Methods for less invasive glenoid replacement

Abstract

The invention features a glenoid (shoulder socket) implant prosthesis, a humeral implant prosthesis, devices for implanting glenoid and humeral implant prostheses, and less invasive methods of their use for the treatment of an injured or damaged shoulder.

1 . A method of treating a patient, comprising the steps of:
 identifying a patient having a glenoid surface;   reaming a cavity into the glenoid surface; and   inserting a glenoid implant into the cavity, such that at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the implant resides below the adjacent glenoid surface and the portion residing below the adjacent glenoid surface is circumferentially surrounded by cortical bone of the glenoid.   
   
   
       2 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , wherein the reaming a cavity step comprises reaming a circular cavity. 
   
   
       3 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , wherein the reaming a cavity step comprises reaming an oblong cavity. 
   
   
       4 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of securing the implant within the cavity using bone cement. 
   
   
       5 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of securing the implant within the cavity by press fit. 
   
   
       6 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of securing the implant within the cavity using a bone screw. 
   
   
       7 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of stabilizing the implant within the cavity using a central peg extending from a medial surface of the implant. 
   
   
       8 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of accessing the glenoid via a deltapectoral approach. 
   
   
       9 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of accessing the glenoid via an anterolateral approach. 
   
   
       10 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , wherein the reaming a cavity step comprises reaming a cavity wholly within the boundary of the native glenoid cavity without destroying the peripheral margin of the glenoid surface. 
   
   
       11 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , additionally comprising the step of accessing the glenoid via an incision no more than about 9 cm in length. 
   
   
       12 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , wherein the reaming a cavity step is accomplished while leaving the majority of the inferior capsule intact. 
   
   
       13 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , wherein the reaming a cavity step is accomplished while leaving the peripheral cortex intact. 
   
   
       14 . A method of treating a patient as in  claim 1 , wherein the reaming a cavity step is accomplished using a power drill having a 90 degree bend.