Devices and methods for minimally invasive access into a joint

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed for providing access to a central compartment of a hip joint. The devices can access the central compartment by distracting all or a portion of the labrum. The labrum can be distracted by advancing a device underneath the bottom edge of the labrum, and using the device to further distract the labrum. Some devices can move underneath the labrum to provide a gap for other devices to access the central compartment.

1 .- 51 . (canceled) 
     
     
         52 . A method for creating space within a joint of the type comprising a bone head received within a bone socket, the method comprising:
 introducing pressurized fluid into the peripheral compartment of a hip joint such that the pressurized fluid flows from the peripheral compartment into the central compartment to pressurize the central compartment.   
     
     
         53 . A method according to  claim 52  wherein the pressurized fluid breaks the suction seal established by the labrum in the hip joint. 
     
     
         54 . A method according to  claim 52  wherein the pressurized fluid flows from the peripheral compartment into the central compartment with sufficient force to create a space between the femoral head and the acetabulum. 
     
     
         55 . A method according to  claim 52  further comprising inserting an elongated structure into the joint so as to create a fluid path between the peripheral compartment and the central compartment. 
     
     
         56 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the elongated hollow structure compromises the labrum so as to create the fluid path. 
     
     
         57 . A method according to  claim 54  further comprising advancing a balloon catheter into the space between the femoral head and the acetabulum so as to further space the femoral head from the acetabulum. 
     
     
         58 . A method according to  claim 54  further comprising applying external traction to a location remote from the joint so as to further space the femoral head from the acetabulum. 
     
     
         59 . A method according to  claim 58  wherein external traction is applied to the leg. 
     
     
         60 . A method according to  claim 52  wherein the fluid comprises a liquid. 
     
     
         61 . A method according to  claim 62  wherein the liquid comprises saline. 
     
     
         62 . A method according to  claim 62  wherein the liquid comprises water. 
     
     
         63 . A method according to  claim 52  wherein the fluid comprises a gas. 
     
     
         64 . A method according to  claim 65  wherein the gas comprises air. 
     
     
         65 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the elongated structure is hollow. 
     
     
         66 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the elongated structure comprises a needle. 
     
     
         67 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the elongated structure comprises a catheter. 
     
     
         68 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the elongated structure comprises a tube. 
     
     
         69 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the elongated structure comprises a metal. 
     
     
         70 . A method according to  claim 55  wherein the elongated structure comprises a polymer.