Method and System for Patella Tendon Realignment

Abstract

A method and system provide and use a patellar implant. The patellar implant includes a superior portion, an inferior portion opposite to the superior portion, and an anterior portion. The superior portion being configured to reside below a patellar tendon and to elevate and/or tilt the patellar tendon. The inferior portion is configured to be seated in proximity to a tibia. The anterior portion is between the superior portion and the inferior portion. The anterior portion is placed in proximity to a patella. In one aspect, the method includes inserting the implant beneath the patellar tendon and between the patella and a position at which the patellar tendon is affixed to the tibia. In this aspect, the method also includes affixing the implant.

1 . A method of decreasing a force applied between two bones of a joint, comprising:
 inserting an implant between a tendon and a first bone;   affixing the implant to the first bone at a location such that the tendon is elevated and tensioned by the implant;   allowing movement of the tendon over the implant during articulation of the joint;   decreasing the force load applied across the joint.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is rigid. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is a single piece. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant is a two piece implant with a bone contacting portion of a first material selected for contacting bone and a tendon contacting portion formed of a second material. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the second material is softer than the first material. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the implant defines a height from about 0.5 centimeters to about 3 centimeters. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein affixing the implant to the first bone comprises screwing the implant to the first bone. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the implant comprises at least one through hole therein for receiving at least one screw. 
     
     
         9 . A method of decreasing pain caused by malalignment of the bones of a joint, comprising:
 inserting an implant between a tendon and a first bone;   affixing the implant to the first bone at a location such that the tendon is elevated and repositioned by the implant;   allowing movement of the tendon over the implant during articulation of the joint;   decreasing pain at the joint and improving alignment by reposition the tendon with the implant.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the implant is rigid. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the implant is a single piece. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the implant is a two piece implant with a bone contacting portion of a first material selected for contacting bone and a tendon contacting portion formed of a second material. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the second material is softer than the first material. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the implant defines a height from about 0.5 centimeters to about 3 centimeters. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein inserting the implant between the tendon and the tibia comprises tilting the tendon to alter tracking of the joint. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein affixing the implant to the first bone comprises screwing the implant to the first bone. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the implant comprises at least one through hole therein for receiving at least one screw. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein inserting the implant between the tendon and the first bone comprises inserting the implant without removing a portion of the first bone. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein an inferior portion of the implant defines a concave portion configured to fit an outer surface of the first bone. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein a superior portion if the implant has a smooth concave surface and allows movement of the tendon over the implant.