Surgical implantation method and devices for an extra-articular mechanical energy absorbing apparatus
A surgical implantation approach for preparing a patient and precisely and effectively placing an energy absorbing apparatus relative to the patient's anatomy. Various surgical implantation apparatus and methods for achieving proper device-to-anatomy juxtapositional relationships are employed in the implantation approach.
1. A method of implanting an extra-articular medical device at an interventional site of a patient, comprising:
implanting a first component at the interventional site on a medial or lateral side of an articulating knee joint;
implanting a second component at the interventional site;
inserting a temporary component at the interventional site between the first and second components;
assessing kinematic characteristics including desired energy absorption for load bypassing support for a link component carrying load in compression; and removing the temporary component from the interventional site.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein implanting a first component and implanting a second component includes affixing the first and second components within the interventional site.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient is placed in a lateral decubitus position.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein legs of the patient are secured in place with an upper leg in flexion and a lower leg in extension.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising attaching the link component to each of the first and second components, wherein the link component is implanted subcutaneous and extra-capsular.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the link component spans an articulating joint.
7. The method of claim 5 , further comprising implanting the link component subcutaneous and extra-capsular.