Innovasive Devices, Inc.

Arthrex, Gmbh

F Alan Barber

Rickey D Hart

James C Chow

A method of meniscal repair promotes the healing of avascular meniscal tears undergoing repair. At least one vascular channel is formed from the white zone to the periphery of the meniscus by removing a cylinder of the meniscus. The approximately 1.5-2 mm channel remains open to allow vascularity to the avascular meniscus.

Method of using a meniscal vascular punch

A bone plug removal and emplacement tool includes a cylindrical cutting element having a proximal cutting edge and a cutting tooth. The outer surface of the cutting element can include an integral shoulder (e.g., in lieu of a replaceable outer sheath) that is spaced-apart from the proximal cutting edge and that engages the surface of the bone to define a depth stop for the cutting edge. An additional cylindrical element can be disposed within the cutting element. The proximal end of that additional element, which is referred to as a 'harvester,' is substantially aligned with the proximal end of the cutting element to receive a plug cut from the bone. The harvester can be slidably withdrawn from the cutting element to facilitate transplating the bone plug at another location. For this purpose, a stem or plunger can be slidably inserted and moved in the harvester to dislodge the plug.

Apparatus and methods for articular cartilage defect repair

A bone plug removal tool is described. The tool includes a cylindrical cutting element having an external surface and having an internal surface defining an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the cutting element from a proximal end to a distal end. A cutting tooth is located at the proximal end of the cutting element and extends into the internal bore. A replaceable outer cylindrical sheath is arranged concentrically around the external surface of the cylindrical cutting element. A bone plug emplacement tool to be used in conjunction the removal tool is also disclosed. The emplacement tool includes a cylindrical element having an internal surface defining an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the element from a proximal end. The internal surface further defines an internal step adjacent a distal end of the element. A stem is disposed for co-axial movement within the element, the stem having a proximal end disposed within the internal bore. A shoulder is defined in the stem for mating engagement with the internal distal step of the element in order to limit distal movement of the stem within the internal bore. A kit incorporating the various tools is disclosed. The kit, for repair of an articular cartilage, includes the bone plug removal tool of the invention, an elongated plunger for insertion into the proximal end of the cutting element and for coaxial movement within it, the plunger for displacing a bone plug from the distal end of cutting element and the bone emplacement tool of the invention. Kits may also include a drill bit containing a depth stop. A method of repairing a defective articular cartilage is also described.

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Frisco, TX, United States of America

F Alan Barber