Acetabular Fixation System and Method

Abstract

Improved methods, devices, systems and models for facilitating supplemental fixation of implant components to surrounding anatomical features, including supplemental fixation of acetabular components to the acetabulum.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An acetabular cup system comprising:
 an acetabular cup having a wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, the acetabular cup including a fixation opening through the wall, the fixation opening having a threaded inner surface extending from the inner surface to the outer surface,   a dome screw including a head and a shaft, the head of the dome screw including a threaded outer portion for engaging with the threaded inner surface of the fixation opening, the dome screw including a screw lumen extending longitudinally through the head and shaft,   an elongated button having at least one button opening, the elongated button being sized to at least partially fit within the screw lumen, and   a flexible structure extending between the elongated button and the dome screw, the flexible structure including a button alignment indicator, the flexible structure attached to the dome screw by an adjustable fastener, wherein the flexible structure can be connected to the dome screw at a plurality of locations along the flexible structure.   
     
     
         2 . The acetabular cup system of  claim 1 , wherein the head of the dome screw includes an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft. 
     
     
         3 . The acetabular cup system of  claim 1 , wherein the shaft includes a first longitudinal length, and the head includes a second longitudinal length, and the first longitudinal length is greater than the second longitudinal length. 
     
     
         4 . The acetabular cup system of  claim 1 , wherein the fixation opening has a bore depth, and a longitudinal length of the dome screw is greater than the bore depth. 
     
     
         5 . The acetabular cup system of  claim 1 , wherein the a flexible structure extending between the elongated button and the dome screw comprises a first suture, a second suture and a third suture, the first suture attached to a first button opening adjacent to a first end of the elongated button, the second suture attached to a second button opening adjacent to a second end of the elongated button, and the third suture attached to at least one opening positioned between the first and second openings. 
     
     
         6 . The acetabular cup system of  claim 5 , wherein the first suture includes the button alignment indicator. 
     
     
         7 . The acetabular cup system of  claim 1 , wherein the dome screw further comprises a locking mechanism for securing the flexible structure to the dome screw.