Orthopedic apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue

Abstract

An orthopedic apparatus, for effecting a change in ligaments, joint capsules and connective tissue through the controlled contraction of collagen fibers, includes a trocar. The trocar has a trocar elongated body with a trocar longitudinal axis, a trocar distal end that is laterally deflectable relative to the trocar longitudinal axis, and a trocar proximal end. An electrode is positioned at the trocar distal end. The electrode delivers substantially uniform energy across an energy delivery surface of the electrode. The energy delivery surface is positioned next to an area of collagen fibers to cause a controlled amount of contraction of the collagen fibers while minimizing dissociation and breakdown of the collagen fibers. A handle is positioned at the proximal end of the trocar. The handle includes an actuating member and a locking member. The actuating member has a resting position and one or more activation positions that cause the trocar distal end to become laterally deflected to a desired position of deflection. The locking member has a resting position and a locking position that locks the deflected trocar distal end in place. Further, the locking member is releasable from the locking position to the resting position or to one that is intermediate between the two in order to modify the activation position of the actuating member and change the deflection of the trocar distal end. The distal end's deflection can be readily adjusted and can return to a non-deflected position. The handle can be held in one hand, and the actuating and locking members each operable by a thumb and a finger of the hand.