Method and system for patella tendon realignment

Abstract

A method and system provide and use a patellar implant. The patellar implant includes a superior portion, an inferior portion opposite to the superior portion, and an anterior portion. The superior portion being configured to reside below a patellar tendon and to elevate and/or tilt the patellar tendon. The inferior portion is configured to be seated in proximity to a tibia. The anterior portion is between the superior portion and the inferior portion. The anterior portion is placed in proximity to a patella. In one aspect, the method includes inserting the implant beneath the patellar tendon and between the patella and a position at which the patellar tendon is affixed to the tibia. In this aspect, the method also includes affixing the implant.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for repositioning a patellar tendon, the device comprising:
 an implant sized and configured to be inserted through an incision during a surgical procedure and affixed to a tibia at an implant location beneath the patellar tendon such that the entire implant is between an end of the tibia proximate a femur and an attachment position of the patellar tendon to the tibia,   the implant comprising
 an anterior portion configured to be in proximity to a patella when the implant is at the implant location; 
 an inferior portion configured to be placed in proximity to the tibia when the implant is at the implant location; and 
 a superior portion configured to change a position of the patellar tendon by elevating or lifting the patellar tendon when the implant is at the implant location; 
   the implant being further adapted to change the position of the patellar tendon without cutting the tibia and to remain implanted after the surgical procedure such that the implant elevates or tilts the patella after the surgical procedure.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the implant further comprises a through hole adapted to receive a screw. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the implant further comprises a spike coupled with the inferior portion. 
     
     
         4 . The device of claim wherein the implant further comprises a plurality of beads configured for bony ingrowth and coupled with the inferior portion. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the inferior portion is configured for attachment to the tibia. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the implant defines a wedge shape. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6  wherein the implant is thicker at the anterior portion of the implant than at a posterior portion of the implant opposite to the anterior portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the implant is rigid. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the inferior portion comprises a concave portion configured to fit the tibia. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the implant is single piece.