The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 20, 2004
Filed:
Feb. 12, 2002
Wesley D. Johnson, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Gerard Engh, Alexandria, VA (US);
Alexandria Research Technologies, LLC, Eden Prairie, MN (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normally articulates with a first bone by attaching a bone sculpting tool directly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool in bone sculpting engagement with the articular surface of the second bone, and then sculpting the articular surface of the second bone with the joint reduced and moving one bone with respect to the other. An implant is placed to replace the articular surface of the second bone using an impaction device directly or indirectly attached to the first bone, wherein the force to place the implant is reacted by the second bone and the first bone.