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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         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 having a body and a peg, the body having a bearing surface on a peripheral edge thereof into the cavity, such that at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the body 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 the 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. 
     
     
         15 . 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 having a body and a peg, the body having a bearing surface on a peripheral edge thereof into the cavity, such that at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the body resides below the adjacent glenoid surface and the portion residing below the adjacent glenoid surface lies directly adjacent to and is circumferentially surrounded by cortical bone of the glenoid.