GUIDING DEVICE AND BONE-TUNNEL FORMING METHOD

Abstract

A guiding device can include a guide including a through hole for insertion of an ultrasound probe that forms a tunnel to a bone. The guide can be configured to guide movement of the ultrasound probe inserted through the through hole; an offset portion offset from an axis of the through hole. The guiding device can also include an offset portion with an abutment portion configured to abut to an outer wall of the bone, on a side on which the through hole is located, in a direction orthogonal to the axis and a bone-tunnel introduction portion provided on an opposite side to the side on which the through hole is located and being configured to be inserted into the tunnel. The bone-tunnel introduction portion can have a sectional polygon shape smaller than a polygon on an inner circumferential face of the through hole.

Claims

1. A guiding device comprising: a guide having a tubular shape, the guide including a through hole for insertion of an ultrasound probe, the ultrasound probe being configured to apply ultrasound vibration to a bone to form a tunnel in the bone, a distal portion of the ultrasound probe configured to contact the bone, the guide being configured to guide movement of the ultrasound probe as the ultrasound probe is inserted through the through hole; an offset portion offset from an axis of the through hole, on a distal end side of the guide, the offset portion including an abutment portion configured to abut to an outer wall of the bone, on a side of the through hole, in a direction orthogonal to the axis; and a bone-tunnel introduction portion provided on an opposite side to the side on which the through hole is located in the direction orthogonal to the axis with respect to the offset portion, the bone-tunnel introduction portion configured to be inserted into the tunnel formed to the bone, the bone-tunnel introduction portion having a sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the axis, the section shape being a polygon that is smaller than a polygon inscribed on an inner circumferential surface of the through hole.

2. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein the guide includes a distal portion that has a cutaway that extends obliquely across an axis of the guide.

3. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein the offset portion includes a proximal end located on an outer circumferential face of the guide closer to the one end of the guide.

4. The guiding device according to claim 1, further comprising: a rib configured to erect on an outer circumferential face of the guide, wherein the rib includes a scale configured to extend in an axial direction of the guide and indicate an entry distance of the distal portion of the ultrasound probe to a bone tunnel.

5. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein a sectional shape that the guide has in the direction orthogonal to the axis is circular.

6. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein the offset portion has a shape tapering from a side on which the guide is located to a distal end side, along the axis.

7. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein the sectional shape that the bone-tunnel introduction portion has in the direction orthogonal to the axis is rectangular.

8. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein respective barycentric positions of the guide, the offset portion, and the bone-tunnel introduction portion are located linearly.

9. The guiding device according to claim 1, wherein a sectional shape that the through hole has in the direction orthogonal to the axis is larger than a sectional shape that the distal portion of the ultrasound probe has in the direction orthogonal to the axis.

10. A bone-tunnel forming method with a guiding device including: a guide tubular in shape, the guide having a through hole configured to receive an ultrasound probe, the ultrasound probe being configured to apply ultrasound vibration to a bone to form a tunnel in the bone with a distal portion of the ultrasound probe configured to contact with the bone, the guide being configured to guide insertion of the ultrasound probe through the through hole; a bone-tunnel introduction portion configured to be inserted into the tunnel formed to the bone, the bone-tunnel introduction portion having a sectional shape in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the through hole that is a rectangle shape that is smaller than a rectangle inscribed on an inner circumferential face of the through hole, the bone-tunnel forming method comprising: forming a first bone tunnel using the ultrasound probe; fitting the bone-tunnel introduction portion to the first bone tunnel; and forming a second bone tunnel to the bone by inserting the ultrasound probe into the through hole of the guide while the bone-tunnel introduction portion fitted in the first bone tunnel.

11. The bone-tunnel forming method according to claim 10, further comprising: before cutting a bone portion, inserting the ultrasound probe into the through hole of the guide, wherein the guiding device includes an offset portion abutting on an inner wall surface of the first bone tunnel.

12. The bone-tunnel forming method according to claim 10, further comprising cutting a bone portion between the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel by the ultrasound probe.

13. The bone-tunnel forming method according to claim 10, wherein: the guiding device includes an offset portion offset from an axis of the through hole on a distal end side of the guide, the offset portion having a first abutment portion configured to abut an outer wall of the bone on a side where the through hole is positioned, in a direction orthogonal to the axis, the bone-tunnel introduction portion is provided on an opposite side to the side on which the through hole is positioned in the direction orthogonal to the axis with respect to the offset portion, and the bone-tunnel forming method further comprises: positioning the offset portion between bones in a joint such that the first abutment portion abuts on the outer wall; cutting a bone portion between the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel by the ultrasound probe, wherein: the first bone tunnel is formed in the bone by inserting the ultrasound probe into the through hole of the guide while abutting the first abutment portion on the outer wall.

14. The bone-tunnel forming method according to claim 13, wherein the offset portion includes a second abutment portion on an opposite side to the first abutment portion in the direction orthogonal to the axis, and the bone-tunnel forming method further comprises positioning the second abutment portion on the inner wall surface of the first bone tunnel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic configuration of an ultrasound device system according to a first embodiment;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external shape of a distal treatment tool of an ultrasound probe according to the first embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a condition of formation of a bone tunnel by an ultrasound device;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the external appearance of a guiding device according to the first embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the guiding device according to the first embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a state where a miniature drill is stuck in a treatment target region;

[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates a state where the miniature drill is inserted through a second through hole;

[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates a state of formation of a first bone tunnel to the treatment target region by the distal treatment tool;

[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates a state where a protrusion is inserted in the first bone tunnel;

[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a state of formation of a second bone tunnel to the treatment target region by the distal treatment tool;

[0016] FIG. 11 illustrates the treatment target region having the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel;

[0017] FIG. 12 illustrates the treatment target region having a desired rectangular bone tunnel;

[0018] FIG. 13 illustrates part of an ultrasound device provided with a guiding device according to a second embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 14 illustrates an ultrasound probe having entered inside a treatment target region;

[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a guiding device according to a third embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 16 illustrates the guiding device according to the third embodiment viewed from the distal end side along the axial direction;

[0022] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the guiding device according to the third embodiment having a through hole through which an ultrasound probe is inserted;

[0023] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the guiding device having an offset portion put between bones in a knee joint;

[0024] FIG. 19 illustrates a state where the offset portion has a first abutment face abutting on the posterior wall of a lateral femoral condyle;

[0025] FIG. 20 illustrates a state where a distal treatment tool is disposed at the position for formation of a first bone tunnel;

[0026] FIG. 21 illustrates a state where the first bone tunnel is formed by cutting of the distal treatment tool;

[0027] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the first bone tunnel formed in the lateral femoral condyle;

[0028] FIG. 23 illustrates a state where a bone-tunnel introduction portion is introduced in the first bone tunnel;

[0029] FIG. 24 illustrates a state where the distal treatment tool is disposed at the position for formation of a second bone tunnel;

[0030] FIG. 25 illustrates a state where the second bone tunnel is formed by cutting of the distal treatment tool;

[0031] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel formed in the lateral femoral condyle;

[0032] FIG. 27 illustrates a state where the offset portion has a second abutment face abutting on a first inner wall face of the first bone tunnel;

[0033] FIG. 28 illustrates a state where the distal treatment tool is disposed on the partition present between the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel;

[0034] FIG. 29 illustrates a state where the partition present between the first bone tunnel and the second bone tunnel is cut by the distal treatment tool;

[0035] FIG. 30 illustrates a state where a desired rectangular bone tunnel is formed; and

[0036] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the desired rectangular bone tunnel formed in the lateral femoral condyle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Embodiments of a guiding device will be described below. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments.

[0038] First Embodiment

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic configuration of an ultrasound device system 1 according to a first embodiment. The ultrasound device system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an ultrasound device 2, a power unit 3, and a foot switch 4. The ultrasound device 2 and the power unit 3 are connected through a cable 28, and thus the power unit 3 performs supply of drive power or communication of a control signal to the ultrasound device 2 through the cable 28. The power unit 3 is provided with a plurality of connectors 31 for connection of the cable 28 or the like, a plurality of operating switches 33, and a display screen 32 that displays information necessary for treatment.

[0040] The ultrasound device 2 includes a device main body 21 and an ultrasound probe 24. The device main body 21 includes a housing 21a through which the ultrasound probe 24 penetrates and an ultrasound generator 21b detachably attached to the housing 21a. An ultrasound transducer 22 including a piezoelectric body and a horn 23 for transmitting ultrasound efficiently are housed inside the ultrasound generator 21b. With the ultrasound generator 21b attached to the housing 21a, ultrasound vibration generated by the ultrasound generator 21b is transmitted to a distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 with the proximal end side of the ultrasound probe 24 and the distal end side of the horn 23 in connection. The upper face of the housing 21a is provided with an operating switch 27 that gives an instruction for turning ultrasound vibration on or off in response to an operation due to a finger. The foot switch 4 has a function similar to the function of the operating switch 27, and gives an instruction for turning ultrasound vibration on or off in response to an operation due to a foot. The outer circumference of the ultrasound probe 24 is partially covered with a sheath 26 by an arbitrary length from the housing 21a.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external shape of the distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 according to the first embodiment. The ultrasound probe 24 according to the first embodiment is integrally formed with the distal treatment tool 25 provided on the distal end side in the direction of an arrow A in the figure corresponding to the axial direction of the ultrasound probe 24. Examples of the material of the ultrasound probe 24 and the distal treatment tool 25 that may be used include titanium alloys. The distal treatment tool 25 serves as an excision tool with ultrasound vibration, and includes a base 25a and a distal portion 25b. The base 25a has a shape that defines the contour shape of a bone tunnel that the ultrasound probe 24 forms to a bone. The sectional shape orthogonal to the axis of the base 25a is rectangular, having two sides being each a in length and the other two sides being each b (<a) in length. The distal portion 25b has a mountain shape for contact with a bone in the travel direction of the ultrasound probe 24.

[0042] Next, formation of a bone tunnel 101 by the ultrasound probe 24 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. With the distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 in contact with a treatment target region 100 of bone, ultrasound vibration in the direction of an arrow B in the figure causes hammering effect, so that a part of bone mechanically hit with the distal treatment tool 25 is crushed into minute granules. Then, a surgical operator pushes the distal treatment tool 25 into the treatment target region 100, so that the distal treatment tool 25 enters inside the treatment target region 100 while crushing the bone. Thus, formed is the bone tunnel 101 in a rectangular shape identical to the sectional shape orthogonal to the axis of the base 25a.

[0043] In anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the ultrasound device system 1 according to the first embodiment, a first bone tunnel 111 and a second bone tunnel 112 each in a rectangular shape being a long by b broad, to be described later, are formed adjacently at a certain interval Δb (<b) at the portion to which the anterior cruciate ligament adheres on the side face of a lateral femoral condyle as the treatment target region 100 (refer to FIG. 11). Then, linking the first bone tunnel 111 and the second bone tunnel 112 together results in final formation of a bone tunnel 110 in a rectangular shape having two sides being each a in length and the other two sides being each 2b+Δb in length (refer to FIG. 12).

[0044] Next, a guiding device 5 for guiding the ultrasound probe 24 in the travel direction will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the guiding device 5 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the guiding device 5 according to the first embodiment.

[0045] The guiding device 5 according to the first embodiment includes a guide 51 and a protrusion 52. The guide 51 is tubular in shape, having a first through hole 51a for insertion of the ultrasound probe 24. The guide 51 regulates travel of the ultrasound probe 24 in a certain direction and guides the ultrasound probe 24 in the travel direction. The guide 51 has a cut-away portion 51b cutaway obliquely across the direction of an arrow C in the figure corresponding to the axial direction of the guide 51. Thus, the guide 51 has space near the protrusion 52, so that an improvement may be made in the visibility of the distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 inserted through the first through hole 51a.

[0046] The protrusion 52 protrudes by a length L and has a second through hole 52a for insertion of a miniature drill 6, parallel to the first through hole 51a. Note that, in the first embodiment, the term “miniature” means the diameter of a circle smaller than the sectional shape orthogonal to the axis of the ultrasound probe 24. In the first embodiment, the diameter of the miniature drill 6 is 2.4 mm. The inter-axis distance d between the axis AX.sub.1 of the first through hole 51a and the axis AX.sub.2 of the second through hole 52a illustrated in FIG. 5 is shorter than the longer side of a completed rectangular bone tunnel 110 (refer to FIG. 12). The protrusion 52 is provided on the outer circumferential face on the distal end side as one end side of the guide 51. The distal end of the protrusion 52 is closer to the distal end side in the axial direction than the distal end of the guide 51 is. The proximal end of the protrusion 52 is located on the outer circumferential face on the distal end side of the guide 51. The sectional shape orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.2 of the protrusion 52 is non-circular and is identical to the sectional shape orthogonal to the axis of the distal treatment tool 25. Preferably, the sectional shape orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.2 of the protrusion 52 is smaller in size than the sectional shape orthogonal to the axis of the distal treatment tool 25, so that the protrusion 52 fits in a bone tunnel formed by the distal treatment tool 25. The length L of the protrusion 52 is set such that the guide 51 is prevented from deviating in position in a case where the protrusion 52 is put into the bone tunnel. For example, the length L is set at 5 mm.

[0047] Due to insertion of the ultrasound probe 24 into the first through hole 51a of the guiding device 5, the ultrasound probe 24 is guided along the inner circumferential face of the first through hole 51a, so that the travel direction of the ultrasound probe 24 is determined. The distal treatment tool 25 protruding from the opening on the distal end side in the axial direction of the first through hole 51a, due to insertion of the ultrasound probe 24 through the first through hole 51a of the guide 51, is pressed against the treatment target region 100.

[0048] Next, described will be a procedure of final formation of a desired rectangular bone tunnel to the treatment target region 100 of bone with the ultrasound probe 24 guided by the guiding device 5.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a state where the miniature drill 6 is stuck in the treatment target region 100 of bone. Note that the treatment target region 100 is rendered by modeling of a region of bone as a treatment target to which the ultrasound probe 24 forms a bone tunnel. First, the surgical operator makes the axis of the miniature drill 6 identical to the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed to the treatment target region 100, and sticks, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the miniature drill 6 into the treatment target region 100. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the surgical operator inserts the miniature drill 6 stuck in the treatment target region 100 through the second through hole 52a of the protrusion 52 in the guiding device 5 such that the protrusion 52 has contact with the surface of the treatment target region 100. Next, the surgical operator inserts the ultrasound probe 24 through the first through hole 51a of the guide 51 in the guiding device 5 such that the distal treatment tool 25 protrudes from the cut-away portion 51b. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the surgical operator makes one side having a length of a in the sectional shape orthogonal to the axis of the distal treatment tool 25 and the face opposed to the ultrasound probe 24 of the protrusion 52 in parallel, and makes the distal treatment tool 25 in contact with the surface of the treatment target region 100. In this case, the ultrasound probe 24 guided along the inner circumferential face of the first through hole 51a travels in the direction parallel to the axis of the miniature drill 6, namely, in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed to the treatment target region 100. Then, the surgical operator brings the ultrasound probe 24 into ultrasound vibration, so that, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a first bone tunnel 111 having two sides being each a in length and the other two sides being each b in length is formed to the treatment target region 100 by the distal treatment tool 25.

[0050] Next, the surgical operator removes the miniature drill 6 and the ultrasound probe 24 from the treatment target region 100. After that, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the surgical operator rotates the orientation of the guiding device 5 counterclockwise by 180 degrees, and inserts the protrusion 52 into the first bone tunnel 111. Thus, the distal end of the guide 51 is opposed in location to a drilled hole 120 made in the treatment target region 100 by the miniature drill 6, resulting in positioning of the guiding device 5 to the treatment target region 100. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the surgical operator inserts the ultrasound probe 24 through the first through hole 51a of the guide 51 such that the distal treatment tool 25 protrudes from the first through hole 51a. The surgical operator makes the one side of the distal treatment tool 25 and the face opposed to the ultrasound probe 24 of the protrusion 52 in parallel, and makes the distal treatment tool 25 in contact with the surface of the treatment target region 100. In this case, the travel direction of the ultrasound probe 24 is regulated in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed to the treatment target region 100, along the inner circumferential face of the first through hole 51a. Then, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the surgical operator brings the ultrasound probe 24 into ultrasound vibration, so that a second bone tunnel 112 having two sides being each a in length and the other two sides being each b in length is formed to the treatment target region 100 by the distal treatment tool 25. Such formation of the second bone tunnel 112 to the treatment target region 100 as above leads to the direction of penetration of the second bone tunnel 112 parallel to the direction of penetration of the first bone tunnel 111.

[0051] After the formation of the second bone tunnel 112 to the treatment target region 100, the surgical operator removes the ultrasound probe 24 and the guiding device 5 from the treatment target region 100. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the treatment target region 100 has the first bone tunnel 111 and the second bone tunnel 112 adjacent to each other with a bone portion having a certain thickness Ab between the first bone tunnel 111 and the second bone tunnel 112. The thickness Δb satisfies the following expression: Δb<b, preferably, the following expression: Δb<0.5b. Then, with a dilator or the like, the surgical operator removes the bone portion between the first bone tunnel 111 and the second bone tunnel 112 in the treatment target region 100 such that the first bone tunnel 111 and the second bone tunnel 112 are in communication, as illustrated in FIG. 12, resulting in final formation of a rectangular bone tunnel 110 that is a long by (2b+Δb) broad. As an example, in a case where the following expressions are satisfied: a=5 mm, b=4 mm, and Δb=2 mm, formed is a rectangular bone tunnel 110 having two sides being each 5 mm and the other two sides being each 10 mm.

[0052] In the first embodiment, guiding the ultrasound probe 24 with the guiding device 5 enables adjacent formation of the first bone tunnel 111 and the second bone tunnel 112 at targeted positions and angles to the treatment target region 100. Thus, regardless of any surgical operator, a desired rectangular bone tunnel 110 may be accurately formed in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed. In particular, the effect is more salient to surgical operators low in the level of skill.

[0053] In the first embodiment, the inter-axis distance d between the axis AX.sub.1 of the first through hole 51a and the axis AX.sub.2 of the second through hole 52a illustrated in FIG. 5 with the length of the protrusion 52 orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.2 of the second through hole 52a defined as b is shorter than the length (2b+Δb) of the longer side of the rectangular bone tunnel 110 (b<d<2b+Δb). As described above, because the thickness Δb satisfies the following expression: Δb<b, preferably, the following expression: Δb<0.5b, the inter-axis distance d satisfies the following expression: b<d<3b, preferably, the following expression: b<d<2.5b. Thus, at the time of formation of the second bone tunnel 112 to the treatment target region 100, the distal treatment tool 25 in contact with the surface of the treatment target region 100 is located on the drilled hole 120 made by the miniature drill 6 inserted through the second through hole 52a. Therefore, formation of the second bone tunnel 112 to the treatment target region 100 leads to elimination of the drilled hole 120 from the treatment target region 100, so that such a useless hole may be prevented from remaining in the treatment target region 100.

[0054] Second Embodiment

[0055] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description, constituents in the second embodiment similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted with the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted. A procedure of formation of a desired rectangular bone tunnel 110 to a treatment target region 100 with an ultrasound probe 24 guided by a guiding device 5A is substantially similar to that in the first embodiment, and thus the detailed descriptions of steps the same as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates part of an ultrasound device 2 provided with the guiding device 5A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates the ultrasound probe 24 having entered inside the treatment target region 100.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 13, a guiding device 5A according to the second embodiment has a blade 54 having a scale 54a, provided on the outer circumferential face on the rear end side in the axial direction of a guide 51. The blade 54 tabular in shape erects on the outer circumferential face of the guide 51 and extends in the axial direction of the guide 51. The scale 54a indicates the entry distance at the time of entry of a distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 to the treatment target region 100 along with formation of a bone tunnel. The blade 54 is located opposite to a protrusion 52 in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.1 of the guide 51. The guiding device 5A includes a cap 55 attachable to the distal portion of a housing 21a of the ultrasound device 2. The cap 55 is provided with a regulating plate 53 as a regulator that regulates, due to contact with the blade 54 around the axis of the guide 51, rotation of the guide 51 around a miniature drill 6 inserted through a second through hole 52a.

[0058] Regarding the guiding device 5A according to the second embodiment, at the time of formation of a first bone tunnel 111 to the treatment target region 100, the ultrasound probe 24 is inserted through a first through hole 51a with regulation of rotation of the guide 51 with the blade 54 and the regulating plate 53 in contact. Thus, performed may be relative positioning of the distal treatment tool 25 to the miniature drill 6 inserted through the second through hole 52a. As a result, enhanced may be the accuracy of position at the time of formation of the first bone tunnel 111 to the treatment target region 100 by the distal treatment tool 25.

[0059] The regulating plate 53 is provided with a pointer 53a in a mountain shape as an indicator that indicates the position on the scale 54a corresponding to the entry distance of the distal treatment tool 25 with the regulating plate 53 and the blade 54 in contact. As illustrated in FIG. 13, with the distal treatment tool 25 in contact with the surface of the treatment target region 100, the pointer 53a indicates 0 mm on the scale 54a. As illustrated in FIG. 14, with the distal treatment tool 25 having entered inside the treatment target region 100, due to relative movement of the blade 54 to the regulating plate 53, for example, the pointer 53a indicates 40 mm on the scale 54a as the entry distance of the distal treatment tool 25.

[0060] Regarding the guiding device 5A according to the second embodiment, a surgical operator may read the entry distance of the distal treatment tool 25 from the scale 54a during formation of the first bone tunnel 111 and a second bone tunnel 112 to the treatment target region 100 with the ultrasound probe 24. Thus, regardless of any surgical operator, the first bone tunnel 111 and the second bone tunnel 112 each having a targeted depth may be easily formed.

[0061] Third Embodiment

[0062] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the following description, constituents in the third embodiment similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted with the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0063] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a guiding device 305 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 16 illustrates the guiding device 305 according to the third embodiment viewed from the distal end side in the axial direction. FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the guiding device 305 according to the third embodiment through which an ultrasound probe 24 is inserted.

[0064] The guiding device 305 according to the third embodiment includes a guide 351, an offset portion 352, a bone-tunnel introduction portion 353, and a handle 354.

[0065] The guide 351 is tubular in shape, having a through hole 351a allowing insertion of the ultrasound probe 24. The guide 351 regulates travel of the ultrasound probe 24 inserted through the through hole 351a in a certain direction and guides movement of the ultrasound probe 24. The sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.3 of the guide 351 is circular.

[0066] The distal end side of the guide 351 is provided with a cut-away portion 351b cutaway obliquely across the axial direction E along the axis AX.sub.3. Thus, the guide 351 has space near the offset portion 352 and the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353, so that an improvement may be made in the visibility of a distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 inserted through the through hole 351a.

[0067] The offset portion 352 is tabular in shape and extends along the axial direction E. The offset portion 352 is offset from the axis AX.sub.3, on the distal end side of the guide 351. The offset portion 352 is closer to the distal end side in the axial direction E than the distal end of the guide 351 is. The proximal end of the offset portion 352 is located on the outer circumferential face on the distal end side of the guide 351. On the side on which the through hole 351a is located, in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.3, the offset portion 352 has a first abutment face 352a as an abutment portion abuttable to a posterior wall 401 as the outer wall of a lateral femoral condyle 400, to be described later, as a treatment target region (refer to FIG. 19). On the opposite side to the first abutment face 352a in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.3, the offset portion 352 has a second abutment face 352b. Note that the offset portion 352 may have a shape tapering from the side on which the guide 351 is located to the distal end side, along the axis AX.sub.3.

[0068] In the third embodiment, the width W.sub.1 in a first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction E of the offset portion 352 illustrated in FIG. 15 is set, for example, at 5 mm. In the third embodiment, the thickness t.sub.1 in a second orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction E of the offset portion 352 illustrated in FIG. 16 is set, for example, at 1 mm.

[0069] In the third embodiment, the distance d.sub.1 in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.3 between the distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 inserted in the through hole 351a of the guide 351 and the first abutment face 352a of the offset portion 352 illustrated in FIG. 17 is set, for example, at 2 mm.

[0070] The bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is configured to be inserted into a bone tunnel formed in the lateral femoral condyle 400 and is adjacent to the offset portion 352. Specifically, the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is provided, to the offset portion 352, on the opposite side to the side on which the through hole 351a is located in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.3, namely, on the side on the offset portion 352 has the second abutment face 352b. The bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 protrudes by a length L in the axial direction E from the distal end of the guide 351. The bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is connected to the outer circumferential face on the distal end side of the guide 351. The distal end of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is closer to the distal end side in the axial direction E than the distal end of the guide 351 is, and is closer to the proximal end side in the axial direction E than the distal end of the offset portion 352 is. The proximal end of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is closer to the proximal end side in the axial direction E than the distal end of the guide 351 is, and is closer to the distal end side in the axial direction E than the proximal end of the offset portion 352 is.

[0071] When the through hole 351a of the guide 351 is viewed in the axial direction E, the sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.3 of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is rectangular and is smaller than a rectangle 360 inscribed on the inner circumferential face of the through hole 351a illustrated in FIG. 16. The sectional shape in the direction orthogonal to the axis AX.sub.3 of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is similar to the sectional shape orthogonal to the axis of the distal treatment tool 25 of the ultrasound probe 24 (projected shape viewed in the axial direction E). The sectional shape of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 is smaller in size than the sectional shape of the distal treatment tool 25 (the projected shape), so that the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 together with the offset portion 352 may be put into a bone tunnel formed by the distal treatment tool 25.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the width W.sub.2 in the first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction E of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 illustrated in FIG. 16 is set, for example, at 5 mm. In the third embodiment, the thickness t.sub.2 in the second orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction E of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 illustrated in FIG. 16 is set, for example, at 3 mm.

[0073] The length L.sub.1 along the axial direction E of the second abutment face 352b of the offset portion 352 and the length L.sub.2 along the axial direction E of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 are set such that the guide 351 is prevented from deviating in position to the lateral femoral condyle 400 in a case where the offset portion 352 and the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 are put into the bone tunnel. In the third embodiment, the length L.sub.1 and the length L.sub.2 are each set, for example, at 7 mm. In the third embodiment, the total thickness t.sub.3 of the offset portion 352 and the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 (distance between the first abutment face 352a of the offset portion 352 and an abutment face 353a of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353) in the second orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction E illustrated in FIG. 17 is set, for example, at 4 mm.

[0074] The handle 354 is connected to the proximal end side of the guide 351 and serves as the portion that a surgical operator holds at the time of treatment with the guiding device 305. Note that, in the third embodiment, the handle 354 is tabular in shape. However, the handle 354 is not particularly limited in shape as long as the handle 354 does not hinder at the time of treatment, such as insertion of the ultrasound probe 24 through the through hole 351a of the guide 351.

[0075] In the guiding device 305 according to the third embodiment, the respective barycentric positions of the guide 351, the offset portion 352, and the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 may be located linearly.

[0076] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the guiding device 305 having the offset portion 352 put between bones in a knee joint. FIG. 19 illustrates a state where the offset portion 352 has the first abutment face 352a abutting on the posterior wall 401 of the lateral femoral condyle 400.

[0077] First, the surgical operator makes the axis of the guiding device 305 identical to the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed to the lateral femoral condyle 400, and puts, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the offset portion 352 of the guiding device 305 between bones in the knee joint including the lateral femoral condyle 400 such that, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the first abutment face 352a of the offset portion 352 abuts on the posterior wall 401 of the lateral femoral condyle 400. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the surgical operator inserts the ultrasound probe 24 through the through hole 351a of the guide 351 in the guiding device 305 such that the distal treatment tool 25 protrudes from the cut-away portion 351b. The surgical operator orients one side having a length of a of the distal treatment tool 25, to the side on which the posterior wall 401 of the lateral femoral condyle 400 is located, and makes the distal treatment tool 25 in contact with the surface of the lateral femoral condyle 400. In this case, the ultrasound probe 24 guided along the inner circumferential face of the through hole 351a travels in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed to the lateral femoral condyle 400. Then, the surgical operator brings the ultrasound probe 24 into ultrasound vibration, so that, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the distal treatment tool 25 performs cutting to the lateral femoral condyle 400. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the lateral femoral condyle 400 has a first bone tunnel 411 in a rectangular shape having two sides being each a in length and the other two sides being each b (<a) in length, at a distance d.sub.1 from the posterior wall 401. Note that the first bone tunnel 411 does not penetrate through the lateral femoral condyle 400.

[0078] Next, the surgical operator removes the ultrasound probe 24 from the through hole 351a of the guide 351 in the guiding device 305, and separates the first abutment face 352a of the offset portion 352 in the guiding device 305 from the posterior wall 401 of the lateral femoral condyle 400. After that, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the surgical operator fits the offset portion 352 and the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 in the guiding device 305 into the first bone tunnel 411 by introduction (insertion) such that the abutment face 353a of the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 abuts on a first inner wall face 411a, closer to the posterior wall 401 of the lateral femoral condyle 400, in the first bone tunnel 411 and the first abutment face 352a of the offset portion 352 abuts on a second inner wall face 411b opposed to the first inner wall face 411a in the first bone tunnel 411. This arrangement results in positioning of the guiding device 305 to the lateral femoral condyle 400.

[0079] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the surgical operator inserts the ultrasound probe 24 through the through hole 351a of the guide 351 in the guiding device 305 such that the distal treatment tool 25 protrudes from the cut-away portion 351b. The surgical operator orients the one side of the distal treatment tool 25 to the side on which the first bone tunnel 411 is located, and makes the distal treatment tool 25 in contact with the surface of the lateral femoral condyle 400. In this case, the ultrasound probe 24 guided along the inner circumferential face of the through hole 351a travels in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed to the lateral femoral condyle 400. Then, the surgical operator brings the ultrasound probe 24 into ultrasound vibration, so that, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the distal treatment tool 25 performs cutting to the lateral femoral condyle 400. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 26, the lateral femoral condyle 400 has a second bone tunnel 412 having two sides being each a in length and the other two sides being each b in length, at a distance d.sub.1 from the first bone tunnel 411. Note that the second bone tunnel 412 does not penetrate through the lateral femoral condyle 400. Such formation of the second bone tunnel 412 to the lateral femoral condyle 400 as above leads to the direction of boring of the second bone tunnel 412 parallel to the direction of boring of the first bone tunnel 411.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 26, the lateral femoral condyle 400 has the first bone tunnel 411 and the second bone tunnel 412 adjacent to each other with a partition 413 as a bone portion having a certain thickness (equivalent to the distance d.sub.1) between the first bone tunnel 411 and the second bone tunnel 412.

[0081] Next, the surgical operator removes the ultrasound probe 24 from the through hole 351a of the guide 351 in the guiding device 305. After that, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the surgical operator removes the bone-tunnel introduction portion 353 in the guiding device 305 from the first bone tunnel 411, and additionally makes the second abutment face 352b of the offset portion 352 in the guiding device 305 abut on the first inner wall face 411a of the first bone tunnel 411. This arrangement results in positioning of the guiding device 305 to the lateral femoral condyle 400.

[0082] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 28, the surgical operator inserts the ultrasound probe 24 through the through hole 351a of the guide 351 in the guiding device 305 such that the distal treatment tool 25 protrudes from the cut-away portion 351b. The surgical operator orients the one side of the distal treatment tool 25 to the side on which the first bone tunnel 411 is located, and makes the distal treatment tool 25 in contact with the surface of the partition 413 in the lateral femoral condyle 400. In this case, the ultrasound probe 24 guided along the inner circumferential face of the through hole 351a travels in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed to the lateral femoral condyle 400. Then, the surgical operator brings the ultrasound probe 24 into ultrasound vibration, so that, as illustrated in FIG. 29, the distal treatment tool 25 performs cutting to the partition 413. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 30, the first bone tunnel 411 and the second bone tunnel 412 are in communication, resulting in final formation of a rectangular bone tunnel 410 having two sides being each a in length and the other two sides being each 2b+d.sub.1 in length, as illustrated in FIG. 31. As an example, in a case where the following expressions are satisfied: a=5 mm, b=4 mm, and d.sub.1=2 mm, formed is a rectangular bone tunnel 410 having two sides being each 5 mm and the other two sides being each 10 mm.

[0083] Note that, in the third embodiment, at the time of cutting of the partition 413 between the first bone tunnel 411 and the second bone tunnel 412, the surgical operator may operate the ultrasound probe 24 freehand without guiding the ultrasound probe 24 with the guiding device 305.

[0084] In the third embodiment, guiding the ultrasound probe 24 with the guiding device 305 enables positioning of the ultrasound probe 24 to the lateral femoral condyle 400 and adjacent formation of the first bone tunnel 411 and the second bone tunnel 412 at targeted positions and angles. Thus, regardless of any surgical operator, a desired rectangular bone tunnel 410 may be accurately formed in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed. In particular, the effect is more salient to surgical operators low in the level of skill.

[0085] As above, the guiding device and the bone-tunnel forming method are effective in formation of a desired rectangular bone tunnel in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed, with the ultrasound probe.

[0086] The guiding device and the bone-tunnel forming method enable, as an effect, assistance to formation of a desired bone tunnel in the direction in which a bone tunnel is to be formed, with the ultrasound probe.

[0087] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the disclosure in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.