Method and apparatus for distracting a joint

Abstract

A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

1 .- 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A method for creating space within an articulating joint surrounded by a capsule, wherein the articulating joint comprises a central compartment in which a bone head having a convex articulating surface is rotatably received within a bone socket having a concave articulating surface, and a peripheral compartment outside the central compartment and encompassed by the capsule, with the peripheral compartment being separated from the central compartment by a labrum, and wherein the space is created in the central compartment between the articulating surfaces of the bone head and the bone socket, the method comprising:
 introducing pressurized fluid into the peripheral compartment such that the pressurized fluid breaks the labrum seal and flows from the peripheral compartment into the central compartment, whereby the pressurized fluid directly contacts and bears against the articulating surfaces of the bone head and the bone socket to create the space between the articulating surfaces of the bone head and the bone socket by forcing the bone head and the bone socket away from one another.   
     
     
         40 . The method according to  claim 39  wherein the fluid comprises a liquid. 
     
     
         41 . The method according to  claim 40  wherein the liquid comprises at least one from the group consisting of saline and water. 
     
     
         42 . The method according to  claim 39  wherein the method further comprises advancing an expandable member into the space between the articulating surfaces of the bone head and the bone socket and expanding the expandable member so as to further force the bone head away from the bone socket, whereby to create an enlarged space between the articulating surfaces. 
     
     
         43 . The method according to  claim 42  wherein the expandable member comprises a balloon. 
     
     
         44 . The method according to  claim 42  wherein the expandable member comprises a first balloon and a second balloon. 
     
     
         45 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the first balloon and the second balloon are different sizes. 
     
     
         46 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the first balloon and the second balloon are different shapes. 
     
     
         47 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the first balloon is disposed distal to the second balloon. 
     
     
         48 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the first balloon is inflated to a first pressure and the second balloon is inflated to a second pressure, wherein the first pressure is a different pressure than the second pressure. 
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the first balloon is inflated to a first pressure and the second balloon is inflated to a second pressure, wherein the first pressure is the same pressure as the second pressure. 
     
     
         50 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the first balloon and the second balloon are configured to be inflated sequentially, and further wherein the sequence of inflation is adjustable. 
     
     
         51 . The method according to  claim 44  wherein the expandable member comprises a third balloon. 
     
     
         52 . The method according to  claim 42  wherein the expandable member is mounted to a shaft. 
     
     
         53 . The method according to  claim 52  wherein the shaft is steerable. 
     
     
         54 . The method according to  claim 52  wherein the expandable member comprises a first balloon and a second balloon, wherein the first balloon is spaced from the second balloon along the shaft, and further wherein the portion of the shaft extending between the first balloon and the second balloon is reconfigurable, whereby to adjust the spacing between the first balloon and the second balloon. 
     
     
         55 . The method according to  claim 52  wherein the shaft comprises a distal tip, wherein the expandable member is mounted to the shaft proximal to the distal tip, and further wherein the distal tip is configured to be secured to a portion of the shaft proximal to the expandable member. 
     
     
         56 . The method according to  claim 39  wherein the method further comprises applying external traction to a location remote from the articulating joint so as to further force the bone head away from the bone socket. 
     
     
         57 . The method according to  claim 39  wherein the method further comprises performing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure on the articulating joint. 
     
     
         58 . The method according to  claim 42  wherein the articulating joint is manipulated after expanding the expandable member.