Patent Issued for Methods for less invasive glenoid replacement (USPTO 12089859).

A patent has been issued for methods of less invasive glenoid replacement. The invention provides a glenoid shoulder implant, a humeral implant, and devices for preparing the glenoid and humeral head for joint replacement. Current glenoid implants have limitations such as poor fixation within the bone, wear and fatigue failure of the polyethylene, and contraindications in patients with significant glenoid bone loss. The patent describes a method that involves reaming a cavity into the glenoid surface and inserting a glenoid implant that resides below the adjacent glenoid surface and is surrounded by cortical bone. The method can be performed using bone cement, a press-fit, or bone screws for securing the implant. The patent also mentions different approaches for accessing the glenoid and emphasizes the need for improved glenoid implants and surgical techniques. [Extracted from the article]