DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE ACCESS INTO A JOINT
Devices and methods are disclosed for providing access to a central compartment of a hip joint. The devices can access the central compartment by distracting all or a portion of the labrum. The labrum can be distracted by advancing a device underneath the bottom edge of the labrum, and using the device to further distract the labrum. Some devices can move underneath the labrum to provide a gap for other devices to access the central compartment.
1 .- 51 . (canceled)
52 . A method for creating space within a joint of the type comprising a bone head received within a bone socket, the method comprising:
introducing pressurized fluid into the peripheral compartment of a hip joint such that the pressurized fluid flows from the peripheral compartment into the central compartment to pressurize the central compartment.
53 . A method according to claim 52 wherein the pressurized fluid breaks the suction seal established by the labrum in the hip joint.
54 . A method according to claim 52 wherein the pressurized fluid flows from the peripheral compartment into the central compartment with sufficient force to create a space between the femoral head and the acetabulum.
55 . A method according to claim 52 further comprising inserting an elongated structure into the joint so as to create a fluid path between the peripheral compartment and the central compartment.
56 . A method according to claim 55 wherein the elongated hollow structure compromises the labrum so as to create the fluid path.
57 . A method according to claim 54 further comprising advancing a balloon catheter into the space between the femoral head and the acetabulum so as to further space the femoral head from the acetabulum.
58 . A method according to claim 54 further comprising applying external traction to a location remote from the joint so as to further space the femoral head from the acetabulum.
59 . A method according to claim 58 wherein external traction is applied to the leg.
60 . A method according to claim 52 wherein the fluid comprises a liquid.
61 . A method according to claim 62 wherein the liquid comprises saline.
62 . A method according to claim 62 wherein the liquid comprises water.
63 . A method according to claim 52 wherein the fluid comprises a gas.
64 . A method according to claim 65 wherein the gas comprises air.
65 . A method according to claim 55 wherein the elongated structure is hollow.
66 . A method according to claim 55 wherein the elongated structure comprises a needle.
67 . A method according to claim 55 wherein the elongated structure comprises a catheter.
68 . A method according to claim 55 wherein the elongated structure comprises a tube.
69 . A method according to claim 55 wherein the elongated structure comprises a metal.
70 . A method according to claim 55 wherein the elongated structure comprises a polymer.