Methods and apparatus for joint distraction

Abstract

A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

1 .- 135 . (canceled) 
     
     
         136 . Apparatus for illuminating a joint of a patient, the apparatus comprising:
 an expandable member, the expandable member being capable of supporting opposing bones of a distracted joint; and   a light source.   
     
     
         137 . The apparatus of  claim 136  wherein the light source comprises one from the group consisting of a laser and a light emitting diode (LED). 
     
     
         138 . The apparatus of  claim 136  wherein the apparatus comprises a fiber optic for transmitting light from the light source to illuminate the joint. 
     
     
         139 . The apparatus of  claim 136  wherein the light source is disposed within the interior of the expandable member. 
     
     
         140 . The apparatus of  claim 139  wherein the light passes from the interior of the expandable member to the distracted joint. 
     
     
         141 . The apparatus of  claim 136  wherein the light source is disposed external to the expandable member. 
     
     
         142 . The apparatus of  claim 141  wherein the light source is disposed distal to the expandable member. 
     
     
         143 . The apparatus of  claim 141  wherein the light source is disposed proximal to the expandable member. 
     
     
         144 . The apparatus of  claim 136  wherein the expandable member is inflated with a translucent inflation fluid. 
     
     
         145 . The apparatus of  claim 144  wherein the expandable member is formed from a material having a refractive index approximately the same as at least one of the translucent inflation fluid and fluid in the joint. 
     
     
         146 . The apparatus of  claim 136  wherein the expandable member is coated with a material that reduces reflection and enhances translucency. 
     
     
         147 . The apparatus of  claim 136  wherein the expandable member comprises a balloon. 
     
     
         148 . The apparatus of  claim 136  further comprising a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the expandable member is attached to the distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
         149 . The apparatus of  claim 148  wherein the light source is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
         150 . The apparatus of  claim 148  wherein the light source is disposed within the interior of the expandable member. 
     
     
         151 . The apparatus of  claim 148  wherein the light source is disposed exterior to the expandable member. 
     
     
         152 . The apparatus of  claim 148  wherein the light source is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft and a fiber optic extends from the light source to the distal end of the shaft for transmitting light to the distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
         153 . The apparatus of  claim 148  wherein the light passes from the light source through the interior of expandable member to the distracted joint. 
     
     
         154 . A method for illuminating a joint of a patient, the method comprising:
 providing apparatus comprising:
 an expandable member; and 
 a light source; 
   inserting the expandable member into the joint while the expandable member is in a contracted condition;   expanding the expandable member within the joint such that the expandable member supports opposing bones of a distracted joint; and   activating the light source to illuminate the joint.   
     
     
         155 . The method of  claim 154  wherein expanding the expandable member within the joint distracts the joint. 
     
     
         156 . The method of  claim 154  further comprising performing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure while the joint is illuminated. 
     
     
         157 . The method of  claim 154  further comprising a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the expandable member is attached to the distal end of the shaft.