Cartilage knife

Abstract

A surgical cutting device (10) for cutting and removing cartilage from an affected area is disclosed. The surgical cutting device includes an elongated shaft (12) having a proximal portion (18) and a distal portion (20) connected between a proximal end (14) and a distal end (16). A central longitudinal axis extends through the elongated shaft. The proximal portion has a first diameter and the distal portion has a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. The cutting device further includes a cutting tip (22) at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The cutting tip extends at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis along a second axis and includes a curved blade (24). The curved blade includes an inner wall (26) that extends to a base (28) of the cutting tip.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 735,290 entitled “Chondratome”, filed on September 24, 2018. Background Technology 1. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates generally to surgical cutting devices, and more specifically to blades for cutting and removing cartilage from diseased areas.

[0005] 2. Related technical descriptions

[0006] Several conditions can negatively impact a person's knee, including arthritis, ligament instability, and localized trauma. These conditions can be treated surgically by repairing parts of the knee cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments, or by replacing these parts with natural or artificial substitutes. In such surgeries, knee alignment correction is often necessary to relieve pressure from the damaged portion of the joint and balance the load on the joint. In some cases, knee alignment correction alone is sufficient to provide relief and improve function without additional repair or replacement of injured or diseased tissue. Often, in young arthritis patients, knee alignment correction may be the first surgical option providing several years of relief before undergoing a more invasive total knee replacement. Typically, an injured or diseased knee will develop varus deformity, where the medial side of the knee joint has been compressed, resulting in a bow-leg alignment of the lower limb.

[0007] A common surgical procedure for correcting knee alignment is a high tibial osteotomy. In this procedure, knee alignment is altered by cutting the tibia on one side and then widening or compressing the cut side to change the angle between the axes of the tibia and femur. For example, in a closed high tibial osteotomy, a wedge-shaped bone is removed from the tibia, and then the opposite sides of the incision are brought together so that the tibia is angled toward the side that formed the incision. In an open high tibial osteotomy, an incision is made midway through the tibia and widened to create a wedge-shaped gap, thus angulating the tibia away from the side that formed the incision. Fixation devices such as bone plates or external fixators are then applied to the tibia to maintain tibial alignment until bone healing. Typically, for an open high tibial osteotomy, bone is taken from the patient's pelvis and applied to the gap in the tibia to aid bone healing. An open high tibial osteotomy can be performed on the medial side of the patient's knee to treat varus deformity.

[0008] Another surgical procedure used to correct knee alignment is distal femoral osteotomy. For example, in open distal femoral osteotomy, an incision is made midway through the femur from the outside and widened to create a wedge-shaped gap, thereby angulating the femur away from the outside.

[0009] It is often necessary to use electrically powered tissue cutting tools to perform surgical procedures. Such tools typically include a handpiece that cyclically moves a tissue cutting device, such as a blade or awl, in an oscillating or reciprocating manner. The handpiece usually includes a pneumatic or electric drive motor with an output shaft to which the cutting device is attached, axially aligned with the drive axis of the handpiece. As used herein, the term "drive axis" refers to the axis of the motor's output shaft through which power is delivered from the motor. The handpiece can be a "pencil" type handpiece, where the body is elongated and the drive axis is aligned with the axis of the body; or a pistol grip type handpiece, where the drive axis is aligned relative to the grip in a selected direction. The drive motor of the handpiece generates a driving force that causes the output shaft and the cutting device to reciprocate longitudinally (i.e., linearly along the drive axis, such as a saber saw) or arcuately in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis. Handpieces using the former type of action are generally called reciprocating saws, while those using the latter type are generally called oscillating saws. In some cases, oscillating saws can transmit oscillating drive motion, causing it to circulate in a plane parallel to the axis of the slender body of the handpiece. A sagittal saw is a type of oscillating saw in which the cyclic reciprocating motion occurs in a plane aligned with the drive axis.

[0010] In all cases, many conventional tissue cutting blades or awls or other devices (collectively referred to herein as “blades”) are adapted to be secured to the handpiece via a chuck mechanism for selectively attaching and releasing the desired blade. A variety of different cuts can be formed with a single saw depending on the shape of the blade. For oscillating saws, the blade is typically in the form of a flat, elongated body with a cutting edge (e.g., teeth, abrasive, etc.) at one end and a hub at the other end, which is shaped and adapted to mate with a specific chuck. Such flat blades are used to form cuts in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis. Oscillating saws can also be used to achieve cuts in a plane parallel to the axis of the handpiece by attaching a transverse hub to the flat blade. Crescent-shaped blades with a curved rather than flat body can be used for curved cuts. The body of the crescent-shaped blade has teeth (or another cutting edge) at its distal end that follow the shape of the arcuate body such that when the blade oscillates about the axis, the teeth follow an arcuate pattern with a center of curvature on the axis. Some flat blades may have a cutting edge at an angle to the blade body to form cuts in an angled plane. Angled blades may have an axially elongated body that is either along or away from the blade axis. That is, the proximal end of the blade body may have a transverse hub, or it may simply be attached in a straight line to the drive axis. The resulting cut is arc-shaped and away from the axis.

[0011] Any of the blades mentioned above can be used to create an incision in the bone. However, in most surgeries involving the knee (or foot, ankle, hand, and / or wrist), damaged or diseased cartilage may also need to be removed from the surgical site for appropriate repair of the specific surgical site.

[0012] Therefore, tools specifically designed for cutting and removing diseased cartilage are needed.

[0013] Disclaimer regarding the relevant technical sections: With regard to the specific patents / publications / products discussed in the relevant technical sections above or elsewhere in this disclosure, these discussions should not be construed as an admission that the patents / publications / products in question are prior art for patent law purposes. For example, some or all of the patents / publications / products in question may not be early enough in time, may not reflect topics developed early enough in time, and / or may not be sufficient to achieve prior art equivalent to the purposes of patent law. With regard to the specific patents / publications / products discussed in the relevant technical sections above and / or throughout the application, their descriptions / disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a surgical cutting device for cutting and removing cartilage from a diseased area. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are used for excision and scraping of diseased or damaged cartilage (e.g., in limb surgery (foot and ankle / hand and wrist)). According to one aspect, the surgical cutting device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal narrowing portion connected between a proximal end and a distal end. A central longitudinal axis extends through the elongated shaft. The proximal portion has a first diameter, and the distal narrowing portion has a second diameter. The first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The cutting device also includes a cutting tip at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The cutting tip extends at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis and includes a curved blade.

[0015] According to another aspect, the surgical cutting device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal narrowing portion connecting a proximal end and a distal end. A central longitudinal first axis extends through the elongated shaft. The surgical cutting device also includes a cutting tip at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The cutting tip extends along a second axis at an angle relative to the central longitudinal first axis. The cutting tip includes a curved blade that opens in the proximal direction.

[0016] According to another aspect, the surgical cutting device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distally narrowed portion connecting a proximal end and a distal end. A central longitudinal first axis extends through the elongated shaft. The surgical cutting device also includes a cutting tip at the distal end of the elongated shaft. The cutting tip extends along a second axis at an angle relative to the central longitudinal first axis. The cutting tip includes a curved blade that opens in the proximal direction. The surgical cutting device also includes a shank attached to the proximal end of the elongated shaft.

[0017] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0018] One or more aspects of the invention are specifically pointed out and clearly claimed by way of example in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a side perspective view of the cutting device according to the implementation plan;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a close-up side perspective view of the distal end of the cutting device according to the implementation plan;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a side view schematic diagram of the cutting device according to an alternative embodiment; and

[0022] Figure 4 This is a close-up top perspective view of the distal end of the cutting device according to an alternative embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The invention, including its various aspects, features, advantages, and details, is explained more fully below with reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention in detail. However, it should be understood that the detailed descriptions and specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the invention, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions, and / or arrangements within the spirit and / or scope of the basic concept of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

[0024] Now refer to the attached diagram, where similar reference numerals always refer to similar parts. Figure 1 A side perspective view of a cutting device 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The cutting device 10 includes an elongated shaft 12 extending along a central longitudinal yy axis between a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. In the depicted embodiment, the elongated shaft 12 is cylindrical; however, any other suitable geometry may be used. The elongated shaft 12 may have a uniform diameter or a varying diameter. In the depicted embodiment, the elongated shaft 12 has a first diameter and a second diameter different from the first diameter.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the elongated shaft 12 has a proximal portion 18 and a distal portion 20 (which may narrow and taper in the distal direction, but is not mandatory). The proximal portion 18 has a first diameter, and the distally narrowed portion 20 has a second diameter. In the depicted embodiment, the second diameter of the distally narrowed portion 20 is smaller than the first diameter of the proximal portion 18. In the embodiment, the distally narrowed portion 20 may taper in the distal direction, and the second diameter is any diameter along the distally narrowed portion 20. The narrowing portion 20 allows the cutting device 10 to enter and cut smaller surgical areas, such as in the hand and wrist.

[0026] Now go to Figure 2 This image shows a close-up side perspective view of the distal end 16 of the cutting device 10 according to an embodiment. The narrowing portion 20 of the elongated shaft 12 extends to the distal end 16. The distal end 16 includes a cutting tip 22, such as... Figure 2 As shown. In the depicted embodiment, the cutting tip 22 extends along the x-axis. Generally, the cutting tip 22 extends at an angle relative to the central longitudinal y-axis (which extends through the elongated shaft 12). Figure 2In the middle, the cutting tip 22 extends at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the central longitudinal yy axis.

[0027] Still referencing Figure 2 The cutting tip 22 includes a curved blade 24. In the depicted embodiment, the curved blade 24 has a semi-circular cross-section, such that the curved blade 24 is crescent-shaped and opens proximally. The curved blade 24 includes an inner wall 26 extending to a flat, semi-circular base 28. Furthermore, the base 28 of the curved blade 24 extends to and abuts the flat portion 30 of the cutting tip 22. In the depicted embodiment, the flat portion 30 is D-shaped and extends proximally.

[0028] exist Figure 2 In the depicted embodiment, the base 28 and flat portion 30 of the curved blade 24 are connected at the flange 32 or the cutting edge. The base 28 extends at an angle relative to the flat portion 30. In one embodiment, the flat portion 30 extends along a plane and axis (zz axis) substantially parallel to the central longitudinal y-axis, while the base 28 extends along a plane and axis transverse to both the central longitudinal y-y axis and the x-x axis. In one embodiment, the base 28 extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the x-axis. The angular configuration and curvature of the cutting tip 22 are optimized for use in hand and wrist surgery.

[0029] Now for reference Figure 3 A side view schematic diagram of a cutting device 10 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the proximal end 14 of the cutting device 10 includes a handle 34. According to the embodiment, there is no motor or automatic actuation for the described device 10; the device includes a curved blade or cutting tip on a shaft that is engaged in the handle 34, allowing the surgeon to cut, pry, and scrape away cartilage. Thus, the cutting device 10 can be directly operated by the user via the handle 34 (or otherwise at the proximal end 14 of the device 10).

[0030] Similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The implementation scheme shown, Figure 3 An embodiment of the cutting device 10 includes an elongated shaft 12 extending along a central longitudinal yy axis between a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. The elongated shaft 12 may be cylindrical and have a uniform or varying diameter, as described above. Similarly, [the following is also mentioned]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The implementation scheme shown, Figure 3The elongated shaft 12 of the cutting device 10 includes a proximal portion 18 and a distal narrowing portion 20. As shown, the distal narrowing portion 20 tapers in the distal direction. The distal narrowing portion 20 allows the cutting device 10 to enter and cut small surgical areas, such as in the foot and ankle.

[0031] The distal end 16 of the cutting device 10 includes a cutting tip 22. In the depicted embodiment, the cutting tip 22 extends along the x-axis. Generally, the cutting tip 22 extends at an angle relative to the central longitudinal y-axis (which extends through the elongated shaft 12). Figure 3 In the middle, the cutting tip 22 extends at an angle greater than 90 degrees relative to the central longitudinal yy axis. Figure 3 The cutting tip 22 is constructed and optimized for use in foot and ankle surgery. For example, the cutting tip 22 is longer than... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cutting tip 22 in the implementation scheme. Therefore, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cutting tip 22 of the cutting device 10 in the middle and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The differences are shown.

[0032] Now go to Figure 4 A close-up side perspective view of the distal end 16 of the cutting device 10 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the cutting tip 22 includes a curved blade 24 that opens in the proximal direction. In the depicted embodiment, the curved blade 24 has a semi-circular cross-section, making it crescent-shaped. The curved blade 24 includes an inner wall 26 extending to the base 28. Figures 3-4 In the illustrated embodiment, the base 28 is inclined and extends toward the central longitudinal yy axis (and the elongated axis 12). Furthermore, the inclined base 28 of the curved blade 24 extends to and abuts the flat portion 30 of the cutting tip 22. In the depicted embodiment, the flat portion 30 is circular or semi-circular and extends proximally.

[0033] exist Figure 4 In the depicted embodiment, the base 28 of the curved blade 24 is angled or extends to the flat portion 30 of the curved blade 24. The base 28 also extends at least partially around the flat portion 30, such as Figure 4 As shown. The flat portion 30 extends along the plane and the z-axis, which are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal y-axis, as... Figure 3 As shown. The angle configuration and curvature of the cutting tip 22 were optimized for use in foot and ankle surgery.

[0034] All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to take precedence over dictionary definitions, definitions in referenced documents, and / or the general meaning of the defined terms.

[0035] Although various embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing functions and / or obtaining results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are exemplary, and actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on the specific application of the teachings of the invention for one or more specific applications therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to determine many equivalent forms of the specific embodiments described herein using only conventional experimentation. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are given by way of example only, and that embodiments may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described and protected by the claims within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Embodiments of this disclosure relate to each individual feature, system, article of manufacture, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and / or methods is also included within the scope of this disclosure if these features, systems, articles of manufacture, materials, kits, and / or methods are not contradictory.

[0036] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. It should also be understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of “comprise” such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of “have” such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of “include” such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of “contain” such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended copulas. Thus, a method or apparatus that “comprises,” “have,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements. Similarly, the elements of a method or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more of the features have, but are not limited to, those features. Furthermore, an apparatus or structure constructed in a certain way is constructed at least in that manner, but may also be constructed in ways not listed.

[0037] All means or steps in the appended claims, plus corresponding structures, materials, operations, and equivalents of the functional elements, if any, are intended to include any structure, material, or operation for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The invention has been described for purposes of illustration and description, but this description is not exhaustive or intended to limit the invention to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application of one or more aspects of the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to understand one or more aspects of the invention for various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A surgical cutting device for cutting and removing cartilage from a diseased area, comprising: an elongated shaft extending along a central longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongated shaft has a proximal portion and a distal portion connected between the proximal end and the distal end; and a cutting tip at the distal end of the elongated shaft, the cutting tip extending at an angle relative to the central longitudinal axis along a second axis; wherein the cutting tip comprises: a flat portion extending along a plane parallel to the central longitudinal axis; a base that is inclined and extends towards the central longitudinal axis in a direction pointing towards the proximal end of the elongated shaft, the base extending to and adjoining the flat portion; and a curved blade extending from the base along the second axis and open in a proximal direction, wherein the curved blade comprises an inner wall extending to the base, wherein the flat portion is connected to the inner wall of the curved blade via the base, and wherein the base extends at least partially around the flat portion. the distal portion is tapered, decreasing in diameter in a distal direction.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the angle at which the cutting tip extends relative to the central longitudinal axis is greater than 90 degrees.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, further comprising a handle attached at the proximal end of the elongated shaft.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, wherein, 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the flat portion is circular or semi-circular. ​

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