Joint repair system

Abstract

A joint stabilization (reduction) system and associated methods and tools for placement of the system in an open or minimally invasive technique. The joint stabilization system includes a flexible prosthetic band for stabilizing the bones in proper position and a connector mechanism for joining the two ends of the prosthetic band around the bones. One end of the prosthetic band can be permanently attached to the connector.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A prosthetic device, comprising:
 a band having a first end and a second end; and   a connector attached to the first end and comprising:
 means for temporarily affixing the second end to the connector while the band is in a tensioned state around two bones, wherein the means for temporarily affixing the second end to the connector permits adjustment of the tensioned state while the second end is temporarily affixed to the connector; and 
 means for permanently fixing the second end to the connector after the tensioned state has been adjusted. 
   
     
     
         3 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein the means for temporarily affixing comprises a receiving slot for the band that bends the band and provides resistance to movement of the band relative to the connector. 
     
     
         4 . The prosthetic device of  claim 3 , wherein the means for temporarily affixing comprises a locking cleat for receiving the band under the locking cleat. 
     
     
         5 . The prosthetic device of  claim 4 , wherein the means for permanently fixing comprises deformation of the locking cleat. 
     
     
         6 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the connector comprises a locking cleat; and   the means for permanently fixing comprises deformation of the locking cleat.   
     
     
         7 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein the means for temporarily affixing is configured to apply a holding force to the band greater than a force required to reduce two bones for stabilization by the prosthetic device. 
     
     
         8 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein the band comprises a tendon graft. 
     
     
         9 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises a bone plate ( 942 ) for stabilizing one of the bones. 
     
     
         10 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises:
 a first locking cleat for permanently affixing the first end of the band to the connector; and   a second locking cleat for permanently affixing the second end of the band to the connector.   
     
     
         11 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein the connector comprises a cam locking mechanism for locking the band to the connector. 
     
     
         12 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , further comprising a counter traction tool for facilitating tightening of the band. 
     
     
         13 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 friction between the band and the connector holds the band in the tensioned state; and   the friction is sufficient to keep the two bones in a reduced position while simultaneously allowing adjustable movement of the band.   
     
     
         14 . The prosthetic device of  claim 13 , wherein the adjustable movement includes loosening or tightening the band. 
     
     
         15 . The prosthetic device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the band in the tensioned state has an internal tension force at least equal to a force required to reduce the two bones; and   the internal tension force after the tensioned state has been adjusted can be at least equivalent to or greater than a strength of augmented native ligaments.   
     
     
         16 . The prosthetic device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the internal tension force in the tensioned state can be between 10 N and 100 N; and   the internal tension force after the tensioned state has been adjusted can be between about 450 N and 750 N.   
     
     
         17 . A prosthetic device, comprising:
 a band having a first end and a second end; and   a connector attached to the first end, wherein the connector is configured to receive and hold the second end to the connector so that the band is in a tensioned state in which the band has an initial internal tension force, wherein the connector is configured to accommodate a tightening movement of the second end relative to the connector so that the band can be adjusted from the tensioned state to an increased tensioned state in which the band has an increased internal tension force that is greater than the initial internal tension force, and wherein the connector is configured to accommodate a loosening movement of the second end relative to the connector so that the band can be adjusted from the tensioned state to a decreased tensioned state in which the band has an decreased internal tension force that is less than the initial internal tension force.   
     
     
         18 . The prosthetic device of  claim 17 , wherein the connector comprises a receiving slot for the band configured to bend the band to produce resistance to movement of the band relative to the connector. 
     
     
         19 . The prosthetic device of  claim 18 , wherein the connector comprises a locking cleat for receiving the band under the locking cleat. 
     
     
         20 . The prosthetic device of  claim 19 , wherein the locking cleat is configured to be deformed to affix the band to the connector. 
     
     
         21 . The prosthetic device of  claim 17 , wherein:
 the connector comprises a locking cleat for receiving the band under the locking cleat; and   the locking cleat is configured to be deformed to affix the band to the connector.