Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, comprising applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A joint-spacing balloon catheter comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; first and second balloons mounted to the distal end of the shaft, the first balloon being disposed distal to, and spaced from, the second balloon, with the portion of the shaft between the first and second balloons being flexible; and a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft.