Methods and devices for treating fractured and/or diseased bone

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating fractured and/or diseased bone. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices and methods for repairing, reinforcing and/or treating fractured and/or diseased bone using various devices, including cavity-forming devices.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for restoring an intraosseous space comprising: 
 (a) accessing said space;    (b) placing in said space a first aliquot of restorative composition; and    (c) after a period of time sufficient for said first aliquot to set, placing in said space a second aliquot of restorative composition.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the placement of said first aliquot is preselected so as to initiate restorative process.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said pre-selection is of the location of said placement and said placement isolates said intraosseous space from surrounding tissue.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising placing additional aliquots of restorative composition in said space.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the further placements follow preselected time intervals.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the further placements are of a preselected amount.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said placement is via a syringe.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said placement is via a catheter or cannula.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the location of the catheter or cannula in the intraosseous space is monitored.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the monitoring is via fluoroscopy.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the monitoring is via endoscopy.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the catheter has a distal end and at least one placement orifice disposed proximate to said distal end, said placement orifice being adapted for dispensing the restorative composition radially from the catheter.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said space is accessed via a drill or micro-reamer.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said space is accessed via a knife or sharp instrument.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said space is accessed via a needle or cannula.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the monitoring is via visualization  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said space is accessed via an instrument having a sharp end.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the catheter has a distal end adapted for dispensing the restorative composition from the catheter.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said placement is via use of a plunger.