Patent attributes
A reamer especially well suited for use in minimally invasive hip replacement arthroplasty. The reamer is for preparation of a requisite concave surface in the patient's acetabulum suitable for the acetabular cup member of a hip prosthesis. The reamer comprises a plurality of raised edges, or cutting teeth, for cutting bone and cartilage, and a plurality of openings through which cut fragments of bone and cartilage enter the reamer body. The bone and cartilage fragments are contained within the reamer body and periodically removed so as not to contaminate the surgical site. The reamer according to certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention is easier to insert and withdraw though a minimally invasive incision in the patients body, and, also, effectively restricts bone fragments from escaping into the surgical wound. The improved reamer according to certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention is not limited to use in minimally invasive surgery.
