Patient-specific glenoid guide and implants

Abstract

A method is disclosed for repairing a defect in an anatomical feature, the defect having a surface that defines a volume. The method includes receiving imaging data obtained using a medical imaging technique. The imaging data represents the anatomical feature. In one example, the method further includes creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a mold for an implant based on the imaging data. The mold includes a cavity that replicates the volume of the defect. In another example, the method further includes creating a 3D model of an implant based on the imaging data. The implant is configured to fill the volume of the defect. In various implementations, the mold, the implant, and/or a replica of the implant are formed based on the 3D model of the mold or the 3D model of the implant. Guides and implants corresponding to the method are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for forming a mold for use in repairing a defect in an anatomical feature, the defect having a surface that defines a volume, the method comprising:
 receiving imaging data obtained using a medical imaging technique, the imaging data representing the anatomical feature;   creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a mold for an implant based on the imaging data, the mold including a cavity that replicates the volume of the defect; and   forming the mold based on the 3D model.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the anatomical feature includes at least one of a glenoid fossa and a humerus. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the medical imaging technique includes at least one of a computed tomography (CT scan), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and an x-ray. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising forming the implant using the mold. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising designing the mold to include a first portion having a first surface that matches the surface of the defect defining the volume. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising designing the mold to include a second portion having a second surface for defining a portion of an articular surface at the location of the defect. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising designing the mold such that the first portion is part of a first piece and the second portion is part of a second piece that is separate from the first piece. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  further comprising designing the second surface to cooperate with an outer surface of the anatomical feature surrounding the defect to form a continuous surface. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising creating a 3D model of a guide based on the imaging data, the guide being configured to position a cutting tool relative to the anatomical feature as the cutting tool is used to create a void in the anatomical feature. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the guide includes a nesting surface configured to engage the surface of the defect defining the volume to position the guide relative to the anatomical feature. 
     
     
         11 . A method for forming an implant for use in repairing a defect in an anatomical feature, the defect having a surface that defines a volume, the method comprising:
 receiving imaging data obtained using a medical imaging technique, the imaging data representing the anatomical feature; and   creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of an implant based on the imaging data, the implant being configured to fill the volume of the defect, the implant including a first surface that conforms to the defect surface that defines the volume and a second surface that forms a portion of an articular surface at the location of the defect.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising providing the 3D model to a medical professional for use in forming the implant. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising forming a replica of the implant based on the 3D model. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising providing the replica of the implant to a medical professional for use in forming the implant. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising forming the implant based on the 3D model. 
     
     
         16 . A mold for forming an implant for use in repairing a defect in an articular surface of an anatomical feature, the mold comprising:
 a first portion having a first surface that matches a surface that defines a volume of the defect; and   a second portion having a second surface that cooperates with the first surface to form a cavity that replicates at least a portion of the articular surface surrounding the defect.   
     
     
         17 . The mold of  claim 16  wherein the anatomical feature includes at least one of a glenoid fossa and a humerus. 
     
     
         18 . The mold of  claim 16  wherein the mold is configured to receive material for forming the implant. 
     
     
         19 . The mold of  claim 16  wherein the first portion is part of a first piece and the second portion is part of a second piece that is separate from the first piece. 
     
     
         20 . The mold of  claim 19  wherein the mold is configured to shape the implant to conform to and fill the defect when pressure is applied to the mold.