Linvatec Corporation

Brian David Dross

Terry Van Blaricom

William Palleva

Fred B Dinger, Iii

Matthew R Frushell

Robert C Kusmierczyk

James A Boucher

A ring blade and drive system, and method of using same, for harvesting bone-tendon-bone ligament grafts having substantially cylindrical bone plugs. The ring blade disclosed is a circular ring having a predetermined arcuate gap formed in its periphery. The drive system includes a blade holder to peripherally hold the ring blade and a fixed-center oscillating mechanism to oscillate the ring blade about its axis within a predetermined arcuate range of motion. The ring blade structure enables the production of a substantially cylindrical bone plug of unlimited length. Harvesting of a bone-tendon-bone ligament graft is facilitated with the ring blade and method disclosed which enables the ring blade to be placed partially around a tendon segment to create bone plugs aligned with the tendon fibers included in the defined tendon segment. The cuts into the bone may be initiated into the bone at either end of the tendon segment from the tendon side through to the exterior of the bone to which the tendon is attached.

Apparatus and method for harvesting a bone-tendon-bone ligament graft

A graft protection device suitable for protecting a bone-tendon-bone graft used during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The graft protection device comprises a distal blocking member, a proximal releasable holding sleeve and an elongated connecting portion connecting the blocking member with the holding sleeve. A radially extending handle is attached to the holding sleeve in order to enable a user to longitudinally and rotationally position the graft protection device along the shaft of an elongated driver when the device is inserted through an opening into a joint. A method of utilizing the graft protection device is also disclosed comprising the steps of guiding a screw/driver/protector assembly along a guide wire into proper position within a bone tunnel, driving the screw into place by turning it and thereby sliding it along the blocking member past a portion of the ligament graft and then locking the guide wire to the driver and removing it along with the driver/protector assembly in a single motion. A lockable, cannulated screw driver is disclosed to facilitate using the graft protection device with the method disclosed herein.

Ligament graft protection apparatus and method

A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus are provided for increasing the pressure at which fluid may be delivered by a lavage/irrigation system.

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Huger, SC, United States of America

Brian David Dross