Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of applying an anchoring element within a bone, said anchoring element comprising a sleeve-like body for engaging a marrow cavity of said bone, a flange attached to one end of the sleeve-like body, a guide sleeve for guiding the sleeve-like body into said marrow cavity, and means for locking the guide sleeve and the flange together, the method comprising the steps of: (a) cutting said bone close to a joint thereof to expose said marrow cavity of said bone; (b) forming a space in said marrow cavity close to said joint; (c) applying said guide sleeve in said space; (d) screwing said anchoring element into said marrow cavity while using said guide sleeve to center said anchoring element; and (e) locking the guide sleeve and flange together.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A method of applying an anchoring element within a bone, said anchoring element comprising a sleeve-like body for engaging a marrow cavity of said bone, a flange attached to one end of the sleeve-like body, a guide sleeve for guiding the sleeve-like body into said marrow cavity, and means for locking the guide sleeve and the flange together, the method comprising the steps of: (a) cutting said bone close to a joint thereof to expose said marrow cavity of said bone; (b) forming a space in said marrow cavity close to said joint; (c) applying said guide sleeve in said space; (d) screwing said anchoring element into said marrow cavity while using said guide sleeve to center said anchoring element; and (e) locking the guide sleeve and flange together.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising, subsequent to said step (a), inserting a probe into said marrow cavity to localize a longitudinal axis, and removing said probe from said marrow cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2, wherein said step (b) includes drilling said space in said marrow cavity close to said joint.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said locking means comprises a protruding edge located on one end of said guide sleeve and teeth located on a surface of said flange facing said protruding edge, and said locking step (e) comprises moving said protruding edge and said teeth into contact.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said locking means comprises axially arranged corrugations located on said sleeve-like body of said anchoring element for engaging an inner surface of said guide sleeve, and said locking step comprises moving said corrugations and said inner surface of said guide sleeve into contact.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of locking said flange in contact with said marrow cavity, said flange including radially directed teeth for contacting said marrow cavity.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for applying an anchoring element within a bone, said anchoring element comprising a sleeve-like body for engaging a marrow cavity of said bone, a flange attached to one end of the sleeve-like body, a plurality of radially extending teeth located on said flange for contacting said marrow cavity, and a guide sleeve for guiding said sleeve-like body into said marrow cavity, the method comprising the steps of: (a) cutting said bone close to a joint thereof to expose said marrow cavity of said bone; (b) forming a space in said marrow cavity close to said joint; (c) applying said guide sleeve in said space; (d) screwing said anchoring element into said marrow cavity through a central hollow region of the guide sleeve; and (e) locking said anchoring element within said marrow cavity by bringing said radially extending teeth into contact with said marrow cavity.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
146 words
A method for applying an anchoring element within a bone, said anchoring element comprising a sleeve-like body for engaging a marrow cavity of said bone, a flange attached to one end of the sleeve-like body, a plurality of radially extending teeth located on said flange for contacting said marrow cavity, and a guide sleeve for guiding said sleeve-like body into said marrow cavity, the method comprising the steps of: (a) cutting said bone close to a joint thereof to expose said marrow cavity of said bone; (b) forming a space in said marrow cavity close to said joint; (c) applying said guide sleeve in said space; (d) screwing said anchoring element into said marrow cavity through a central hollow region of the guide sleeve; and (e) locking said anchoring element within said marrow cavity by bringing said radially extending teeth into contact with said marrow cavity.