similar
to FIG. 14, illustrating the relationship between the bones at a
joint when another embodiment of the rotatable wedge member is in
the initial orientation illustrated in FIG. 12 relative to the
bones;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, generally
similar to FIG. 15, illustrating the relationship of the rotatable
wedge member of FIG. 18 to the bones after the wedge member has
been rotated;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view, taken
generally along the line 20-20 of FIG. 19, further illustrating the
construction of the rotatable wedge member;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration, generally similar to
FIG. 2, depicting the manner in which another embodiment of the
rotatable wedge member is moved into a joint between bones in a
patient's body;
[0035] FIG. 22 is an enlarged schematic pictorial illustration of
the rotatable wedge member of FIG. 21;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a fragmentary schematic illustration, generally
similar to FIG. 2, depicting the manner in which another embodiment
of the wedge member is moved into a joint between bones in a
patient's body; and
[0037] FIG. 24 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic sectional view,
taken generally along the line 24-24 of FIG. 23, further
illustrating the relationship of the wedge member to the bones.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
General Description
[0038] An upper or first bone 30 in a patient's body is illustrated
schematically in FIG. 1. A lower or second bone 32 is connected
with the upper bone 30 at a joint 34. The bones 30 and 32 and joint
34 have been illustrated schematically to represent any one of many
bones and joints in a patient's body. Thus, the bones 30 and 32 and
joint 34 may be disposed in a patient's hand, foot, back, or other
portion of the patient's body. It should be understood that the
bones 30 and 32 and joint 34 have been illustrated schematically in
FIG. 1 as being representative of any one of the many joints in a
human patient's body and it is not intended to limit the present
invention to any particular joint.
[0039] In order to correct deformities, improve patient comfort or
other reasons, it may be desired to change the spatial relationship
between the upper and lower bones 30 and 32. Thus, it may be
desired to change the angular relationship between longitudinal
central axes 38 and 40 from the relationship illustrated
schematically in FIG. 1 to the relationship illustrated
schematically in FIG. 2.
[0040] In order to change the spatial relationship between the
longitudinal central axes 38 and 40 of the bones 30 and 32, an
opening is formed in a portion of the patient's body to expose the
joint 34. A wedge member 44 (FIG. 2) is moved into the exposed
joint 34 between the bones 30 and 32. The wedge member 44 applies
force against the outer side surfaces of the bones 30 and 32 at the
joint 34 to expand a portion of the joint.
[0041] As the wedge member 44 is moved into the joint 34, in the
manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, the lower bone 32 is
pivoted relative to the upper bone 30 about an axis extending
through the joint 34. This changes the angular orientation of the
lower bone 32 relative to the upper bone 30. Thus, the spatial
relationship between the upper and lower bones 30 and 32 is changed
from the spatial relationship illustrated in FIG. 1 to the spatial
relationship illustrated in FIG. 2 by the wedge member 44.
[0042] In FIG. 2, the wedge member 44 has been illustrated
schematically as having an extent which corresponds to
approximately one-half of the extent of the joint 34. However, it
is contemplated that the wedge member 44 could have an extent which
is either smaller than or greater than the extent illustrated in
FIG. 2. Thus, the distance between the thick and thin end portions
of the tapered wedge member 44 may be less than one-half of the
width of the joint 34. Similarly, the distance between the thin
leading end portion and thick trailing end portion of the wedge
member 44 may be greater than one-half of the width of the joint
34.
[0043] The wedge member 44 may be relatively narrow, as measured
along the thin end portion of the wedge member. This would enable a
plurality of narrow wedge members 44 to be used to expand a single
joint 34. If the wedge member 44 is relatively wide, only a single
wedge member may be required to expand a joint 34, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0044] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2,
the joint 34 is fused after the joint has been expanded by the
wedge member 44 to change the spatial relationship between the
bones 30 and 32. Thus, after the joint 34 has been expanded by the
wedge member 34, the joint is immobilized with the upper and lower
bones 30 and 32 in the spatial relationship illustrated in FIG. 2.
When the wedge member 44 is utilized in association with joints
between vertebrae in a patient's back, it is believed that it may
be particularly advantageous to immobilize the joint 34.
[0045] Immobilization of the joint 34 may be accomplished by
connecting the wedge member 44 with both the upper bone 30 and the
lower bone 32. Immobilization of the joint 34 may also be
accomplished by the growth of bone and/or other body tissue between
the two bones 30 and 32 at the joint 34. Known bone growth
promoting materials may be provided at the joint 34 if desired. The
bone growth promoting materials may include bone morphogenic
proteins and/or other osteoinductive materials.
[0046] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3,
the joint 34 is capable of being flexed after the wedge member 44
has been utilized to expand a portion of the joint. Thus, once the
wedge member 44 has been inserted into the joint 34, in the manner
illustrated in FIG. 2, the patient may flex the joint under the
influence of force transmitted to the bones 32 and 30 from muscle
tissue in the patient's body.
[0047] When the joint 34 is flexed, as illustrated schematically in
FIG. 3, the bone 32 moves away from the wedge member 44. The wedge
member 44 is fixedly connected to only the bone 30. This allows the
bone 32 to move away from the wedge member. It is believed that it
will be particularly advantageous to enable the joint 34 to be
flexed when the wedge member is utilized to correct deformities
occurring in hands, feet, wrists or ankles of a patient. However,
it should be understood that the wedge member could be attached to
a single bone at any joint in a patient's body which is to be
flexed after the wedge member has been used to expand the
joint.
[0048] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-3,
the wedge member 44 has been shown as being moved into the joint 34
in a direction which is perpendicular to an axis about which the
joint is flexed. Thus, the wedge member 44 is moved into the joint
34 (FIG. 2) in a direction perpendicular to the axis about which
the joint 34 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 as being
flexed.
[0049] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4,
the wedge member 44 is inserted into the joint 34 in a direction
parallel to the axis about which the joint is normally flexed.
Thus, the wedge member 44 is illustrated in FIG. 4 as being
inserted into the joint 34 in a direction perpendicular to the
plane of the drawing of the joint 34 in FIGS. 1 and 3. It should be
understood that the wedge member 44 could be inserted into a joint,
such as the joint 34, in any desired direction in order to obtain a
desired expansion of the joint. Thus, the wedge member 44 could be
moved into the joint 34 along a path which is neither perpendicular
to or parallel to the axis about which the joint is flexed.
[0050] After one or more wedge members 44 have been positioned in a
joint 34, in the manner previously explained, the opening in the
patient's body is closed. When the opening in the patient's body is
closed, the wedge member 44 remains in the joint 34 between the
bones 30 and 32. The wedge member 44 is formed of a rigid material
which is capable of transmitting force between the bones 30 and 32
immediately after being positioned in the joint 34. Therefore, the
wedge member 44 is effective to maintain the changed spatial
relationship, such as the spatial relationship illustrated in FIG.
2, between the bones 30 and 32 during loading of the joint 34
immediately after positioning of the wedge member in the joint.
Wedge Member
[0051] The wedge member 44 (FIGS. 5-7) tapers from a thick end
portion 50 to a thin end portion 52. The wedge member 44 has flat
upper and lower major side surfaces 54 and 56 (FIG. 7) which slope
toward each other from the thick end portion 50 to the thin end
portion 52. The major side surfaces 54 and 56 intersect at the thin
end portion 52. The pointed thin end portion 52 of the wedge member
44 facilitates moving the wedge member into the joint 34 between
the bones 30 and 32 (FIG. 2).
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment of the wedge member 44 (FIGS.
5-7), the thick end portion 50 has an outer side surface 60 which
forms a portion of a cylinder. The thin end portion 52 extends
diametrically across the cylinder (FIG. 6). Therefore, the wedge
member 44 has a semi-circular configuration. However, it should be
understood that the configuration of the upper and lower major side
surfaces 54 and 56 of the wedge member 44 corresponds to the
configuration of the joint with which the wedge member is to be
associated.
[0053] The semi-circular outer side surface 60 will, for many
joints at least, have an irregular configuration other than the
semi-circular configuration illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. This
enables the outer side surface 60 to be aligned with the outer side
surfaces of the bones 30 and 32 at the joint 34. Since most bones
do not have outer side surfaces which form portions of a
semi-circular, it is believed that in all probability, the wedge
member 44 will have an outer side surface 60 with an irregular
configuration rather than the semi-circular configuration
illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0054] The extent of the thin end portion 52 of the wedge member 44
may be substantially less than shown in FIG. 6. Thus, the extent of
the thin end portion 52 of the wedge member 44 may be less than
one-half of the extent shown in FIG. 6. This would result in the
major side surfaces 54 and 56 of the wedge member 44 having a
generally U-shaped configuration. Parallel triangular side surfaces
would extend between the outer side surface 50 of the wedge member
44 and opposite ends of the thin end portion 52. These triangular
side surfaces would be spaced from opposite sides of the joint 34
when the wedge member 44 is inserted into the joint.
[0055] When the wedge member 44 has a relatively narrow, generally
U-shaped configuration, a plurality of the wedge members may be
inserted into a single joint 34 (FIG. 1). When a plurality of
narrow wedge members 44 are used at one joint 34, the wedge members
may have different configurations. Thus, the wedge members 44 may
have different lengths and/or different angles between the upper
and lower major side surfaces 54 and 56 of the wedge members.
[0056] The upper and lower major side surfaces 54 and 56 of the
wedge member 44 slope toward each other from the thick end portion
50 to the thin end portion 52 of the wedge member. It is
contemplated that a plurality of wedge members 44 having different
acute angles between the upper and lower major side surfaces 54 and
56 may be provided. This would enable a surgeon to select the wedge
member 44 having a desired thickness at the thick end portion 50.
Thus, if a surgeon determines that a joint should be expanded to
either a lesser or greater amount than would be accomplished by a
wedge member having one angle, the surgeon may select a wedge
member having a different angle and thickness to effect the desired
expansion of the joint 34. It is also contemplated that a plurality
of wedge members 44 having different widths, as measured along the
thin end portion 52, may be provided.
[0057] The acute angle between the flat upper and lower major side
surfaces 54 and 56 is determined by the extent to which the joint
34 is to be expanded, that is, the extent to which the spatial
relationship between the bones 30 and 32 is to be changed by
insertion of the wedge member 44. Of course, the specific angle
provided between the upper and lower major side surfaces 54 and 56
of the wedge member 44 will vary depending upon the size of the
joint with which the wedge member is used and the extent to which
the spatial relationship between the bones 30 and 32 is to be
changed by use of the wedge member. In addition, the length and
width of the wedge member 44 inserted into a particular joint will
be determined by the extent to which the joint is to be expanded
and the total number of wedge members to be inserted into the
joint.
[0058] It is believed that it may be desired to have the acute
angle between the upper and lower major side surfaces 54 and 56
(FIG. 6) of the wedge member 44 within a range between one and
thirty degrees. Although it is difficult to be certain, it is
believed that it may be preferred to have the acute angle between
the upper and lower major side surfaces 54 and 56 of the wedge
member 44 vary within a range of five degrees to twenty degrees. It
should be understood that the foregoing specific ranges of sizes
for the angle between the upper and lower major side surfaces 54
and 56 of the wedge member 44 have been set forth herein for
purposes of clarity of description and it is contemplated that the
angle between the upper and lower major side surfaces 54 and 56 may
be any one of many angles other than these specific angles.
[0059] The size of the wedge member relative to a specific joint 34
may vary depending upon the deformity to be corrected. Thus, a
narrow wedge member 44 may have a thin end portion 52 (FIG. 6) with
a length which is relatively small compared to the width of a
joint. The thin end portion 52 of the narrow wedge member 44 could
have a length of less than one fourth the distance across the
joint. This would result in opposite ends of the thin end portion
52 being spaced from the periphery of the joint. It is contemplated
that a plurality of narrow wedge members 44 could be used to expand
a single joint.
[0060] The wedge member 44 may be formed of any one of many
different known materials which are compatible with a patient's
body. For example, the wedge member may be formed of human or
animal bone, stainless steel, tantalum, a porous ceramic, or a
polymeric material. If desired, the wedge member may be formed of a
biodegradable material. However, it is preferred to have the wedge
member 44 formed of a rigid material which is capable of enabling
force to be transmitted through the joint 34 between the bones 30
and 32 immediately after installation of the wedge member in the
joint.
[0061] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2,
the joint 34 is immobilized. To facilitate immobilization of the
joint 34, the wedge member 44 is fixedly connected with the bone 30
and with the bone 32. To facilitate fixedly connecting the wedge
member 44 with the bones 30 and 32, a pair of passages 64 and 66
are formed in the wedge member 44 (FIGS. 6 and 7). When the wedge
member 44 is positioned in the joint 34 (FIG. 2), suitable
fasteners, that is screws 70 and 72 extend through the passages 64
and 66 into the bones 30 and 32 in the manner indicated
schematically in FIG. 8. The screws 70 and 72 engage hard cortical
outer layers 76 and 78 of the bones 30 and 32. If desired, the
screws 70 and 72 could extend into the relatively soft cancellous
bone 80 and 82.
[0062] Although the wedge member 44 has been illustrated in FIG. 8
as being connected with the bones 30 and 32 by a pair of screws 70
and 72, it should be understood that the wedge member 44 may be
connected with only one of the bones 30 or 32 by only one of the
screws 70 or 72 if desired. For example, if the wedge member 44 is
connected with the bone 30 by the screw 70, the joint 34 could be
flexed in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 3, after the
wedge member 44 has been moved into the joint.
Positioning of Wedge Member
[0063] When the wedge member 44 is to be inserted in to the joint
34 to change the spatial relationship between the bones 30 and 32
in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, a location for
insertion of the wedge member into the joint 34 is selected by a
surgeon. The specific location at which the wedge member 44 is
inserted into the joint 34 to expand the joint will be selected by
the surgeon as a function of the desired result from a particular
operation. In addition, the size of the wedge member 44 will be
selected by the surgeon as a function of the joint and the result
to be obtained from a particular operation.
[0064] The configuration of the wedge member 44 will be selected by
the surgeon as a function of the location where the wedge member is
to be inserted into the joint 34. The wedge member 44 may be
relatively wide and have a long thin end portion 52, as shown in
FIG. 6, to enable the thin end portion to extend between opposite
sides of the joint. Alternatively, the wedge member 44 may be
relatively narrow and have a thin end portion 52 which is short. If
this is done, the thin end portion 52 would not extend between
opposite sides of the joint 34. A plurality of the narrow wedge
members 44 may be inserted into a single joint 34 to expand the
joint and transmit force between the bones 30 and 32.
[0065] The surgeon makes an incision in soft body tissue
surrounding the joint 34 to expose the joint. Once the joint 34 has
been exposed, the thin end portion 52 (FIGS. 5 and 6) of the wedge
member 44 is moved into the joint 34. When the wedge member 44 is
to be inserted into a joint in the manner illustrated schematically
in FIG. 2, the longitudinal central axis of the thin end portion 52
of the wedge member is aligned with an axis about which the joint
pivots. The wedge member is then moved into the joint 34 along a
linear path which extends perpendicular to the axis about which the
joint pivots. The wedge member 44 is moved into the joint 34 by
applying force against the trailing thick end portion 50 of the
wedge member.
[0066] As the wedge member 44 is moved into the joint 34, the upper
major side surface 54 (FIGS. 5 and 7) of the wedge member slides
along an outer side surface 88 (FIG. 8) of the outer layer 76 of
hard cortical bone. The lower major side surface 56 of the wedge
member 44 slides along an outer side surface 90 of the outer layer
78 of hard cortical bone.
[0067] The outer side surfaces 88 and 90 of the bones 30 and 32 are
in their naturally occurring conditions. Thus, the outer side
surfaces 88 and 90 of the bones 30 and 32 are not cut away to
prepare for insertion of the wedge member 44 into the joint 34.
However, it should be understood that under certain circumstances
that it may be necessary to abrade or otherwise cut the outer side
surfaces 88 and 90 of the outer layers 76 and 78 of hard cortical
bone to prepare the joint 34 for insertion of the wedge member
44.
[0068] As the thin leading end portion 52 (FIG. 8) of the wedge
member 44 moves into the joint 34, the upper and lower major side
surfaces 54 and 56 apply force against the outer side surfaces 88
and 90 on the bones 30 and 32. As this occurs, the joint 34 is
expanded. As the joint 34 is expanded, the bone 32 is pivoted,
relative to the bone 30, from the initial orientation, shown in
FIG. 1, to the improved orientation shown in FIG. 2. As this
occurs, the longitudinal central axis 40 of the bone 32 moves
relative to the longitudinal central axis 38 of the bone 30.
Therefore, the angular relationship between the bones 30 and 32 is
changed by expansion of a portion of the joint 34 by insertion of
the wedge member 44 into the joint.
[0069] When the wedge member 44 has been pressed the desired
distance into the joint 34, by the application of force against the
thick end portion 50 of the wedge member 44, the outer side surface
60 on the wedge member moves slightly inward of the outer side
surfaces on the bones 30 and 32 (FIG. 8). The outer side surface 60
on the wedge member 44 has a configuration which corresponds to the
configurations of the outer side surfaces on the bones 30 and 32
adjacent to the joint 34. Therefore, the wedge member 44 does not
project outward from the joint. This minimizes any tendency of the
wedge member to subsequently abrade body tissue adjacent to the
joint 34.
[0070] Once the wedge member 44 has been moved into the desired
orientation relative to the bones 30 and 32, as illustrated
schematically in FIG. 8, the wedge member 44 is fixedly connected
with the bones 30 and 32 by the screws 70 and 72 to immobilize the
joint. The area surrounding and directly adjacent to the wedge
member 44 is packed with bone growth promoting material and/or bone
chips. The bone growth promoting materials may include bone
morphogenic proteins and/or other osteoinductive materials. This
promotes fusion of the bones 30 and 32 for remedial immobilization
of the joint 34.
[0071] Since the wedge member 44 is rigid, it can immediately
transmit loads between the bones 30 and 32. Therefore, after the
incision which exposed the joint 34 has been closed, the patient
can begin to load the joint 34. The wedge member 44 is effective to
maintain the joint 34 in an expanded condition during loading of
the joint. Therefore, the bones 30 and 32 remain in the improved
spatial relationship illustrated in FIG. 2 during loading of the
joint 34.
Wedge Member
Second Embodiment
[0072] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-8,
a solid wedge member has been utilized to expand the joint 34. In
the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, a porous
wedge member is utilized to expand a joint. Since the embodiment of
the invention illustrated in FIG. 9 is generally similar to the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, similar
numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, the
suffix letter "a" being associated with the numerals of FIG. 9 in
order to avoid confusion.
[0073] A wedge member 44a is positioned in a joint 34a between
bones 30a and 32a. The wedge member 44a engages outer side surfaces
88a and 90a on layers 76a and 78a of hard cortical bone. The outer
side surfaces 88a and 90a are in their naturally occurring
conditions.
[0074] As the wedge member 44a is moved into the joint 34a, flat
upper and lower major side surfaces 54a and 56a on the wedge member
44a slide along the outer side surfaces 88a and 90a on the bones
30a and 32a. The upper and lower major side surfaces 54a and 56a of
the wedge 44a apply force against the outer side surfaces 88a and
90a of the bones 30a and 32a to expand the joint 34a as the wedge
member is moved into the joint. The wedge member 44a is moved into
the joint 34a under the influence of force applied against an outer
side surface 60a on a trailing thick end portion 50a of the wedge
member 44a.
[0075] Once the joint 34a has been expanded to change the spatial
relationship between the bones 30a and 32a, suitable fasteners
(screws) 70a and 72a are inserted through passages in the wedge
member 44a. The screws 70a and 72a engage the hard cortical outer
layers 76a and 78a of bone to fixedly secure the wedge member 44a
with the bones 30a and 32a.
[0076] A single wedge member 44a is used to expand the joint 34a.
However, a plurality of narrow wedge members 44a may be inserted
into the joint at spaced apart locations about the periphery of the
joint if desired.
[0077] In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the
invention, the wedge member 44a is porous so that bone can grow
through the wedge member. It is contemplated that the wedge member
could be provided with a porous construction by having passages
extend through the wedge member between the upper and lower major
side surfaces 54a and 56a of the wedge member. The open ends of the
passages would enable bone to grow through the wedge member
44a.
[0078] In the embodiment of the wedge member 44a illustrated in
FIG. 9, the wedge member is formed of a rigid open cell material.
The open cell material provides cavities in which bone can grow
through the wedge member 44a. Thus, the wedge member 44a (FIG. 9)
has a cellular construction similar to coral.
[0079] It is contemplated that the wedge member 44a may be coated
with a material which promotes the growth of bone. The cells in the
wedge member 44a may be at least partially filled with bone growth
promoting material. The bone growth promoting materials may be bone
morphogenic proteins and other osteoinductive materials. In
addition to bone growth promoting material associated with the
wedge member 44a, the space around and adjacent to the wedge member
44a in the joint 34a may be packed with bone growth promoting
material and/or bone chips.
[0080] The wedge member 44a is rigid and can be subject to normal
loading immediately after being positioned in the joint 34a. This
enables the patient to subject the bones 30a and 32a to normal
loading without waiting for fusion to occur through and around the
wedge member 44a. Of course, with the passage of time, the growth
of bone through the wedge member 44a and around the wedge member
will strengthen the immobilization of the joint 34a.
[0081] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9,
the passages through the wedge member 44a are formed by the open
cell structure of the wedge member This results in the passages
through the wedge member 44a having an irregular configuration. If
desired, linear passages could be formed in the wedge member 44a.
The linear passages may be drilled, cast, or formed in other ways
in the wedge member 44a.
Hollow Wedge Member
[0082] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-8,
the wedge member 44 is formed by a solid piece of material. In the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, the wedge member
44a is formed by a continuous piece of porous material. In the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, the wedge
member is formed by a hollow piece of porous material. Since the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10 is generally
similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
1-9, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar
components, the suffix letter "b" being associated with the
numerals of FIG. 10 to avoid confusion.
[0083] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, a
wedge member 44b is inserted into a joint 34b between bones 30b and
32b to expand the joint. Expansion of the joint 34b by the wedge
member 44b changes the spatial relationship between the bones 30b
and 32b. The wedge member 44b is held against movement relative to
the bones 30b and 32b by fasteners (screws) 70b and 72b. The
fasteners 70b and 72b extend through passages in the wedge member
44b into layers 76b and 78b of hard cortical bone on bones 30b,
32b. The layers 76b and 78b are in their naturally occurring
condition.
[0084] When the wedge member 44b is to be moved into the joint, a
thin end portion 52b of the wedge member 44b is pressed into the
joint 34b by applying force against an outer side surface 60b at a
thick end portion 50b of the wedge member 44b. The force applied
against the trailing thick end portion 50b of the wedge member 44b
causes flat upper and lower major side surfaces 54b and 56b to
slide along outer side surfaces 88b and 90b. As the upper and lower
major side surfaces 54b and 56b on the wedge member 44b slide along
the outer side surfaces 88b and 90b of the bones 30b and 32b, the
wedge member applies force against the bones to expand the joint
34b in the manner previously explained.
[0085] In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the
invention, the wedge member 44b (FIG. 10) is hollow. Therefore, a
compartment or cavity 100 is formed in the wedge member 44b. The
compartment 100 has upper and lower inner side surfaces 102 and 104
which are smaller than the upper and lower major side surfaces 54b
and 56b of the wedge member 44b. However, the inner side surfaces
102 and 104 of the compartment 100 have the same general
configuration as the upper and lower major side surfaces 54b and
56b of the wedge member 44b.
[0086] The compartment 100 is filled with bone growth inducing
material 110. The bone growth inducing material 110 is positioned
in the compartment 100 through a suitable opening (not shown)
formed in either the upper major side surface 54b or the lower
major side surface 56b of the wedge member 44b. Once the
compartment 100 has been filled with bone growth inducing material
110, the opening to the compartment is closed. However, the wedge
member 44b is formed of a porous material which enables bone to
grow through the wedge member.
[0087] The growth of bone through the wedge member 44b is promoted
by the bone growth inducing material 110 in the compartment 100.
The bone growth inducing material 110 in the compartment 100 may be
any of many known bone morphogenic proteins and osteoinductive
materials. For example, apatite compositions with collagen may be
utilized. Demineralized bone powder may also be utilized.
Regardless of which of the known bone growth inducing materials are
selected, the presence of the bone growth promoting material 110 in
the compartment 100 will promote a growth of bone through openings
in the porous wedge member 44b.
[0088] The wedge member 44b may, itself, be formed of a suitable
rigid material, such as tantalum, stainless steel, or ceramic
materials. In addition to the bone growth inducing material 110,
the surfaces of the wedge member 44b and openings in the porous
material of the wedge member may be coated with suitable bone
growth promoting materials.
[0089] The wedge member 44b is porous so that bone can grow through
the wedge member. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 10, the wedge member is formed of an open cell material having
a construction similar to coral. The open cell material provides
irregular passages which extend through the wedge member 44b and
enable the bone to grow through the wedge member. However, it
should be understood that the wedge member 44b could be formed of a
solid material with passages drilled or cast in the wedge member.
Regardless of which of the materials the wedge member is formed, it
is believed that it will be advantageous to have the material be
sufficiently rigid to enable the joint 44b to be load bearing
immediately after an operation installing the wedge member in the
joint.
Single Connection for Wedge Member
[0090] In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
8-10, the wedge members 44, 44a, and 44b are connected with bones
on opposite sides of a joint by suitable fasteners (screws). In the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11, the wedge
member is connected with only one of the bones. Since the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11 is generally
similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
1-10, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar
components, the suffix letter "c" being associated with the
numerals of FIG. 11 to avoid confusion.
[0091] A wedge member 44c is inserted into a joint 34c between
upper and lower bones 30c and 32c. The wedge member 44c has the
same general configuration and construction as the wedge member 44
of FIGS. 5-8. However, the wedge member 44c is connected with only
one of the bones 30c and 32c. Thus, rather than utilizing a pair of
fasteners to secure the wedge member 44c to the upper and lower
bones 30c and 32c, only a single fastener 70c is utilized to
connect the wedge member 44c with the upper bone 30c. Therefore,
installation of the wedge member 44c in the joint 34c does not
result in immobilization of the joint.
[0092] Since the wedge member 44c is connected with the bone 30c by
the fastener 70c, the bone 32c may be moved away from the wedge
member during flexing of the joint 34c. This may result in the
upper major side surface 54c on the wedge member 54c remaining in
engagement with the outer side surface 88c on the bone 30c while
the outer side surface 90c on the bone 32c moves away from the
lower major side surface 56c on the wedge member 44c. Of course, a
single fastener 70c may be utilized to hold the wedge member in the
joint 34c where the outer side surfaces 88c and 90c on the upper
and lower bones 30c and 32c remain in engagement with the upper and
lower major side surfaces 54c and 56c of the wedge member 44c.
[0093] In the embodiment of the wedge member 44c illustrated in
FIG. 11, the wedge member is formed of a solid material through
which bone does not grow. However, it is contemplated that a single
fastener, corresponding to the fastener 70c of FIG. 11, may be used
to connect a porous wedge member with a bone. Of course, bone may
grow through the porous wedge member. The porous wedge member may
have the same construction as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, with the
exception of being held in place by only a single fastener 70c.
Rotatable Wedge Member
[0094] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
1-11, the wedge member 44 is moved into the joint 34 between the
upper and lower bones 30 and 32 along a linear path. The wedge
member 44 is moved into the joint 34 with the thin end portion 52
of the wedge member leading and the thick end portion 50 of the
wedge member trailing. The tapered configuration of the wedge
member results in the application of force against the upper and
lower bones 30 and 32 to expand the joint 34 in the manner
previously explained.
[0095] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
12-16, the wedge member is moved into the joint between the upper
and lower bones and then rotated. During initial movement of the
wedge member into the joint between the bones, there may be some
expansion of the joint. During rotation of the wedge member in the
joint, there is further expansion of the joint. Since the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12-15 is generally
similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
1-11, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar
components, the suffix letter "d" being associated with the
numerals of FIGS. 12-15 to avoid confusion.
[0096] Upper and lower bones 30d and 32d are interconnected at a
joint 34d (FIG. 12). Prior to insertion of a wedge member 44d, the
upper and lower bones 30d and 32d are in the same spatial
orientation relative to each other as is illustrated in FIG. 1.
Upon insertion of the wedge member 44d into the joint 34d, in the
manner illustrated in FIG. 12, there may be a slight expansion of
the joint 34d and a slight change in the orientation of the upper
bone 30d relative to the lower bone 32d. There is a relatively
small change in the spatial relationship between the upper bone 30d
and the lower bone 32d because the wedge member 44d is inserted
into the joint 34d in an orientation in which the wedge member 44d
is relatively thin as viewed in FIG. 12, that is, in a direction
transverse to the joint 34d.
[0097] After the wedge member 44d has been inserted into the joint
34d in the manner indicated schematically in FIG. 12, the wedge
member 44d is rotated, through less than one revolution, about an
axis 120 in the manner indicated schematically by an arrow 122 in
FIG. 13. As the wedge member 44d is rotated through approximately
ninety degrees about the axis 120, the wedge member applies force
against the upper and lower bones 30d and 32d to expand the joint
34d. As the joint 34d is expanded by rotation of the wedge member
44d, the spatial relationship between the upper and lower bones 30d
and 32d changes from the spatial relationship illustrated
schematically in FIG. 12 to the spatial relationship illustrated
schematically in FIG. 13. Thus, by the combined effect of insertion
of the wedge member 44d into the joint 34d and rotation of the
wedge member in the joint, the spatial relationship of the upper
and lower bones 30d and 32d was changed from the spatial
relationship illustrated in FIG. 1 for the bones 30 and 32 to the
spatial relationship illustrated in FIG. 13 for the upper and lower
bones 30d and 32d.
[0098] The bones 30d and 32d illustrated schematically in FIGS. 12
and 13 should be considered as being representative of bones at
many different locations in a patient's body. Thus, the bones 30d
and 32d may be any of the many bones in a patient's wrist, ankle,
hand, foot, back, or other portion of a patient's body. The bones
30d and 32d may be vertebrae in a patient's back. It should be
understood that the wedge member 44d may be used with any one of
the many different types of joints in a patient's body.
[0099] The wedge member 44d has a generally oval, cross-sectional
configuration (FIGS. 14 and 15), as viewed in a plane perpendicular
to a longitudinal central axis of the wedge member. Thus, the wedge
member 44d has an outer side surface 126 (FIG. 14) with a pair of
arcuate nose portions 128 and 130. The arcuate nose portions 128
and 130 of the outer side surface 126 are interconnected by a pair
of arcuate side portions 134 and 136.
[0100] The arcuate outer side surface 126 tapers from a thick end
portion 50d (FIG. 16) to a thin end portion 52d. In the illustrated
embodiment of the wedge member 44d, the thin end portion 52d is
blunt or truncated. Thus, the thin end portion 52d of the wedge
member 44d does not come to a sharp point as does the thin end
portions of the wedge members 44, 44a, 44b and 44c.
[0101] It should be understood that the wedge members 44a, 44b and
44c (FIGS. 5-11) could be constructed with a blunt thin end portion
corresponding to the blunt thin end portion 52d (FIG. 16) on the
wedge member 44d if desired. However, it is believed that by having
the thin end portion of the wedge members of FIGS. 5-11 taper to a
sharp point, insertion of the wedge members into a joint is
facilitated. Similarly, if desired, the wedge member 44d could be
provided with a thin end portion 52d (FIG. 16) which comes to a
sharp point in the same manner as the wedge members 44, 44a, 44b
and 44c.
[0102] When the wedge member 44d is inserted into the joint 34d
(FIG. 14), the arcuate side portion 134 engages the outer side
surface 88d of the upper bone 30d and the arcuate side portion 136
engages the outer side surface 90d of the lower bone 32d. The
arcuate side portions 134 and 136 are relatively close together so
that minimal expansion of the joint 34d occurs when the wedge
member 44d is inserted into the joint. As the wedge member 44d is
inserted into the joint 34d, the arcuate side portions 134 and 136
slide along and are effective to apply force against the outer side
surfaces 88d and 90d of the upper and lower bones 30d and 32d to
effect some expansion of the joint 34d. The outer side surfaces 88d
and 90d of the bones 30d and 32d are in their naturally occurring
conditions.
[0103] After the wedge member 44d has been inserted into the joint
34d, in the manner shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a suitable tool is
inserted into a hexagonal socket 140 (FIG. 14) in the wedge member
44d. Torque is transmitted from the tool to the wedge member 44d to
rotate the wedge member through less than one revolution in the
direction indicated by the arrow 122 in FIGS. 13 and 15. This
results in the wedge member 44d being rotated through approximately
ninety degrees in a clockwise direction from the position shown in
FIG. 14 to the position shown in FIG. 15. As the wedge member 44d
is rotated, the wedge member applies force against the upper and
lower bones 30d and 32d and expands the joint 34d.
[0104] Upon initiation of rotation of the wedge member 44d from the
position shown in FIG. 14 toward the position shown in FIG. 15, the
arcuate side portions 134 and 136 slide along the outer side
surfaces 88d and 90d on the bones. As the rotation of the wedge
member 44d continues, the arcuate nose portions 128 and 130 of the
wedge member 44d approach the outer side surfaces 88d and 90d of
the upper and lower bones 30d and 32d. As this is occurring, the
joint 34d is expanded by the force applied against the upper and
lower bones 30d and 32d by the wedge member 44d. When the wedge
member 44d reaches the position shown in FIG. 15, the arcuate nose
portions 128 and 130 engage the outer side surfaces 88d and 90d on
the upper and lower bones 30d and 32d to hold the joint 34d in the
expanded condition illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0105] A pair of mounting tabs 144 and 146 (FIG. 16) are integrally
formed with the wedge member 44d. The mounting tabs 144 and 146
project outwardly from the end portion 50d of the wedge member 44d.
The mounting tabs 144 and 146 are aligned with the arcuate nose
portions 128 and 130 of the outer side surface 126 on the wedge
member 44d. Therefore, the mounting tabs 144 and 146 are disposed
adjacent to the bones 30d and 32d in the manner illustrated
schematically in FIG. 16.
[0106] A pair of retaining screws 70d and 72d extend through the
mounting tabs 144 and 146 into the outer layers 76d and 78d of hard
cancellous bone on the upper and lower bones 30d and 32d. The
mounting screws or fasteners 70d and 72d are effective to hold the
wedge member 44d against rotation relative to the upper and lower
bones 30d and 32d. Bone growth promoting material and/or bone chips
may be packed in the joint 34d around the wedge member 44d. The
wedge member 44d is rigid and can transmit force between the bones
30d and 32d as soon as it is rotated to the position shown in FIGS.
15 and 16.
[0107] As is perhaps best seen in FIG. 15, the wedge member 44d is
narrower than the distance across the joint 34d. Therefore, a
plurality of wedge members 44d may be utilized to hold the joint
34d in the expanded condition of FIGS. 15 and 16. The plurality of
wedge members 44d could be positioned in the joint 34d with their
rotational axes 120 (FIG. 16) in a parallel relationship or with
their rotational axes 120 skewed relative to each other. If a
plurality of wedge members 44d are utilized, they could be of
different sizes or have different angles of taper along the axis
120.
[0108] It should be understood that the wedge members 44, 44a, 44b
and 44c of FIGS. 5-11 could also be relatively narrow. A plurality
of wedge members of FIGS. 5-11 could be positioned in a joint with
their longitudinal axes either parallel or skewed relative to each
other.
Porous Rotatable Wedge Member
[0109] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
12-16, the wedge member 44d is formed as a solid body of rigid
material, such as stainless steel. The wedge member in the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 17 is formed of a
rigid porous material. Since the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in FIG. 17 is generally similar to the embodiments of
the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-16, similar numerals will be
utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter "e"
being associated with the numerals of FIG. 17 to avoid
confusion.
[0110] The wedge member 44e is disposed in a joint 34e between
upper and lower bones 30e and 32e. The wedge member 44e applies
force against the outer side surfaces 88e and 90e of the upper and
lower bones 30e and 32e to expand the joint 34e and change the
orientation of the upper and lower bones relative to each other. In
the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 17, the wedge
member 44e tapers from a thick end portion 50e to a thin end
portion 52e. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the
thin end portion 52e of the wedge member 44e has a pointed
configuration rather than the blunt configuration of the wedge
member 44d of FIG. 16. However, the wedge member 44e could have the
same configuration as the wedge member 44d if desired.
[0111] The wedge member 44e (FIG. 17) has an oval cross sectional
configuration, as viewed on a plane extending perpendicular to a
central axis 120e of the wedge member 44e. Thus, the wedge ember
44e has an outer side surface 126e with arcuate nose portions 128e
and 130e. The arcuate nose portions 128e and 130 are interconnected
by arcuate side portions corresponding to the arcuate side portions
134 and 136 of the wedge member 44d (FIGS. 14 and 15). A socket
140e (FIG. 17) is provided in the wedge member 44e to facilitate
the application of torque to the wedge member.
[0112] In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of the
invention illustrated in FIG. 17, the wedge member 44e is formed of
a rigid porous material having an open cell construction. The
porous open cell construction of the wedge member 44e enables bone
to grow through the wedge member. The wedge member 44e may have an
open cell construction similar to the construction of coral.
[0113] The wedge member 44e may be coated with bone growth
promoting materials to promote the growth of bone through the wedge
member. The open cells in the porous wedge member 44e could be at
least partially filled with the bone growth promoting material. In
addition, bone growth materials and/or bone chips may be packed in
the joint 34e around the wedge member 44e. The bone growth
promoting materials may include bone morphogenic proteins and/or
other osteoinductive materials.
[0114] A pair of fasteners 70e and 72e are provided to connect the
wedge member 44e with the upper and lower bones 30e and 32e. Thus,
the fasteners 70e extends into the outer layer 76e of hard cortical
bone on the upper bone 30e. Similarly, the fastener 72e extends
into the outer layer 78e of hard cortical bone on the lower bone
32e. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the fasteners
70e and 72e extend through passages in the wedge member 44e into
the upper and lower bones 30e and 32e. However, if desired, the
wedge member 44e could be provided with mounting tabs, similar to
the mounting tabs 144 and 146 of FIG. 16.
[0115] When the wedge member 44e is to be used to change the
spatial relationship between the upper and lower bones 30e and 32e,
the wedge member is inserted into the joint 34e with the arcuate
nose portions 128e and 130e of the wedge member spaced from the
outer side surfaces 88e and 90e on the upper and lower bones 30e
and 32e. At this time, the wedge member 44e is in the same
orientation as is illustrated in FIG. 14 for the wedge member 44d.
Arcuate side portions of the arcuate outer side surface 126e on the
wedge member 44e engage the outer side surfaces 88e and 90e on the
upper and lower bones 30e and 32e in the same manner as is
illustrated for the wedge member 44d in FIG. 14.
[0116] Although inserting the wedge member 44e into the joint 32e
may effect an initial, relatively small expansion of the joint, the
majority of the expansion of the joint 34e is obtained by rotating
the wedge member 44e about its central axis 120e. To rotate the
wedge member 44e about its central axis 120e, a suitable tool is
inserted into the socket 140e. Force is transmitted from the tool
to the wedge member 44e to rotate the wedge member. As the wedge
member is rotated relative to the upper and lower bones 30e and
32e, the wedge member further expands the joint 34e and effects
further change in the spatial relationship between the upper and
lower bones 30e and 32e.
[0117] Once the wedge member 44e has been moved to the position
illustrated in FIG. 17, that is, to a position corresponding to the
position of the wedge member 44d in FIG. 15, the wedge member is
connected to the upper and lower bones 30e and 32e. To connect the
wedge member with the upper and lower bones 30e and 32e, the screws
70e and 72e are inserted through passages in the wedge member into
the bone. Bone growth promoting material and/or bone chips may be
packed in the joint 34e around the wedge member 44e.
[0118] Although a single wedge member 44e is utilized to expand the
joint 34e, a plurality of wedge members could be utilized if
desired. When a plurality of wedge members 34e are held to expand
the joint 34e, the wedge members may all be of the same size and
configuration or may have different sizes and configurations.
Rotatable Wedge Member Alternative
Embodiment
[0119] The wedge members 44d and 44e are rotated about their
central axes 120d and 120e (FIGS. 16 and 17) to effect expansion of
the joints 34d and 34e. In the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 20, the wedge member is rotated
about a location where the wedge member engages one of the bones.
Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 is
generally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated
in FIGS. 1-17, similar numerals will be utilized to designate
similar components, the suffix letter "ft being associated with the
numerals of FIGS. 18-20 to avoid confusion.
[0120] Upper and lower bones 30f and 32f are interconnected at a
joint 34f. A wedge member 44f is illustrated inserted into the
joint 34f between the upper and lower bones 30f and 32. The wedge
member 44f is positioned in the joint 34f (FIG. 18) with a
relatively narrow width of the wedge member between outer side
surfaces 88f and 90f on hard cortical outer layers 76f and 78f of
the upper and lower bones 30f and 32f. Although the outer side
surfaces 88f and 90f of the upper and lower bones 30f and 32f are
in their naturally occurring conditions, it is contemplated that a
surgeon may want to prepare the surfaces of the bone for the wedge
member 44f by cutting away extraneous material to promote seating
of the wedge member 44f on the upper and lower bones 30f and
32f.
[0121] The wedge member 44f has an arcuate nose portion 128f and a
pivot end portion 150f. The nose portion 128f and pivot end portion
150f are interconnected by side portions 134f and 136f. The side
portion 134f has a continuously curving arcuate configuration. The
side portion 136f may have a linear configuration.
[0122] The side portion 136f has a relatively flat area which
engages the outer side surface 90f on the lower bone 32f when the
wedge member 44f is oriented as illustrated in FIG. 18 If desired,
the side portion 136f could have an arcuate configuration
corresponding to the arcuate configuration of the side portion
134f. If the side portion 136f had the same configuration as the
side portion 134f, the wedge member 44f would have a symmetrical
configuration about an axis extending through the relatively
sharply defined pivot end portion 150c.
[0123] The wedge member 44f has the same size and configuration
throughout its length. Thus, the end portion 150f of the wedge
member is the same size as the end portion 52f (FIG. 20). However,
if desired, the wedge member 44f could taper from a relatively
thick end portion 50f to a relatively thin or small end portion 52f
in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 for the wedge members
44d and 44e. It should be understood that any one of the wedge
members illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 17 could be formed with the
same configuration as the wedge member 44f if desired. However, it
is believed that in most instances it will probably be preferred to
provide the wedge members of FIGS. 1-17 with an axially tapered
configuration to facilitate insertion of the wedge members into the
joint between the upper and lower bones.
[0124] The wedge member 44f (FIGS. 18, 19 and 20) is formed of a
rigid porous open cell material. The rigid porous open cell
material of the wedge member 44f has a construction generally
similar to coral. However, the wedge member 44f could be formed of
a nonporous material if desired.
[0125] It is contemplated that the wedge member 44f, like the wedge
members illustrated in FIGS. 1-17, may be formed of human or animal
bone, metal, ceramic, or a polymeric material. While it may be
preferred to form the wedge member 44f of a porous material to
enable bone to grow through the wedge member, the wedge member 44f
may be formed of a solid material through which bone can not
grow.
[0126] The wedge member 44f may be coated with or packed with bone
growth promoting materials. The bone growth promoting materials may
be bone morphogenic proteins and/or other osteoinductive materials.
Bone chips may be included with the bone morphogenic proteins
and/or other osteoinductive materials packed around the wedge
member 44f.
[0127] Of course, the wedge member 44f may be provided with a
tapered configuration to facilitate insertion into the joint 34f.
When the wedge member 44f is to be utilized to change the spatial
relationship between the upper and lower bones 30f and 32f, the
wedge member is inserted into the joint 34f. The illustrated
embodiment of the wedge member 44f has the same size and
configuration throughout its length. Therefore, the wedge member
44f does not taper to a thin end portion to facilitate insertion of
the wedge member into the joint 34f. Therefore, the joint 34f may
be initially expanded with a suitable tool to enable the wedge
member 44f to be inserted into the joint, in the orientation
illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0128] When the wedge member 44f is inserted into the joint 34f,
there will be a slight initial expansion of the joint. As was
previously mentioned, the wedge member 44f may have an axially
tapered configuration, similar to the configuration of the wedge
members 44d and 44e (FIGS. 16 and 17), to facilitate insertion of
the wedge member 44f into the joint 34f.
[0129] As the wedge member 44f is initially inserted into the joint
34f, the side portions 134f and 136f on the wedge member 44f slide
along the outer side surfaces 88f and 90f on the upper and lower
bones 30f and 32f. At this time, the arcuate nose portion 128f of
the wedge member 44f is spaced from the outer side surface surfaces
88f and 90f of the upper and lower bones 30f and 32f.
[0130] To further change the spatial relationship between the upper
and lower bones 30f and 32f, the wedge member 44f is rotated about
an axis extending through a location where the pivot end portion
150f of the wedge member 44f engages the outer side surface 90f of
the lower bone 32f. To effect rotation of the wedge member 44f, a
suitable tool is inserted into a socket 140f. Force is transmitted
through the tool to the wedge member 44f urging the wedge member
44f to rotate in a clockwise direction from the position shown in
FIG. 18 to the position shown in FIG. 19.
[0131] Upon initial application of the force to the wedge member
44f urging the wedge member to rotate in a clockwise direction (as
viewed in FIG. 18), the pivot end portion 150f of the wedge member
44f is pressed against the outer side surface 90f of the lower bone
32f. At the same time, the side portion 134f of the wedge member
44f begins to slide along the outer side surface 88f on the upper
bone 30f.
[0132] Continued application of force (torque) to the wedge member
44f results in the wedge member pivoting about an axis which
extends through a location where the end portion 150f of the wedge
member 44f engages the outer side surface 90f on the lower bone
32f. As the wedge member 44f pivots about the end portion 150f, the
arcuate nose portion 128f moves into engagement with and slides
along the outer side surface 88f on the upper bone 30f. As the
wedge member 44f approaches the orientation shown in FIG. 19, the
joint 34f is expanded and the spatial relationship between the
upper and lower bones 30f and 32f is changed with a resulting
change in the angular orientation of the upper and lower bones
relative to each other.
[0133] When the wedge member 44f reaches the orientation shown in
FIG. 19, the joint 34f has been expanded to the maximum extent
possible by the wedge member. The wedge member 44f is then
connected with the upper and lower bones 30f and 32f by suitable
fasteners. The fasteners may extend through mounting tabs, similar
to the mounting tabs 144 and 146 illustrated in FIG. 16 or the
fasteners may extend through the wedge member in the manner
illustrated schematically in FIG. 17. Of course, the wedge member
44f could be held in the upright (as viewed in FIG. 19) orientation
in any one of many different manners by a suitable fastener
arrangement.
[0134] Although only a single wedge member 44f has been shown in
FIGS. 18-20, a plurality of the wedge members 44f could be used to
expand the joint 34f and to transmit force between the bones 30f
and 32f. Whether a single wedge member 44f or a plurality of wedge
members 44f are used to expand the joint, the joint may be packed
with bone growth promoting material.
Screw Type Wedge Member
[0135] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
12-16, the wedge member 44d has a relatively smooth outer side
surface 126. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 21 and 22, the wedge member has a configuration similar to
the configuration of a screw and has a irregular outer side
surface. Since the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
21 and 22 is generally similar to the embodiments of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 12-20, similar numerals will be utilized to
designate similar components, the suffix letter "g" being
associated with the numerals of FIGS. 21 and 22 to avoid
confusion.
[0136] An upper bone 30g is connected with a lower bone 32g in a
patient's body at a joint 34g. It should be understood that the
joint 34g has been illustrated schematically in FIG. 21 and may be
any joint in a patient's body. A rigid wedge member 44g is utilized
to change the spatial relationship between the upper and lower
bones 30g and 32g. The wedge member 44g is effective to expand at
least a portion of the joint 34g when the wedge member 44g is
inserted into the joint 34g.
[0137] The wedge member 44g has a thick end portion 50g and a thin
end portion 52g. The wedge member 44g has an overall conical
configuration. An external thread convolution 160 is formed on the
wedge member 44g. The external thread convolution 160 has a spiral
configuration and extends from the thick end portion 50g to the
thin end portion 52g of the wedge member 44g.
[0138] Although the external thread convolution 160 could have many
different configurations, the illustrated thread convolution has
generally V-shaped crests and roots. The general configuration of
the external thread convolution 160 is an American National Form
Screw Thread and has a pitch cone with an angle of between five
degrees and twenty degrees. Although one specific external thread
convolution has been illustrated and described herein, it should be
understood that the external thread convolution 160 could have a
configuration of any one of many different known thread
convolutions. It is believed that it may be desired to use known
bone screw thread configurations for the configuration of the
external thread convolution 160.
[0139] The rigid wedge member 44g may be formed of metal, ceramic,
human or animal bone, or suitable polymeric materials. It is
believed that it will be desirable to form the wedge member 44g of
a material which is sufficiently rigid to withstand the forces
transmitted between the upper and lower bones 30g and 32g. If
desired, the wedge member 44g may be formed of a porous material
having openings through which bone may grow. It is believed that it
may be desired to coat the wedge member 44g with a bone growth
promoting material.
[0140] When the wedge member 44g is to be utilized to change the
spatial relationship between the upper and lower bones 30g and 32g,
the thin end portion 52g of the wedge member 44g is pressed into
the joint 34g between the upper and lower bones 30g and 32g. The
wedge member 44g is then rotated about its longitudinal central
axis 120g. A hexagonal recess 140g is provided in the wedge member
44g to facilitate the transmission of force from a suitable tool to
the wedge member 44g.
[0141] As the wedge member 44g is rotated through a plurality of
revolutions about its longitudinal central axis 120g, the external
thread convolution 160g engages the upper and lower bones 30g and
32g. As the wedge member 44g is rotated about its longitudinal
central 120g, the external thread convolution 160 engages the upper
and lower bones 30g and 32g and pulls the wedge member into the
joint 34g. As this occurs, the joint 34g is expanded and the
spatial relationship between the upper and lower bones 30g and 32g
is changed.
[0142] Once the wedge member 44g has moved into the joint 34g and
the spatial relationship between the upper and lower bones 30g and
32g has been changed, the joint 34g may be packed with bone growth
promoting materials and/or bone chips. It is contemplated that
various known bone morphogenic proteins may be used with other
osteoinductive materials to induce bone growth in the joint 34g.
Although only a single wedge member 44g is illustrated in FIG. 21,
a plurality of wedge members may be used if desired.
Bone Fitting Wedge Member
[0143] In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS.
1-11, the wedge members have flat upper and lower major side
surfaces 54 and 56 (FIG. 6). In the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, the wedge member has nonlinear side
surfaces which have been shaped to correspond to the configuration
of end portions of the bone at a joint between the bones. Since the
embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24 is
generally similar to the embodiments of the invention illustrated
in FIGS. 1-11, similar numerals will be utilized to designate
similar components, the suffix letter "h" being associated with the
numerals of FIG. 9 to avoid confusion.
[0144] Upper and lower bones 30h and 32h are interconnected at a
joint 34h. The joint 34h is a schematic representation of any one
of many joints in a patient's body. The joint 34h may be in a
patient's wrist, ankle, hand, foot, back, or other portion of the
patient's body.
[0145] When the spatial relationship between the upper and lower
bones 30h and 32h is to be changed, a wedge member 44h is moved
into the joint 34h. The wedge member 44h is moved into the joint
with a thick end portion 50h of the wedge member trailing and a
thin end portion 52h of the wedge member leading. As the wedge
member 44h is pressed into the joint 34h, upper and lower major
side surfaces 54h and 56h are pressed against outer side surfaces
88h and 90h on the upper and lower bones 30h and 32h. This results
in expansion of the joint 34h in the manner previously described in
conjunction with the embodiments of the invention illustrated in
FIGS. 1-11.
[0146] In accordance with a feature of this embodiment of the
invention, the upper and lower major side surfaces 54h and 56h on
the wedge member 44h are configured to match the configuration of
the outer side surfaces 88h and 90h on the upper and lower bones
30h and 32h, in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 24. By
having the upper and lower major side surfaces 54h and 56h
configured to match the configuration of the outer side surfaces
88h and 90h on the upper and lower bones 30h and 32h, the wedge
member 44h is firmly seated against the bone and held against
sidewise (as viewed in FIG. 24) movement relative to the bones. The
arcuate configuration of the upper and lower major side surfaces
54h and 56h on the wedge member 44h extends from the thick end 50h
of the wedge member 44h to the thin end 52h of the wedge
member.
[0147] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 24,
the wedge member 44h is formed of a rigid porous material having an
open cell construction. A compartment or cavity 100h in the wedge
member 44h holds bone growth inducing materials 110h. The bone
growth inducing materials 110h may include bone morphogenic
proteins and other osteoinductive materials. The joint 34h may be
packed with bone growth promoting materials and/or bone chips.
[0148] The wedge member 44h is fixedly connected to the upper and
lower bones 30h and 32h by suitable fasteners (not shown). The
wedge member 44h may be connected with the upper and lower bones
30h and 32h by screws corresponding to the screws 70 and 72 of FIG.
8. Alternatively, the wedge member 44h may be connected with the
upper and lower bone 30h and 32h by screws which extends through
mounting tabs, corresponding to the mounting tabs 144 and 146 of
FIG. 16. If desired, the wedge member 44h may be connected with
only the upper bone 30h or only the lower bone 32h.
[0149] It is believed that by having the side surfaces 54h and 56h
configured to correspond to the configuration of the surfaces 88h
and 090h on the bones 30h and 32h, the joint 34h will be
particularly stable when the joint has been immobilized by
connecting the wedge member 44h to the bones. Although only a
single wedge member 34h has been illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 24, a
plurality of wedge members could be used to expand the joint. It is
believed that the wedge member 44h may be particularly advantageous
when vertebrae in a patient's back are to be interconnected.
CONCLUSION
[0150] In view of the foregoing description it is apparent that a
new and improved method and apparatus is provided to change a
spatial relationship between bones 30 and 32 which are
interconnected at a joint 34 in a patient's body. When this is to
be done, an opening is formed in a portion of the patient's body to
expose the joint 34 interconnecting the bones 30 and 32. One of the
bones 30 and 32 is moved relative to the other by expanding at
least a portion of the joint 34 with a wedge member 44. The wedge
member 44 is moved into the joint and applies force against the
bones 30 and 32. The opening is closed with the wedge member 44
still disposed in the joint between the bones. Force is then
transmitted between the bones 30 and 32 through the wedge member 44
to maintain the joint 34 in an expanded condition.
[0151] If the joint 34 is to be flexed after being expanded by the
wedge member 44, the wedge member may be connected with only one of
the bones 30 and 32. Alternatively, if the joint 34 is to be
immobilized (fused) after inserting the wedge member 44, the wedge
member may be fixedly connected with the bones 30 and 32
interconnected at the joint. The wedge member 44 may be porous and
may be coated with and/or contain bone growth promoting
material.
[0152] One embodiment of the wedge member 44 has major side
surfaces 54 and 56 extending between thick and thin end portions 50
and 52 of the wedge member. The wedge member 44 is moved into the
joint 34 with the thin edge portion 52 leading. As the wedge member
44 is moved into the joint 34, the thick trailing end portion 50 of
the wedge member expands the joint.
[0153] In another embodiment of the invention, the wedge member
44d, 44e, 44f, or 44g may be rotated relative to the joint. In one
embodiment of the invention, the wedge member 44g has a circular
cross sectional configuration and has an external thread
convolution 160 which extends from a thin leading end 52g of the
wedge member to a thick trailing end 50g of the wedge member. The
wedge member 44g is pressed into the joint 34g and rotated to cause
the wedge member to expand the joint.
[0154] In another embodiment of the invention, the wedge member
44d, 44e or 44f has surface areas 134 and 136 which are relatively
close together and other surface areas 128 and 130 which are
relatively far apart. The wedge member 44d, 44e, or 44f is moved
into the joint 34 with the surface areas 134 and 136 which are
close together engaging the adjacent bones 30 and 32. The wedge
member 44d, 44e or 44f is then rotated to apply force against the
adjacent bones to expand the joint. The wedge member 44d or 44e may
be rotated about its central axis 120 to apply forced against the
bones 30 and 32 and expand the joint. Alternatively, the wedge
member 44f may be rotated about a location where the wedge member
engages one of the bones.
[0155] Regardless of which embodiment of the wedge members 44, 44a,
44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, 44g or 44h is selected, the wedge member
may be used with any one of the many different bones and joints in
a patient's body. The wedge member may be utilized at joints in a
patient's wrist, ankle, hand, foot, back, or other portions of the
patient's body. The use of the wedge member may be particularly
advantageous when a joint between vertebrae in a patient's back is
to be immobilized. One or more wedge members may be used to expand
a joint to transmit force between bones.
* * * * *