US20040153066A1 - Apparatus for knee surgery and method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Various embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. These drawings depict only illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope.[0001]
• FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a tibia and a femur showing axes of the knee joint.[0002]
• FIG. 2 is a side section view of a knee joint showing typical bone cuts used in replacing the joint surfaces.[0003]
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of knee joint showing aspects of component positioning.[0004]
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the knee joint showing the incision planning for a medial surgical approach according to the present invention.[0005]
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the knee joint showing the medial incision according to the present invention.[0006]
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the knee joint showing the incision planning for a lateral surgical approach according to the present invention.[0007]
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the knee joint showing the lateral incision according to the present invention.[0008]
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a patella resection guide according to the present invention.[0009]
• FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the patella resection guide of FIG. 8.[0010]
• FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a patella resection guide according to the present invention.[0011]
• FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the patella resection guide of FIG. 10.[0012]
• FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the patella resection guide of FIG. 10 shown gripping a patella.[0013]
• FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of the patella resection guide of FIG. 10.[0014]
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an intramedullary distal femoral cutting instrument according to the present invention.[0015]
• FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the intramedullary distal femoral cutting instrument of FIG. 14.[0016]
• FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the intramedullary distal femoral cutting instrument of FIG. 14.[0017]
• FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the intramedullary distal femoral cutting instrument of FIG. 14 mounted on a femur.[0018]
• FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of another illustrative intramedullary distal femoral cutting instrument according to the present invention mounted on a femur.[0019]
• FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of an illustrative embodiment of a tibial cut guide assembly according to the present invention.[0020]
• FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the tibial cut guide assembly of FIG. 19.[0021]
• FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the tibial cut guide assembly of FIG. 19.[0022]
• FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a depth gauge for use with the tibial cut guide of FIG. 19 according to the present invention.[0023]
• FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the tibial cut guide assembly of FIG. 19 and the depth gauge of FIG. 22 mounted on a tibia.[0024]
• FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a femoral A/P sizer and pin guide assembly according to the present invention.[0025]
• FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the femoral A/P sizer and pin guide assembly of FIG. 24.[0026]
• FIG. 26 is a perspective view, from a different viewing angle, of the femoral A/P sizer and pin guide assembly of FIG. 24.[0027]
• FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the femoral A/P sizer and pin guide assembly of FIG. 24 being assembled on a distal femur.[0028]
• FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the femoral A/P sizer and pin guide assembly of FIG. 24 fully assembled on a distal femur.[0029]
• FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing two reference pins inserted in the distal femur using the femoral A/P sizer and pin guide assembly of FIG. 24.[0030]
• FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a femoral profile cut block according to the present invention.[0031]
• FIG. 31 is a perspective view, from a different viewing angle, of the femoral profile cut block of FIG. 30.[0032]
• FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the femoral profile cut block of FIG. 30 mounted on a femur.[0033]
• FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a trochlear cut guide according to the present invention.[0034]
• FIG. 34 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a femoral provisional trochlear cut guide according to the present invention mounted on a femur and further showing an illustrative embodiment of a chisel for use with the cut guide.[0035]
• FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of the intercondylar notch guide of FIG. 39.[0036]
• FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an intercondylar notch guide mounted on a femur according to the present invention.[0037]
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
• The present invention relates to methods and instruments for performing total knee arthroplasty. An incision is made into the knee joint to expose the bones comprising the joint. Cutting guides are then used to guide the removal of the articular surfaces that are to be replaced. Artificial joint components are then positioned to replace the resected bone ends in order to establish the desired alignment and mechanics of the joint. Each aspect of the surgery affects the ultimate outcome of the procedure. The incision location and size determines the extent to which the bones can be exposed for facilitating the bone cutting steps. The incision also affects the amount of trauma to the soft tissues surrounding the joint and therefore the pain, time for recovery, and stability of the joint postoperatively. The design of the cutting guides affects how much exposure is required to place and orient the guides relative to the bones. The precision of the cuts produced by the guides affects the stability and longevity of the joint replacement. Finally, the manner in which the joint components attach to one another and to the bone affects the amount of exposure required and the stability and longevity of the joint replacement. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure.[0038]
• In order to better understand the total knee arthroplasty procedure, it is helpful to understand the relationship of the bones and the cuts made to orient the implant components. FIGS.[0039]1-3 illustrate several aspects of implant orientation. FIG. 1 illustrates various axes of the lower limb in the frontal plane. Axes can be defined for each segment of the lower limb. For example, the femur1 has ananatomic axis2 coinciding generally with its intramedullary canal. It also has a mechanical axis4, or load axis, running from the center of the femoral head to the center of the knee. The angle6 between these two axes varies within the patient population but is on the order of 6°. Likewise, thetibia3 has an anatomic axis coinciding generally with its intramedullary canal. Themechanical axis5 of the tibia runs from the center of the knee to the center of the ankle and is generally collinear with the anatomic axis. The transverse axis, or joint line8, about which the knee flexes, is parallel to a line through the medial and lateral femoral condyles and parallel to the tibial plateau. This line subtends a slight valgus angle of approximately 87° with the mechanical axis of the femur and a slight varus angle of approximately 87° with the mechanical axis of the tibia. Thus, the distal femur is in slight valgus and the proximal tibia is in slight varus. Normally, the distal femur and proximal tibia are resected to be parallel to the joint line8, and thus perpendicular to the mechanical axis4, as indicated at10 and12. The intersection of the femoral and tibial mechanical axes,4 and5, may subtend a small angle relative to one another. However, the angle is small and the mechanical axis of the femur has an approximately normal alignment with the proximal tibia if the knee is uninjured. Therefore the tibial mechanical axis may be extrapolated to the distal femur to define the femoral mechanical axis in the distal femur when there is a femoral deformity. Similarly, if there is a deformity in the tibia, the mechanical axis of the proximal tibia may be defined by extrapolating the femoral mechanical axis. The illustrative procedure described herein restores the center of the femoral bead, the knee, and the ankle to a lie on a straight line to establish a neutral mechanical axis. The femoral and tibial components are oriented perpendicular to this axis in the frontal plane.
• FIG. 2 illustrates the knee joint from the side or sagittal view and various bone cuts that may be made to align implant components. The distal femur is typically cut[0040]10 perpendicular, in the anterior-to-posterior direction, to theanatomic axis2 of the femur. Theproximal tibial resection12 is normally cut to match the natural posterior slope of the proximal tibia relative to the tibialmechanical axis5. The amount ofposterior slope16 relative to areference line18 perpendicular to the tibialmechanical axis5 varies in the patient population but is on the order of 7°. The distance between the distal femoral10 andproximal tibial12 cuts along themechanical axes4 and5 is the extension gap. Other cuts may be made depending on the components that are to be implanted. These include an anterior femoral cut20, anterior femoral chamfer cut22, posterior femoral chamfer cut24, and posterior femoral cut26. The patella7 may also be cut28 to allow for replacement of the patellar articular surface. Additional preparation of the bone may include drilling or notching the bones to receive pegs, stems, and other extensions from the components (not shown).
• FIG. 3 depicts six aspects of component positioning relative to a coordinate system in which the[0041]x-axis30 corresponds approximately to the joint line8, the z-axis34 corresponds approximately to themechanical axes4 and5, and the y-axis32 is normal to the other two. Position along each of these axes is depicted by arrows. Position along the x, y, and z axes determines the medial/lateral (dx)36, anterior/posterior (dy)38, and proximal/distal (dz)40 positioning of components respectively. Rotation about each of these axes is also depicted by arrows. Rotation about the z-axis (rz)42 corresponds anatomically to external rotation of the femoral component, while rotation about the x-axis (rx)44 and y-axis (ry)46, corresponds to extension plane slope and varus/valgus angle respectively. Depending on the order of the cuts, and the way that subsequent instruments reference each cut, the position of the distal femoral cut10 can affect the location of the joint line (dz), the extension gap, the varus/valgus angle (ry), and the extension plane angle (rx). Likewise, the position of the proximal tibial cut12 can affect the varus/valgus angle (ry), extension plane (rx), external rotation (rz), and the joint line (dz) or extension gap. The position of the anterior20,posterior26, andchamfer22 and24 femoral cuts affect anterior/posterior size and placement (dy) and external rotation (rz). Finally, the position of peg holes, stem notches, and other similar bone cuts affect medial/lateral (dx) placement of components.
• An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique will now be described with reference to the drawings. The illustrative technique utilizes a limited exposure approach from the side of the knee as shown in FIGS.[0042]4-7. This side approach can be at an oblique angle relative to the front of the knee or transversely, more directly from the side. The side approach permits a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and orients the incision and subsequent bone cuts to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a medial approach and FIGS. 6 and 7 depict a lateral approach. Reference lines are made on the knee prior to making the incision. For the medial approach, a curvilinearmedial incision50 is made from the superior pole52 of the patella54 to the tibialjoint line56. The outline of the medialfemoral condyle58 is also marked. The arthrotomy is in line with the skin incision and includes atransverse incision60 beneath the vastus medialis to increase the exposure of the medialfemoral condyle62. Alternatively, a lateral approach may be used. For the lateral approach, theincision70 is made on the lateral side of thepatella72 to the tibialjoint line74 and is almost vertical along the side of the patella. The outline of the lateralfemoral condyle75 is also marked. The arthrotomy is performed in a vertical fashion and theiliotibial band76 is peeled from the tibial plateau joint line from anterior to posterior to expose the lateralfemoral condyle78. No transverse capsular incision is used for the lateral approach.
• Throughout the description of the illustrative technique and instruments, reference will be made to cutting bone. There are many cutters for surgically cutting bone including: oscillating saws, reciprocating saws, gigli saws, end cutting reamers, side cutting reamers, streams of particles, energy beams, and others known in the art. While the illustrative embodiments depict and describe saw blade guides for guiding a saw blade to cut bone, any means for cutting bone is contemplated. The slots can be replaced with surfaces, jigs, clamps, and other types of fixtures as appropriate to guide the type of cutter being used.[0043]
• The preparation of the patella is described first. However, the patella can be prepared later if desired. Preparing it first results in more space anteriorly when preparing the distal femur. The illustrative instruments allow preparation of the patella without everting it to avoid damage to the patellar mechanism. Alternatively, waiting until after the distal femur and/or proximal tibia are prepared allows the joint to be collapsed to reduce tension in the patellar tendon and ligament and improve access to prepare the patella.[0044]
• The patella is prepared using a patella resection guide. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one embodiment of a[0045]patella resection guide100.Stationary jaw member102 includes atop surface104, abottom surface106, an innerconcave surface108, an oppositeouter surface109, andteeth110 projecting inwardly from theconcave surface108, adjacent thetop surface104.Guide arms112,114 project from theconcave surface108 and connect the concave surface to a pair ofhandles116,118. Theguide arms112,114 are generally perpendicular to thejaw member102 and parallel to one another. The pair ofhandles116,118 are coplanar and are attached generally perpendicularly to theguide arms112,114 and extend in opposite directions from one another. Atop portion111 of thestationary jaw102, including theteeth110 andtop surface104, projects above theguide arms112,114. Translatingjaw member122 includes atop surface124, abottom surface126, an innerconcave surface128, an oppositeouter surface129, andteeth130 projecting inwardly from theconcave surface128, adjacent thetop surface124.Bores131,132 through the translatingjaw member122 provide bearing surfaces in engagement withguide arms112,114 such that the translatingjaw member122 may be moved along theguide arms112,114 in a motion plane from a first position in which the twojaw members102,122 are spaced from one another and the translatingjaw122 is nearer thehandles116,118 and a second position in which the twojaw members102,122 are closer to one another and the translatingjaw122 is farther from thehandles116,118. This arrangement constrains the jaws to remain parallel to one another as they move relative to one another. Atop portion134, including theteeth130 andtop surface124, of the translatingjaw122 projects above theguide arms112,114 such that the tops104,124 of thejaws102,122 are coplanar. The translatingjaw122 further includes asaw guide slot135 extending through thetop portion134 from theouter surface129 to the innerconcave surface128 parallel to thetop surface124 and extending beyond the attachment point of the guide arms to the handles on either side. Theslot135 is positioned so that it is above the level of thehandles116,118 to permit easy access for the insertion of a saw blade anywhere across the entire width of theslot135. Theslot135 defines a cutting plane parallel to the motion plane of the translatingjaw122.Actuator136 comprises an elongate lever having ajaw engaging end138, apivot portion140, and aninput end142. The jawengaging end138 further includes aslot144 through which apin146 connects thejaw engaging end138 to the translatingjaw122. The jawengaging end138 can pivot and translate via theslot144 relative to thepin146 which is fixed to the translatingjaw122. Theactuator136 is pivotally constrained by apin148 extending through thepivot portion140 and being fixed to thehandle118.Input end142 extends at an angle to thehandle118 when thejaws102,122 are in a first position in which they are spaced from one another. In use, a user grips thehandles116,118 and squeezes theinput end142 of theactuator136 to reduce the angle between theinput end142 and thehandle118. As theactuator pivot portion140 rotates about itspin148, thejaw engaging end138 presses against itspin146 and moves the translatingjaw122 toward thestationary jaw102.
• FIGS.[0046]10-13 illustrate another embodiment of apatella resection guide200.Stationary jaw member202 includes atop surface204, abottom surface206, a concaveinner surface208, an opposite convexouter surface209, andteeth210 projecting inwardly from theconcave surface208, adjacent thetop surface204.Guide arms212,214 project from theconcave surface208 and connect the concave surface to a pair ofhandles216,218 viarectangular bosses215,217. Theguide arms212,214 are generally perpendicular to thejaw member202 and parallel to one another. Thehandles216,218 are coplanar and are attached generally perpendicularly to theguide arms212,214 and extend in opposite directions from one another. In this embodiment, theguide arms212,214 extend past theirconnections215,217 to thehandles216,218. Atop portion211, including theteeth210 andtop surface204, of thestationary jaw202 projects above theguide arms212,214. A translatingjaw member222 includes atop surface224, abottom surface226, an innerconcave surface228, an opposite convexouter surface229, andteeth230 projecting inwardly from theconcave surface228, adjacent thetop surface224. Cannulated guidesleeves221,223 connect to opposite sides of the translatingjaw222 and connect theconcave surface228 to a pair ofhandles231,233. Theguide sleeves221,223 are coplanar and are generally perpendicular to the translatingjaw222 and parallel to one another. The pair ofhandles231,233 are attached generally perpendicularly to theguide sleeves221,223 and extend oppositely and outwardly from the translatingjaw222. Theguide sleeves221,223 have outwardly facingslots225,227 in their outer wall communicating with their inner cannulac. Theguide sleeves221,223 receiveguide arms212,214 such that the translatingjaw member222 may be moved along theguide arms212,214 from a first position in which the twojaw members202,222 are spaced from one another and the translatinghandles231,233 are spaced from thestationary handles216,218 and a second position in which the jaw members and handles are closer to one another. This arrangement constrains the jaw members to remain parallel and facing one another while they move relative to one another. Atop portion234, including theteeth230 andtop surface224, of the translatingjaw222 projects above theguide sleeves221,223 such that the tops204,224 of thejaws202,222 are coplanar. The translatingjaw222 further includes asaw guide slot235 extending through thetop portion234 from theouter surface229 to theinner surface228 parallel to thetop surface224.
• This embodiment further includes a[0047]depth gauge240 having asupport242 andblade244. Thesupport242 includes ablade engaging end246, a resectionguide engaging end248, and a longitudinal axis from one end to the other. The blade includes first250 and second252 ends andcenter attachment portion254. Thecenter attachment portion254 is attached to theblade engaging end246 of thesupport242 with a threaded post extending from thesupport242 through theattachment portion254 and secured with anut255. The first250 and second252 blade ends are each offset a different distance from thecenter attachment portion254 measured along thesupport242 axis. The resectionguide engaging end248 and theresection guide200 include an engagement mechanism for selectively attaching thedepth gauge240 to theresection guide200. Translatingjaw222 includes a throughbore256 extending from thetop surface224 to thebottom surface226 in communication with theguide slot235.Depth gauge support242 includes ahole258 retaining aspring260 andball262 plunger in the resectionguide engaging end248. Theball262 is biased into engagement with theguide slot235 when the resectionguide engaging end248 is inserted into throughbore256. The depth gauge can engage the throughbore256 and be supported on either thetop surface224 orbottom surface226. When it is thus supported, the blade ends250,252 can be selectively placed to project over thejaws202,222. Each blade end projects to define a plane a different predetermined axial distance from theguide slot235.
• Both illustrative embodiments are relatively compact to permit the stationary jaw to be wedged across the joint between the femur and patella. Both also facilitate approaching the patella from the lateral or medial side and gripping it on its sides while presenting an unobstructed side-facing saw guide slot. The use of the instrument will be described relative to the embodiment of FIGS.[0048]10-13. The surgeon first determines whether it is desirable to remove a prescribed amount of patellar bone or to leave a prescribed amount and how much in either case. To remove a prescribed amount of bone, thedepth gauge240 is attached to thetop surface224 of the translatingjaw222 so that theblade244 references theposterior side272 of thepatella270 as shown in FIG. 12. To leave a prescribed amount of bone, thedepth gauge240 is attached to thebottom surface226 of the translatingjaw222 so that theblade244 references theanterior side274 of thepatella270. The amount is established by positioning theblade end250 or252 having the corresponding amount of offset in contact with the patella. Thestationaryjaw202 is wedged across the joint between the femur and patella with thetop surface204 facing toward theposterior side272 of thepatella270 and thebottom surface206 facing toward the femur. Thepatella270 is placed between the jaws with the depth gauge blade in contact with the appropriate patellar surface and thehandles218,233 and216,231 are gripped and squeezed toward one another to bring thejaws202,222 together to grip thepatella270 medially and laterally. A saw blade is activated through thesaw guide slot235 to resect the patella. A locking mechanism can be provided to selectively prevent the jaws from moving away from one another. For example, theguide arms212,214 can be threaded and provided with nuts at their free ends. After the translating jaw is moved toward the stationary jaw, the nuts would be advanced to prevent the translating jaw from moving backward. Likewise, theguide arms212,214 can be grooved and theguide sleeves221,223 provided with ratcheting palls biased into engagement with the grooves such that the palls ride freely over the grooves as the jaws are moved toward one another but the palls engage the grooves and resist motion of the jaws away from one another.
• The distal femur is prepared using a distal femoral cut guide. FIGS.[0049]14-17 show an illustrative embodiment of an intramedullary (IM) distalfemoral cutting instrument300 for guiding the distal femoral cut. AnIM alignment guide302 includes abody304 havingfront306 and back308 surfaces, lateral310 and medial312 ends, and first309 and second311 side surfaces. A throughslot314 communicates from thefront surface306 to theback surface308. A cutguide engaging slot316 extends part way from theback surface308 toward thefront surface306. The cutguide engaging slot316 is generally aligned with the throughslot314 and is wider than theslot314 side-to-side. The cutguide engaging slot316 extends laterally to open at thelateral end310. Aneck318 projects from themedial end312 and extends theback surface308 medially. Alug320 is connected to the end of theneck318 opposite thebody304. The lug includes arounded reference surface322 that projects beyond theback surface308. Asocket324, having a longitudinal axis, is formed in thereference surface322. The axis of thesocket324 forms a predetermined angle relative to theback surface308. For a medial approach to the knee, the angle will be obtuse and for a lateral approach it will be acute. Anintramedullary rod326 having a longitudinal axis fits into thesocket324 so that therod326 axis is coaxial with the socket axis and extends from the IM alignment guide at the predetermined angle. Therod326 is welded in place.
• An IM[0050]distal cut guide330 includes abody332 withfront334 and back336 surfaces, medial338 and lateral340 surfaces, and first342 and second344 sides. Three saw blade slots345 extend through thecut guide330 from the medial338 to the lateral340 surface. The slots345 lie in planes parallel to thefront surface334. Apin tab346 extends from theback surface346 and haslateral348 andmedial surfaces350 thattaper353 inwardly from the medial338 and lateral340 surfaces of the body. Fixation holes351 extend through the pin tab from thelateral surface348 to themedial surface350. Anengagement tab352 extends from thefront surface334 and hassides354 and356 andfront surface358. A threadedhole360 extends from thefront surface358 toward thebody332. Theengagement tab352 engages the cutguide engaging slot316 with thefront surface334 of the distal cut guide resting against theback surface308 of the IM alignment guide such that the saw blade slots345 are parallel to theback surface308 and thus are at the predetermined angle relative to theIM rod326. The plane of the middle saw blade slot intersects the extreme end of thereference surface322. It is desirable to resect the distal femur perpendicular to the mechanical axis of the femur. Therefore, the distal cut guide is aligned such that a line perpendicular to the saw blade slots345 is aligned with the mechanical axis. This is accomplished by providing a plurality of IM alignment guides having the angle of theIM rod326, relative to the plane of the saw blade slots345, equal to the difference between the anatomic and mechanical axes of the femur. Because of variation in the patient population, IM alignment guides havingdifferent rod326 angles are provided. For example, angles of 4°, 6°, and 8° have been found to be suitable to accommodate most patients. The engagement of thetab352 andslot316 allows thedistal cut guide330 to slide relative to theIM alignment guide302 from a first position in which thedistal cut guide330 is farther from theIM rod326 and a second position in which thedistal cut guide330 is nearer to theIM rod326. Ahandle361 includes agrip portion362, a threadedstud363 opposite thegrip portion362, and ashoulder364 intermediate thegrip portion362 and the threadedstud363. The threadedstud363 extends through theslot314 in theIM alignment guide302 to threadingly engage the threadedhole360 in theengagement tab352 of thedistal cut guide330. As thehandle361 is rotated to further engage the threadedhole360, theshoulder364 bears againstfront surface306 of theIM alignment guide302 and thefront surface334 of thedistal cut guide330 is drawn into tight locking engagement with theback surface308 of theIM alignment guide302. By means of thehandle361, thedistal cut guide330 can be slid and locked at any position of its travel along the IM alignment guide.
• In use, a hole is drilled in the center of the[0051]patellar sulcus366 of the distal femur, making sure that the hole is parallel to the shaft of thefemur365 in both the frontal and sagittal planes. The hole provides access to the IM canal of thefemur365. AnIM alignment guide302 is selected as appropriate for a medial or lateral approach and having arod326 angle that accounts for the difference between the anatomic and mechanical axes of the femur as determined by preoperative templating. The IMdistal cut guide330 is attached to thealignment guide302 using thehandle361. Using the handle,IM rod326 is inserted into the IM canal of thefemur365. The assembly is inserted until thereference surface322 contacts theintercondylar sulcus366 with theIM alignment guide302 projecting toward the exposed side of the knee. Thedistal cut guide330 is slid inslot316 until themedial surface338 is adjacent the bone. In FIG. 17, thedistal cut guide330 is shown adjacent themedial condyle367. Thehandle360 is rotated to lock thedistal cut guide330 relative to theIM alignment guide302.Pins368 are then inserted through theholes351 in thepin tab346 and into the bone to hold thedistal cut guide330 in place. Thetaper353 of themedial side350 of thepin tab346 causes it to fit the condylar bone more closely and therefore more stably. Once the pins are placed, thehandle361 is unthreaded from thedistal cut guide330 and theIM alignment guide302 andIM rod326 are removed from the bone leaving thedistal cut guide330 pinned to the bone. A saw blade is then directed through one of the slots345 to resect the distal femur. If thereference surface322 was fully seated in theintercondylar sulcus366, the middle saw guide slot will resect the distal femur to the depth of the sulcus. The other slots provide more or less resection.
• FIG. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of distal[0052]femoral cut guide300 in which thelug320 androunded reference surface322 have been omitted. Instead, anIM rod370 is connected directly to theend372 of theneck374 of the IM alignment guide. In this embodiment, theIM rod370 is inserted into the IM canal of thefemur378 until theback surface380 contacts the near distal femoral condyle. In this case theback surface380 contacts the distalmedial condyle382. The plane of the middle saw blade slot is offset 10 mm from theback surface380. The other slots are offset 6 mm and 14 mm respectively. Thus, the appropriate slot is chosen based on how much bone is to be resected from the distal femur relative to the near condyle. Typically, the middle or 10 mm slot would be used with a medial approach and less would be used with a lateral approach.
• The proximal tibia is prepared using a tibial cut guide. FIGS.[0053]19-23 show an illustrative embodiment of a tibialcut guide assembly400 for guiding the proximal tibial cut. The assembly includes a tibialtubercle alignment bar402, atibial boom430, atibial cut guide446, and a tibial depth gauge484 (FIGS.22-23). The tibialtubercle alignment bar402 includes anelongate body404 having ananterior face406, aposterior face408, first andsecond side walls410,412, adistal end414, aproximal end416, and a longitudinal axis running from the distal end to the proximal end. Adovetail417 is formed on a portion of thealignment bar402 adjacent theanterior face406. Astop418 projects from theanterior face406 near one end of thedovetail417 toward thedistal end414 of thealignment bar402.Extensions420 project perpendicularly from eitherside410,412 of thebody404 near theproximal end416. Fixation holes421 are formed through theextensions420 from anterior to posterior for receiving fixation pins. A threadedbore422 extends through thealignment bar402 from theanterior face406 to theposterior face408 near theproximal end416. Aplunger424 having a threadedshaft426 and anadjustment knob427 is received in the threaded bore422 such that rotating theadjustment knob427 moves theplunger424 anteriorly and posteriorly to change the spacing from the end of theplunger424 to theposterior face408. Acannula428 extends through theplunger424,shaft426, andknob427 to allow a pin to pass.
• A[0054]tibial boom430 includes abody431 having an anterior face432, aposterior face433, aproximal end434, adistal end435, and first andsecond sides436,437. Aboss438 projects from the anterior face and adovetail groove439 is formed into the posterior face. A threaded bore is formed through theboss438 from the anterior face432 to thedovetail groove439. Aset screw440 is received in the threaded bore such that rotating theset screw440 moves it into and out of thedovetail groove439. Extension bars442 extend from the first andsecond sides436,437. The extension bars442 are “D”-shaped in that they are generally cylindrical with a flat443 along one side. The extension bars442 define a longitudinal axis along their length that is perpendicular to thedovetail groove439. Thetibial boom430 is mounted on thealignment bar402 with thedovetail groove439 engaging thealignment bar dovetail417 such that theboom430 can translate along the longitudinal axis of the alignment bar between a first position nearer theproximal end416 of thealignment bar402 and a second position further from theproximal end416 of thealignment bar402. Theset screw440 is operable to lock thetibial boom430 in place by turning theset screw440 so that it moves into thedovetail groove439 to engage thedovetail417. When the tibial boom is unlocked, it can slide freely distally until it abuts thestop418 which prevents it from sliding further distally. In this way, thetibial boom430 can be left unlocked and resting against thestop418 ready to be moved into position. The longitudinal axis of the tibialtubercle alignment bar402 and the longitudinal axis of the extension bars442 together define a guide plane.
• A[0055]tibial cut guide446 includes a cuttinghead448 having aproximal face450, adistal face452, opposite side faces454,456, aconcave posterior face458, and a convexanterior face460. Asaw guide slot462 extends through the cuttinghead448 from theanterior face460 to theposterior face458 generally parallel to theproximal face450. Fixation holes464,466 also extend through the cuttinghead448 from anterior to posterior. Thesmaller holes464 are sized to receive conventional fixation pins, while thelarger hole466 is sized to receive a spring pin.Proximal face450 includes a throughbore468 extending from theproximal face450 to at least thesaw guide slot462 for receiving a depth gauge. In the illustrative embodiment, thebore468 extends all the way through the cuttinghead448 to ease assembly and cleaning. The cuttinghead448 is supported on abase472 by aleg474. Thebase472 is a cylinder having a longitudinal axis and proximal471 and distal473 faces. Two pairs of “D”-shaped transverse bores480,482 extend through the base472 perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, the flat portion of the “D”-shaped holes also being perpendicular to the base axis. A threadedaxial bore476 in thedistal face473 communicates with the path of the “D”-shapedholes480,482 and receives aset screw478. Theleg474 attaches to the base472 adjacent theproximal face471 and angles away from the base472 to support the cuttinghead448 in a position offset from the base472 axis with thesaw guide slot462 defining a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thebase472.
• The tibial cut[0056]guide400 is provided with adepth gauge484 having asupport485 and ablade486. Thesupport485 includes ablade engaging end487, a resectionguide engaging end488, and a longitudinal axis from one end to the other. Theblade486 includes first489 and second490 ends and acenter attachment portion491. Thecenter attachment portion491 is attached to theblade engaging end487 with a threadedpost496 extending from thesupport485 through theattachment portion491 and secured with anut492. The first489 and second490 blade ends are each offset a different distance from thecenter attachment portion491 measured along thesupport485 axis. Thedepth gauge support485 includes ahole493 retaining aspring494 andball plunger495. Theball495 is biased into engagement with theguide slot462 when the resectionguide engaging end488 is inserted into the throughbore468. When it is thus supported, the blade ends489,490, can be selectively positioned to project posteriorly over a tibial bone. Each blade end projects to define a point a different predetermined axial distance above thesaw guide slot462.
• The tibial cut[0057]guide446 is assembled to thetibial boom430 by sliding one of the “D”-shaped extension bars442 through onepair482 of the “D”-shapedholes480,482. One pair ofholes482 provides for a left knee medial/right knee lateral orientation while the other480 provides for a left knee lateral/right knee medial orientation. Thus assembled, the cuttinghead448 is supported in a position proximal and posterior to thebase472. Theset screw478 can be tightened until it engages the flat443 of theextension bar442 to lock thecut guide446 in position on theextension bar442. Thus locked, the longitudinal axis of thebase472 is perpendicular to the flat443 of theextension bar442 resulting in thesaw guide slot462 being parallel to the flat443. The angle of the flat443, and thus the saw guide slot, relative to the guide plane defined by thealignment bar402 and extension bar442 axes is the posterior slope angle of the tibialcut guide assembly400.Tibial booms430 providing varying degrees of posterior slope may be provided. For example, having twobooms430, one with the flat443 rotated 3° and the other with the flat rotated 7° would allow the surgeon to choose to cut the tibia with 3° or 7° of posterior slope.
• In use, a[0058]tibial boom430 is selected having the desired posterior slope angle. The tibial boom is assembled to thealignment bar402 and allowed to slide all the way down to rest on thestop418. Theplunger424 is positioned proximal of the tibial tubercle and centered mediolaterally with the medial third of the tibial tubercle. A pin is inserted through thecannula428 of theplunger424 to stabilize the alignment guide. Alternatively, a pin can be placed proximal of the tibial tubercle and centered mediolaterally with the medial third of the tibial tubercle and thecannula428 then slipped over the pin until theplunger424 contacts the patient. Thedistal end414 of thealignment bar402 is adjusted mediolaterally so that the guide is aligned with the mechanical axis of the tibia. In the sagittal plane, thealignment bar402 is adjusted so that it is parallel to the anterior tibial shaft. Proximally, this adjustment is made by turning theknob427 to move theplunger424 anterioposteriorly. Additional pins are placed throughfixation holes421 to further secure thealignment bar402. This establishes the position of the guide plane relative to the tibia. Now, as thetibial cut guide446 is positioned along theboom430 and the boom is adjusted up and down, thesaw guide slot462 will be constrained to parallel planes of posterior slope having the same angular relation to the guide plane. Thus, thetibial cut guide446 can now be adjusted medial-laterally and proximal-distally without changing the varus-valgus orientation or the posterior slope of the resection plane.
• The tibial cut[0059]guide446 is assembled to the tibial boom using the appropriate pair ofholes480,482 for medial/lateral orientation of thecut guide446. Thetibial depth gauge484 is inserted into the top of thetibial cut guide446 with theblade end489,490 corresponding to the desired resection level oriented over the tibia. Thetibial cut guide446 is positioned by moving thetibial boom430 vertically until thedepth gauge484 references the desired spot on the tibial surface and sliding the cut guide medial-laterally on theextension bar442 so that it is adjacent the tibia. This position is maintained by tightening the boom setscrew440 and the cut guide setscrew478. Pins and/or screws can then be placed infixation holes464,466 to stabilize the tibial cut guide. The depth gauge is removed and a saw blade is inserted through thesaw guide slot462 to cut the proximal surface of the tibia.
• FIGS.[0060]24-29 show an illustrative embodiment of a femoral A/P sizer assembly500 for determining femoral anterior/posterior (A/P) size and placing reference datums for guiding the femoral box cuts. The assembly includes an A/P sizer base502, anexternal rotation plate525, an A/P sizing tower540, an anterior boom550, adrill guide slide560, a parallelpin drill guide570, and analignment pin579. The A/P sizer base502 includes a plate-like body503 having afront surface504, aback surface505, ananterior edge506, aposterior edge507, andside surfaces508,509. Posteriorcondyle referencing feet510,511 extend perpendicularly from thefront surface504 and define a posterior reference plane with theirtop surfaces512 and513. Internally threadedboss514 projects from oneside508 of thesizer base502 to threadably receive ahandle515. Threealignment holes516 extend through thesizer base502 from thefront surface504 to theback surface505. A countersunkpivot pin hole517 extends through thesizer base502 from thefront surface504 to theback surface505. Ananterior extension518 projects from theanterior edge506 to support a hollow,cylindrical tower bushing519 having atop surface521 and abore520 with a longitudinal axis parallel to the front andback surfaces504,505 and perpendicular to the posteriorcondyle referencing feet510,511. A through hole in the side of thetower bushing519 receives aset screw522 in communication with thebore520.
• An[0061]external rotation plate525 includes a plate-like body526 having a front surface527 aback surface528, ananterior edge529, aposterior edge530, andside surfaces531,532. A drill slide bushing533 is connected to, and projects from, oneside532 of theexternal rotation plate525. The drill slide bushing533 includes a “D”-shapedbore534 having a longitudinal axis parallel to thefront surface527. A through hole in the side of the drill slide bushing533 threadably receives aset screw524 in communication with the flat side of the “D”-shaped bore. Three, alignment holes535 extend through theexternal rotation plate525 from thefront surface527 to theback surface528. Apivot pin hole536 extends through theexternal rotation plate525 from thefront surface527 to theback surface528.
• The[0062]external rotation plate525 is mounted on the A/P sizer base502 with the external rotation platefront surface527 flat against the sizer base backsurface505. Apin537 secured in the pivot pin holes517,536 holds the assembly together and permits planar rotation of theexternal rotation plate525 relative to thesizer base502. The alignment holes516,535 are positioned so that a pair of holes aligns when theexternal rotation plate525 is rotated relative to thesizer base502 at each of 3°, 5°, and 7° as measured between a line perpendicular to thetop surfaces512,513 of the posteriorcondyle referencing feet510,511 and the drill slide bushing533 axis.
• A femoral A/[0063]P sizing tower540 includes ashaft541 having afirst end542, asecond end543, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. Acollar544, connected to thesecond end543 of the sizingtower540, includes a throughhole545 having an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of theshaft541. Akeyway546 is cut in the side of thecollar544 opposite theshaft541. Femoral A/P size indicia547 are inscribed on theshaft541. The sizingtower540 is mounted on the A/P sizer base502 with itsshaft541 slidably received within thetower bushing519 in coaxial relation such that the sizingtower540 is free to slide up and down, and rotate about, their coincident axes. An anterior boom550 includes a handle551 and ashaft552 having a common longitudinal axis. Aprobe553 extends beyond theshaft552 and bends away from the shaft axis to aprobe tip554 that is offset a predetermined distance from theshaft552 axis. A key555 extends longitudinally from the handle551 and overlies a portion of theshaft552. The anterior boom550 is mounted in thecollar544 of the sizingtower540. The diameter of theprobe553 is smaller than thekeyway546 and the diameter of theshaft552 fits closely with the throughhole545. Thus, the anterior boom550 can be mounted by moving theprobe554 down through thekeyway546 and then sliding theshaft552 into of the throughhole545. As theshaft552 is slid into place, the key555 engages thekeyway546 to prevent the anterior boom550 from rotating about itsshaft552 axis. The handle551 abuts thecollar544 to prevent the anterior boom550 from further translating along its shaft axis. Thus mounted, theprobe tip554 is in a predetermined position relative to theindicia547 of the sizingtower540. As the sizingtower540 is moved up and down in thetower bushing519, theprobe tip554 moves up and down in known relation to thetop surfaces512,513 of the posteriorcondyle referencing feet510,511. This relationship is indicated by the position of theindicia547 adjacent thetop surface521 of thetower bushing519. The sizingtower540 can be locked in position within the tower bushing bore520 by tightening theset screw522.
• A[0064]drill guide slide560 includes a base561 having adovetail profile562 defining a longitudinal dovetail axis. Asupport arm563 extends from the base561 perpendicular to the dovetail and the dovetail axis. Thesupport arm563 is “D”-shaped, being generally cylindrical with one side milled flat564. Thesupport arm563 is received in thebore534 of the drill slide bushing533 for sliding movement along the bore axis. The “D”-shape of thearm563 and bore534 prevents the arm from rotating. Thesupport arm563 can be locked axially within thebore534 by tightening theset screw524 so that it bears against the flat564.
• A parallel[0065]pin drill guide570 includes abody571 having top572, bottom573,front574, back575, andside576,577 surfaces. Adovetail groove592, having a longitudinal dovetail groove axis, is formed from side-to-side in thebottom surface573. Drill guide holes593 extend through thebody571 from side-to-side. The guide holes593 each have a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the other and parallel to the longitudinal axis of thedovetail groove592. Ananterior alignment hole578 extends through thebody571 from side-to-side to receive analignment pin579. The parallelpin drill guide570 is mounted on thedrill guide slide560 with thebase dovetail562 engaging, and coaxially aligned with, thedovetail groove592 so that the parallelpin drill guide570 can slide along the coincident axes. Thus assembled, theguide hole593 axes are parallel to thefront surface504 of the A/P sizer base and they are at an angle relative to thetop surfaces512,513 of the posteriorcondyle referencing feet510,511 as determined by the rotated position of theexternal rotation plate525. Thealignment pin579 can be extended over theshaft552 of the anterior boom550 to act as a feeler gauge to reference the vertical position of thedrill guide570 to the vertical position of theprobe tip554. By adjusting the parallel pin drill guide up and down until thealignment pin579 rests on theshaft552, the guide holes593 can be positioned at a predetermined position relative to theprobe tip554. In this illustrative embodiment, the A/P sizer base502 and theexternal rotation plate525 are hinged on the lateral side in order to adjust external rotation. Also in this illustrative embodiment, only one drill slide bushing533 (medial or lateral) is provided on eachexternal rotation plate525. Because of this design, four A/P sizer base502 andexternal rotation plate525 combinations would be provided to allow for medial and lateral approaches to both a left and a right knee.
• In use, the[0066]handle515 is assembled to the appropriate A/P sizer500 depending on whether the operative knee is left or right and whether the approach is medial or lateral. In the illustrative embodiment, the A/P sizer500 is placed so that thefront surface504 of the A/P sizer base is flat against the resecteddistal femur585 and thetop surfaces512,513 of thefeet510,511 are flush against theposterior condyles586,587. Alternatively, the A/P sizer could be placed on an unresected femur and the distal femoral cut made later. In such a case, the distal cut depth could also be set with the A/P sizer. The A/P sizer500 offers three methods for setting external rotation: the epicondylar axis, the A/P axis, or the posterocondylar axis. To use the epicondylar axis, a line is drawn between the medial andlateral epicondyles588,589. Thefeet510,511 are placed against theposterior condyles586,587 and theanterior edge529 of theexternal rotation plate525 is then set parallel to the line drawn between theepicondyles588,589. The pair ofalignment holes516,535 that most nearly align are then aligned and thesizer500 is secured by inserting aspring pin590 through the alignedholes516,535. Likewise, to use the A/P axis, Whiteside's line is drawn along the A/P axis. Thefeet510,511 are placed against theposterior condyles586,587 and theanterior edge529 of theexternal rotation plate525 is then set perpendicular to the line drawn along the A/P axis. The pair ofalignment holes516,535 that most nearly align are then aligned and thesizer500 is secured by inserting aspring pin590 through the alignedholes516,535. To use the posterior condylar axis, the appropriate set ofalignment holes516,535 are aligned to correspond to 3°, 5°, or 7° of external rotation while thefeet510,511 are kept against theposterior condyles586,587 and aspring pin590 is inserted through the aligned holes.
• Once rotation is established, the A/[0067]P sizing tower540 is inserted into thetower bushing519. The anterior boom550 is inserted into thecollar544 with the key555 engaging thekeyway546. Theprobe tip554 is positioned on theanterior cortex591 of the femur. The position of theprobe tip554 will determine the exit point of the anterior bone cut and the ultimate position of the femoral joint component. The vertical position of the A/P sizing tower540 is locked by tightening theset screw522. The femoral size is indicated by theindicia547 appearing above thetop surface521 of thetower bushing519. Thedrill guide slide560 is mounted in the drill slide bushing533 and the parallelpin drill guide570 is mounted on thedrill guide slide560. Thealignment pin579 is inserted through theanterior alignment hole578. Thedrill guide570 anddrill guide slide560 are raised until thealignment pin579 rests on top of theshaft552 to set the A/P position of the femoral component. The vertical position of thedrill guide slide560 is locked by tightening theset screw524. Thedrill guide570 is slid along thedrill guide slide560 until it is adjacent the femur. A hole is drilled into the femur through one of the guide holes593 and aheadless pin594 is placed in the drilled hole to establish a datum that records the rotation angle and A/P position in such a way that the datum can be subsequently referenced by bone cutting guides to produce bone cuts relative to the rotation and position information. The illustrative embodiment describes using pins set in the femur as datums. Other datums that can record the information are contemplated and include by way of example: one or more holes, screws, notches, and grooves. A single pin can record the external rotation and A/P position. However, rotation about the pin axis is not constrained by a single pin without some other reference such as the distal femur. If desired, a second hole can be drilled into the femur through theother guide hole593 and a secondheadless pin595 placed to constrain rotation about the pin axes and also to provide a more stable datum. All components of the A/P sizer assembly500 are now removed leaving theheadless pins594,595 in place to locate the femoral profile cut.
• The femoral box cuts, or profile, are cut using a femoral profile cut block. FIGS.[0068]30-32 show an illustrative femoral profile cutblock600 for guiding the anterior, posterior and chamfer cuts on the distal femur. Thecut block600 is generally an “L”-shaped body having inner602 and outer604 distal surfaces, inner606 and outer608 side surfaces, ananterior surface610, and aposterior surface612. A pair of pin reference holes614 extends through the side of the cut block600 from theouter side surface608 to theinner side surface606 for receiving the headless femoral reference pins594,595. The reference holes614 are elongated proximal-to-distal to allow proximal-to-distal motion relative to a reference pin while still constraining the A/P position and external rotation relative to the pin. This arrangement allows the proximal-to-distal position of theblock600 to be referenced from thedistal surface602 rather than theholes614. Aside fixation hole616 extends through the side of the cut block600 from theouter side surface608 to theinner side surface606 for receiving a fixation pin. Adistal fixation hole618 extends through the distal side of the cut block600 front the outerdistal surface604 to the innerdistal surface602 for receiving a fixation pin. Anterior620,anterior chamfer622,posterior624, andposterior chamfer626 saw guide slots corresponding to the anterior, posterior, and chamfer surfaces of a femoral implant box are positioned in fixed predetermined relationship to the pin reference holes614. The slots sweep around the cut block600 from the side surfaces to the distal surfaces to permit a saw blade to be directed medial-laterally and proximal-distally to make a complete cut across the femur through each slot. Avisualization window628 extends from the outerdistal surface604 to the innerdistal surface602 to allow direct visualization of the distal femur during positioning of thecut block600 and cutting of the distal femur. When surgery is performed through a small surgical incision, thiswindow628 permits the surgeon to observe the saw blade in action. The medial side of the instrument is contoured to match the incision by providing a notch629 to provide soft tissue clearance for the illustrative minimally invasive surgical procedure. For a lateral approach, a cut block is provided with the lateral side contoured to match the incision.
• In use, the appropriate size femoral profile cut[0069]block600 is positioned over theheadless pins594,595 with the pins engaging pin reference holes614 which sets the A/P position and external rotation of thecut block600. Thecut block600 is secured to the femur with aspring pin630 through thedistal fixation hole618. As thepin630 is tightened, the cut block600 can move proximally due to theelongated holes614 until the innerdistal surface602 is stably seated on the distal femur. Anadditional spring pin632 can be inserted from the side through theside fixation hole616 to further stabilize thecut block600. A saw blade can now be used to cut the femoral profile by directing it through theposterior624,posterior chamfer626, anterior620, andanterior chamfer622 saw guide slots. The cuts can be made in any order; however, by making them in this order optimal stability of the cut guide can be maintained. After the cuts are made, the cut block and headless pins are removed.
• Where required, a trochlear recess or notch is cut using a trochlear notch guide. This would be required when a femoral implant has a trochlear recess or notch that extends into the anterodistal portion of the femoral box profile. For example, in an implant where a deeper patellar groove is incorporated, extra material may be added to the inside of the implant to accommodate the deeper groove. Consequently, a cutout must be formed on the bone to receive this extra material for a conforming fit between the implant and bone. FIG. 33 shows an illustrative embodiment of a[0070]trochlear cut guide800. Thetrochlear cut guide800 comprises a generally “L”-shaped body including ananterior portion802 having an externalanterior surface804, an internalanterior surface806, opposingsides808,810, aproximal side812, and adistal side813. An anteriorchisel guide slot814 extends through theanterior portion802 from the externalanterior surface804 to the internalanterior surface806. Thechisel guide slot814 comprises aproximal slot opening816 and twoside slot openings818,820. Adistal guide portion830 extends at an angle from thedistal side813 of theanterior portion802. Thedistal portion830 includes an externaldistal surface832, an internaldistal surface834, opposingsides836,838, aposterior side840, and ananterior side841. Theanterior side841 of thedistal portion830 and thedistal side813 of theanterior portion802 blend at aradius815 to form the connection between these two portions. A distalchisel guide slot842 extends through thedistal portion830 from the externaldistal surface832 to the internaldistal surface834. Thechisel guide slot842 comprises aposterior slot opening844 and twoside slot openings846,848.Ears850 extend from eachside836,838 of thedistal portion830. Theears850 includefixation holes852 and854. Distal drill guide holes856 guide a drill for making peg receiving holes in the distal femur. Thechisel guide slots814,842 are aligned with theproximal slot opening816 being coplanar with theposterior slot opening844 and the anterior portionside slot openings818,820 being coplanar with the distal portionside slot openings846,848. A cutting instrument inserted into distalchisel guide slot842 will exit anteriorchisel guide slot814 and cut a notch across the anterodistal aspect of the femur.
• FIG. 34 shows an alternative embodiment of a trochlear cut guide comprising a slotted femoral provisional[0071]860. This trochlear cut guide facilitates making the trochlear notch cut and drilling the distal peg holes in similar fashion astrochlear cut guide800. However, the slotted provisional860 includes an external articulating surface that matches the external articulating surface of a corresponding femoral implant. This pennits the option of finishing the tibial and patellar cuts and conducting a trial reduction in which provisional implants of all of the knee components are inserted and flexed through their range of motion to check implant sizing and function. The mediolateral position of the slotted femoral provisional860 can be adjusted and retested before making the trochlear notch cut and drilling the distal peg holes which set the mediolateral position. The slotted provisional860 articular surfaces include ananterior patellar flange864 connecting arcuate, spaced apart distal865,866 andposterior867,868 condyles. Opposite the articulating surfaces are the internal box surfaces including anterior870,anterior chamfer871, distal872,posterior chamfer873, andposterior874 box surfaces. An anteriorchisel guide slot875 extends through theanterior flange864 from the external anterior surface to the internalanterior box surface870. Thechisel guide slot875 comprises aproximal slot opening876 and twoside slot openings877,878. A distalchisel guide slot879 extends through thedistal condyles865,866 from the external distal surface to the internaldistal box surface872. The distalchisel guide slot879 comprises aposterior slot opening880 and twoside slot openings881,882. Distal drill guide holes883 guide a drill for making peg receiving holes in the distal femur. Anteriorchisel guide slot875, distalchisel guide slot879, and drill guide holes883 are configured and function like those of thetrochlear cut guide800 of FIG. 33.
• The use of the trochlear notch cutting guide will be described with reference to the slotted[0072]provisional embodiment860 of FIG. 34. The appropriate size femoral provisional is placed on the end of thefemur884. The appropriate mediolateral position can be established visually or, in the case of the slotted provisional860, by trial reduction. A hole is drilled into the distal femur through one of the drill guide holes883 and a holding peg (not shown) is inserted. A hole is drilled into the femur through the other one of the drill guide holes883 and another holding peg is inserted. Achisel885 having a three sided blade configured to engage thechisel guide slots875,879 is inserted into the distalchisel guide slot879. Thechisel885 is driven across the distal femur to engage the anteriorchisel guide slot875 and cut the trochlear notch.
• Posterior stabilized femoral components have a protruding cam box. A piece of bone is cut from the intercondylar region of the distal femur using an intercondylar notch guide to accommodate this cam box. FIGS.[0073]35-36 show an illustrative embodiment of anintercondylar notch guide900. Thenotch guide900 comprises a generally “L”-shaped body including ananterior portion901 having an anteriorouter surface902 and an anteriorinner surface904. Spaced apartcondylar portions906,908 depend at an angle from theanterior portion901 to define a “U”-shapedopening907 between them. The condylar portions have distal inner910 and outer912 surfaces. Atrochlear ramp914 projects from the anteriorinner surface904. Theramp914 has a planar, distalsaw guide surface916 that intersects the anteriorouter surface902 and defines the closed end of the “U”-shapedopening907. Thecondylar portions906,908 have parallel, spaced apart,inner side walls918,920. Theside walls918,920 define medial and lateral saw guide surfaces perpendicular to distalsaw guide surface916. Each of thecondylar portions906,908 includes a threadedpeg hole922,924. Pegs can optionally be threaded into the holes to extend from the distalinner surface910. In use, the appropriate sizeintercondylar notch guide900 is chosen and placed on the distal femur. Thetrochlear ramp914 fits within the trochlear notch cut in the prior step to position the notch guide mediolaterally. Additionally, pegs can be threaded intopeg holes922,924 to align mediolaterally with the femoral peg holes drilled in the prior step. A saw blade is then guided along the distal916 andside918,920 saw guiding surfaces to cut the base and sides of the intercondylar notch. The cut bone and intercondylar notch guide are then removed.
• It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing has described illustrative embodiments of the present invention and that variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. For example the illustrative embodiments depict using saw guides and blades to make the bone cuts. However, the claimed methods and alignment guides could also be used with other bone removal systems to set their reference bases to achieve the desired position and rotation of prepared bone surfaces.[0074]

Claims (114)

What is claimed is:

1. A patella resection guide for guiding a cutter to cut a patella having an anterior side, an opposite posterior side, a medial side and a lateral side, the patella resection guide comprising:

a first jaw for engaging said medial side of said patella;

a second jaw for engaging said lateral side of said patella;

means for moving the first jaw relative to the second jaw from a first position in which the jaws are disengaged from said medial and lateral sides of said patella to a second position in which the jaws are engaged with said medial and lateral sides of said patella, the means being actuable from a location that is medial or lateral of said patella; and

means for guiding a cutter to cut said patella.

2. The patella resection guide ofclaim 1 further comprising means for gauging the amount of bone to be resected.

3. The patella resection guide ofclaim 1 further comprising means for gauging the amount of bone that will remain after the patella is cut.

4. A patella resection guide for guiding a cutter to cut a patella having an anterior side, an opposite posterior side, a medial side and a lateral side, the patella resection guide comprising:

a first jaw shaped to engage said medial side of said patella;

a second jaw shaped to engage said lateral side of said patella;

a handle connecting the first and second jaws in translating relationship, the handle being actuable to move the jaws from a first position in which the jaws are disengaged from said medial and lateral sides of said patella to a second position in which the jaws are engaged with said medial and lateral sides of said patella, the handle being actuable from a location that is medial or lateral of said patella.

5. The patella resection guide ofclaim 4 wherein the jaws are have curved faces for engaging curved sides of said patella.

6. The patella resection guide ofclaim 4 wherein the handle comprises a guide arm connecting the first and second jaws, at least one of the first and second jaws mounted for translation along the guide arm to move from the first position to the second position.

7. The patella resection guide ofclaim 6 wherein the jaws remain parallel as they are moved from the first to second positions.

8. The patella resection guide ofclaim 7 wherein the handle comprises an actuator pivotably mounted on the handle at a first end and connected to one of said first and second jaws at a second end such that pivoting the actuator moves the jaws between the first and second positions.

9. The patella resection guide ofclaim 6 wherein the handle further comprises a first grip portion connected to the first jaw and a second grip portion connected to the second jaw, the first and second grip portions being parallel to one another, such that pressing the first and second grip portions together in parallel manner causes at least one of the first and second jaws to translate along the guide arm from the first position to the second position.

10. The patella resection guide ofclaim 4 further comprising a depth gauge removably mountable on the first side of the resection guide to indicate the amount of bone to be removed from said patella and alternately mountable on the second side of the resection guide to indicate the amount of bone to remain on said patella.

11. The patella resection guide ofclaim 4 further comprising a cutter guide to guide a cutter.

12. The patella resection guide ofclaim 11 wherein the cutter is selected from the list consisting of a saw blade, a side cutting reamer, a end cutting reamer, and a water jet cutter.

13. A patella resection guide comprising:

a first side;

a second side; and

a depth gauge removably mountable on the first side of the resection guide to indicate the amount of bone to be removed from said patella and alternately mountable on the second side of the resection guide to indicate the amount of bone to remain on said patella.

14. A patella resection guide for guiding a cutter to cut a patella having an anterior side, an opposite posterior side, and a periphery around the patella, the patella resection guide comprising:

a first jaw member shaped to engage said periphery of said patella;

a second jaw member shaped to engage said periphery of said patella, the second jaw member connected to the first jaw member in translating relation;

a first handle connected to the first jaw member;

a second handle connected to the second jaw member, the second handle being actuable to move the second jaw member in a motion plane toward and away from the first handle; and

a cutter guide adjacent the jaws, the cutter guide able to guide a cutter to cut in a plane parallel to the jaw motion plane.

15. A patella resection guide for guiding a cutter to cut a patella having an anterior side, an opposite posterior side, and a periphery around the patella, the patella resection guide comprising:

a first jaw member shaped to grip said periphery of said patella;

a second jaw member shaped to grip said periphery of said patella;

a support member connecting the first jaw member in translating relationship to the second jaw member, the support constraining the jaw members to remain parallel when they move relative to one another;

a handle actuable to move the first and second jaw members in a motion plane from a first position in which the jaw members are further from one another to a second position in which the jaw members are nearer one another;

a cutter guide adjacent the jaws, the cutter guide able to guide a cutter to cut in a plane parallel to the jaw motion plane.

16. A method comprising the steps of:

providing a patella resection guide having patella gripping jaws and a cutter guide;

making an incision on at least one of the medial and lateral sides of a knee to expose said patella from the side;

gripping the medial and lateral sides of the patella with the jaws of the patella resection guide while the patella remains in its normal orientation relative to the femur; and

guiding a cutter with the cutter guide through the incision from the side of the knee to resect the patella.

17. The method ofclaim 16 further comprising the steps of:

providing a gauge alternately connectable to a first side of the patella resection guide to indicate the amount of bone to be removed and to a second side of the patella resection guide to indicate the amount of bone to remain;

determining whether to gauge the amount of bone to remove or the amount of bone to remain;

attaching the depth gauge to the appropriate side; and

cutting the bone.

18. A femoral distal cut guide for cutting a femur, the femur having a frontal plane, a sagittal plane, a femoral head adjacent a hip joint, a femoral shaft with an intramedullary canal, a condylar portion adjacent a knee joint having a medial side and a lateral side, an anatomic axis lying along the intramedullary canal, and a mechanical axis lying along a line from the center of the femoral head to the center of the knee joint, the cut guide comprising:

an intramedullary rod having a longitudinal rod axis; and

a distal cut guide, the distal cut guide mounted on the intramedullary rod at an angle to the longitudinal rod axis, as measured in the frontal plane, so that aligning the intramedullary rod with the anatomic axis and extending the distal cut guide toward the side of the knee orients the distal cut guide to guide a cutter from the side of the knee to cut the distal femur perpendicular to the mechanical axis.

19. The femoral distal cut guide ofclaim 18 further comprising an intramedullary alignment guide connected to the intramedullary rod and having a longitudinal guide axis at an angle to the longitudinal rod axis, as measured in the frontal plane, so that when the rod is aligned with the anatomic axis and the longitudinal guide axis is parallel to the frontal plane, the longitudinal guide axis is perpendicular to the femoral mechanical axis and extended toward one of the medial and lateral sides of the knee.

20. The femoral distal cut guide ofclaim 19 further comprising a distal cut guide mounted for motion parallel to the longitudinal guide axis with the distal cut guide directed toward one of the medial and lateral sides of the knee, the distal cut guide able to be translated along the longitudinal guide axis to a position adjacent one of the medial and lateral sides of the knee.

21. The femoral distal cut guide ofclaim 20 wherein the intramedullary alignment guide further includes a reference surface for contacting a distal femoral condyle to position the distal cut guide to make a cut at a predetermined distance from the femoral condyle.

22. The femoral distal cut guide ofclaim 20 wherein the intramedullary alignment guide further includes a reference surface for contacting said intercondylar sulcus to position the distal cut guide to make a cut at a predetermined distance from the intercondylar sulcus.

23. A method of cutting a distal femur comprising the steps of:

providing a distal cut guide having an intramedullary rod;

making an incision on at least one of the medial and lateral sides of a knee to expose the distal femur from the side;

inserting the intramedullary rod into an intramedullary canal of the femur;

orienting the distal cut guide so that it extends toward one of the medial and lateral sides of the femur; and

guiding a cutter with the cutter guide to cut the distal femur from the side to form a planar distal surface.

24. The method ofclaim 23 further comprising the steps of:

providing an alignment guide extending at an angle to the intramedullary rod;

providing a distal cut guide having a cutter guide and being mounted for translation along the alignment guide; and

sliding the distal cut guide along the alignment guide until the distal cut guide is adjacent the side of the femur.

25. The method ofclaim 24 further comprising the steps of:

positioning the alignment guide so that a reference surface on the alignment guide contacts a distal femoral condyle; and

guiding a cutter with the distal cut guide to make a cut at a predetermined distance from the femoral condyle.

26. The method ofclaim 24 further comprising the steps of:

positioning the alignment guide so that a reference surface on the alignment guide contacts the intramedullary sulcus; and

guiding a cutter with the distal cut guide to make a cut at a predetermined distance from the intramedullary sulcus.

27. A tibial cut guide assembly comprising:

a support having a longitudinal support axis;

a cross member mounted on the support, the cross member having a cross member axis perpendicular to the support axis, the cross member axis and support axis defining a guide plane, the cross member having a slope reference oriented at a predetermined slope angle relative to the guide plane;

a cut guide having a cross member engaging end and a cutter guide, the cross member engaging end being mounted on the cross member in engagement with the slope reference, the cutter guide defining a cut plane that is oriented at a predetermined slope angle relative to the guide plane as determined by the slope reference.

28. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 27 further comprising a plurality of interchangeable cross members, each interchangeable cross member having a slope reference oriented at a different predetermined slope angle relative to the guide plane.

29. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 27 wherein the cut guide is mounted on an arm projecting upwardly and inwardly from the cross member to position the cutter guide adjacent a tibia to be cut.

30. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 27 wherein the cut guide is translatable along the cross member from a first position to a second position, the cutter guide defining parallel planes in the first and second position.

31. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 30 wherein the cross member is translatable up and down along the support axis.

32. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 27 further comprising a proximal adjustment mechanism actuable to change the spacing of a proximal end of the support and a proximal end of a tibia to change the angle of the support axis relative to a tibial axis.

33. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 32 wherein the proximal adjustment mechanism comprises a screw threadingly engaging the support and abuttable with a proximal end of a tibia.

34. A tibial cut guide assembly for cutting a proximal end of a tibia having a proximal end, a distal end, a tibial shaft, a tibial axis along the shaft, an anterior side parallel to a frontal plane, a medial side parallel to a sagittal plane, and a lateral side parallel to said sagittal plane, the tibial cut guide assembly comprising:

a support having a support axis, the support being mountable on said tibia with the support axis parallel to said tibial axis;

a cut guide, the cut guide being mounted on the support with the cut guide oriented to guide a cutter obliquely toward said tibia between the anterior side and one of the medial and lateral sides of said tibia to cut the proximal end of said tibia when the support is mounted on said tibia.

35. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 34 further comprising a cross member mounted on the support connecting the support and cut guide, the cross member having a cross member axis perpendicular to the support axis, the cross member axis and support axis defining a guide plane, the guide plane being positionable parallel to the frontal plane and the tibial axis, the cross member having a slope reference oriented at a predetermined slope angle relative to the guide plane.

36. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 35 wherein the cut guide has a cross member engaging end and a cutter guide, the cross member engaging end being mounted on the cross member in engagement with the slope reference, the cutter guide defining a cut plane that is oriented at a predetermined slope angle relative to the guide plane as determined by the slope reference, the cutter guide being translatable along the cross member from a first position to a second position, the cutter guide defining parallel planes in the first and second position.

37. A tibial cut guide assembly comprising:

an alignment bar having a longitudinal alignment bar axis;

a boom mounted on the alignment bar, the boom having a boom axis perpendicular to the alignment bar axis, the boom axis and alignment bar axis defining a guide plane, the boom having a slope reference oriented at a predetermined slope angle relative to the guide plane;

a cut guide having a boom engaging end and a cutter guide, the boom engaging end being mounted on the boom in engagement with the boom slope reference, the cutter guide defining a cut plane that is oriented at a predetermined slope angle relative to the guide plane as determined by the boom slope reference.

38. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 37 wherein the cut guide slidingly engages the boom so that the cut guide can slide along the boom from a first position further from the alignment bar to a second position nearer to the alignment bar while maintaining the cut plane at a constant angle to the guide plane.

39. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 38 wherein the boom is mounted for translation along the alignment bar axis so that moving the boom along the alignment bar axis changes the level of the cut plane.

40. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 37 further including a depth gauge, the depth gauge including a blade having a reference end, the depth gauge being mounted on the assembly with the reference end a predetermined fixed distance from the cut plane as measured along the alignment bar axis.

41. The tibial cut guide assembly ofclaim 37 wherein the cutter guide comprises a saw blade slot defining a plane for a saw blade.

42. A method for cutting a proximal end of a tibia having a proximal end, a distal end, a tibial shaft, a tibial axis along the shaft, an anterior side parallel to a frontal plane, a medial side parallel to a sagittal plane, and a lateral side parallel to said sagittal plane, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting a cut guide on the tibia with the cut guide oriented to guide a cutter obliquely toward the tibia between the anterior side and one of the medial and lateral sides of the tibia; and

guiding a cutter obliquely toward the tibia with the cut guide to cut the proximal end of the tibia.

43. The method ofclaim 42 further comprising the steps of:

providing a support having a support axis;

mounting the support on said tibia with the support axis parallel to the tibial axis;

mounting the cut guide on the support.

44. The method ofclaim 43 wherein the step of mounting the support includes mounting the support on the anterior surface of the tibia.

45. The method ofclaim 44 further comprising the step of adjusting the cut guide mediolaterally while maintaining parallel cut planes.

46. A method for cutting a proximal end of a tibia having a proximal end, a distal end, a tibial shaft, a tibial axis along the shaft, an anterior side parallel to a frontal plane, a medial side parallel to a sagittal plane, and a lateral side parallel to said sagittal plane, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a tibial alignment bar having an alignment bar axis and a tibial boom mounted on the alignment bar for translation along the alignment bar axis, the tibial boom having a boom axis perpendicular to the alignment bar axis, the alignment bar axis and boom axis together defining a guide plane, the boom further including a posterior slope reference defining a predetermined angle relative to the guide plane;

mounting the alignment bar on said tibia with the alignment bar axis parallel to the tibial axis;

providing a cut guide;

mounting the cut guide on the boom for translation along the boom axis and in engagement with the posterior slop reference such that the cut guide is oriented to guide a cutter obliquely toward the tibia between the anterior side and one of the medial and lateral sides of the tibia to cut a planar surface at the predetermined angle relative to the guide plane; and

guiding a cutter obliquely toward the tibia with the cut guide to cut the proximal end of the tibia.

47. The method ofclaim 46 further including the steps of:

providing a tibial alignment bar with a selection of booms having different posterior slope reference angles;

determining a desired slope;

picking a boom corresponding to the desired slope.

48. The method ofclaim 46 further comprising the step of making an incision on the at least one of the medial and lateral sides of a knee to expose the proximal tibia from the side.

49. The method ofclaim 48 further comprising the step of adjusting the cut guide mediolaterally to be adjacent until it is obliquely adjacent the proximal tibia.

50. The method ofclaim 49 further comprising the step of positioning the tibial boom along the alignment bar axis to set the depth of the tibial cut.

51. The method ofclaim 46 further comprising the steps of:

setting a proximal end of the tibial alignment bar adjacent the proximal end of the tibia at a desired mediolateral position and the distal end of the alignment bar adjacent the distal end of the tibia at a desired mediolateral position to establish mediolateral vertical reference axis relative to which the cut guide sets the varus-valgus angle;

independently of the mediolateral setting, setting the proximal end of the alignment bar at a desired anteroposterior position relative to the proximal end of the tibia and the distal end of the alignment bar at a desired anteroposterior position relative to the distal end of the tibia to establish an anteriorposterior vertical reference axis relative to which the cut guide sets the posterior slope;

adjusting the cut guide mediolaterally while maintaining parallel cut planes having the same varus-valgus angle and posterior slope;

adjusting the proximal distal position of the cut plane independently of mediolateral position to set the depth of cut; and

guiding a cutter with the cut guide to cut the tibia at the independently established depth, varus-valgus angle, and posterior slope.

52. A guide for establishing a position reference on a distal portion of a femur having a distal end, an anterior surface, a medial side surface, a lateral side surface, posterior condyles, and anatomic landmarks, the guide comprising:

a base having a reference surface for engaging said distal end; and

a pin guide mounted for rotation relative to the base, the pin guide including at least one pin guide hole for guiding a reference pin to engage one of said medial and lateral side surfaces of said distal femur.

53. The guide ofclaim 52 wherein the pin guide has an alignment portion for aligning with anatomic landmarks on said distal femur.

54. The guide ofclaim 53 further comprising a foot connected to the base, the foot extending at an angle from the reference surface to engage said posterior condyles to establish a posterior size reference.

55. The guide ofclaim 54 further comprising a plate, the plate rotationally mounted to the base and the pin guide mounted on the plate so that as the pin guide rotates relative to the base the pin guide also rotates relative to the base.

56. The guide ofclaim 55 wherein the base includes a plurality of rotational alignment holes and the plate includes a plurality of alignment holes, different pairs of holes aligning at different angles of rotation between the base and plate.

57. The guide ofclaim 56 wherein the pin guide is mounted for translation relative to the plate so that the plate can be rotated to set the rotation of the pin guide hole relative to the base and the pin guide can be translated relative to the plate to set the spacing of the pin guide hole from the base.

58. The guide ofclaim 57 further including an anterior probe mounted for translation relative to the plate, the anterior probe having a probe tip for engaging said femoral anterior surface, the probe having size indicia to indicate the distance the probe is translated relative to the plate.

59. The guide ofclaim 58 further including a feeler gauge that indexes the translation of the pin guide relative to the plate to the translation of the probe relative to the plate so that sizing information determined by the probe is reflected in the position of the pin guide.

60. The guide ofclaim 59 wherein the pin guide is mounted for mediolateral translation relative to the plate so that it can be moved to a position adjacent the side of the femur.

61. A guide for establishing a position reference on a distal portion of a femur having a distal end, an anterior surface, a posterior surface, a medial side surface, a lateral side surface, posterior condyles, a femoral axis, and anatomic landmarks, the guide comprising:

means for establishing a desired rotation angle relative to said femoral axis; and

means for establishing a desired A/P position between said anterior and posterior surfaces of said femur; and

means for establishing a datum on said distal femur that records the rotation angle and A/P position in such a way that the datum can be subsequently referenced by bone cutting guides to produce bone cuts relative to the rotation and position information.

62. The guide ofclaim 61 wherein the datum comprises an element selected from the group consisting of a pin, a hole, a slot, and a notch.

63. The guide ofclaim 61 wherein the datum is able to be referenced by subsequent instruments to establish the varus-valgus angle, external rotation, and anteroposterior position of bone cuts.

64. The guide ofclaim 61 wherein the means for establishing a desired rotation angle comprises a base having a reference surface for engaging said distal end of said femur and a datum guide mounted for rotation relative to the base, the datum guiding the positioning of a datum on one of said medial and lateral side surfaces of said distal femur.

65. A method for establishing a position reference datum on a distal portion of a femur having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, posterior condyles, a femoral axis, medial and lateral epicondyles, and an A/P axis, the method comprising the steps of:

determining a desired rotation angle relative to the femoral axis;

determining a desired A/P position between the anterior and posterior surfaces of the femur;

creating a datum on the distal femur that records the rotation angle and A/P position in such a way that the datum can be subsequently referenced by bone cutting guides to produce bone cuts relative to the rotation and position information.

66. The method ofclaim 65 wherein the step of determining a desired rotation angle is accomplished by aligning a datum guide relative to an anatomic reference selected from the group consisting of the femoral posterior condyles, a line drawn between the medial and lateral femoral epicondyles, and a line drawn along the distal femoral A/P axis.

67. The method ofclaim 65 wherein the step of determining a desired A/P position comprises contacting the anterior femoral surface with a probe.

68. The method ofclaim 65 wherein the step of creating a datum comprises a step selected from the group consisting of drilling at least one hole, cutting at least one slot, and setting at least one pin in the femur.

69. The method ofclaim 65 further comprising the steps of:

providing a pin guide;

establishing the rotation by aligning the pin guide with one of the femoral posterior condyles, a line drawn between medial and lateral epicondyles, and a line drawn along the A/P axis;

establishing the A/P position by offsetting the pin guide from a probe in contact with the anterior surface; and

establishing the datum by guiding at least one pin through the pin guide and into the femur.

70. The method ofclaim 69 wherein the step of establishing the datum comprises guiding at least two pins through the pin guide and into the femur.

71. The method ofclaim 65 further comprising the steps of:

referencing the datum with a cut guide to orient the cut guide relative to the rotation angle and A/P position; and

guiding a cutter with the cut guide to cut the femur.

72. The method ofclaim 71 further comprising the step of making an incision on the at least one of the medial and lateral sides of a knee to expose the femur from the side and performing the other steps through the incision from the side of the knee.

73. A method for establishing a position reference datum on a distal portion of a femur having a distal end, an anterior surface, a posterior surface, a medial side surface, a lateral side surface, posterior condyles, a femoral axis, and anatomic landmarks, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a guide having a base and a pin guide mounted for rotation and translation relative to the base;

placing the base against the distal end of said femur;

rotating the pin guide relative to the base to a desired rotation angle;

translating the pin guide relative to the base to a desired A/P position; and

inserting at least one pin into said femur with the pin guide, the at least on pin fixing the rotation angle and A/P position for future reference.

74. The method ofclaim 73 wherein the step of inserting at least one pin comprises inserting at least two pins.

75. The method ofclaim 73 further comprising the steps of:

mounting a cut guide on the pin to orient the cut guide at the desired rotation angle and A/P position; and

guiding a cutter with the cut guide to make anterior, posterior and chamfer cuts on the distal femur.

76. The method ofclaim 75 further comprising the steps of:

making an incision on one of the medial and lateral sides of the knee to expose the femur from the side; and

performing the other steps through the incision from the side of the knee.

77. An apparatus for guiding a cutter to cut a femur having a datum established on it, the datum fixing a desired external rotation and A/P position, the apparatus comprising:

a cut guide for guiding a cutter to cut said femur; and

means for engaging said datum to orient the cut guide to guide a cutter to cut said femur at said desired external rotation and A/P position.

78. The apparatus ofclaim 77 wherein the cut guide comprises a saw blade guide.

79. The apparatus ofclaim 78 wherein the saw blade guide includes slots for guiding a saw blade to form anterior, posterior, and chamfer cuts on said femur.

80. The apparatus ofclaim 79 wherein the guide includes a side portion and a distal portion, the slots sweeping from the side portion to the distal portion to allow cutting from the side and distally.

81. The apparatus ofclaim 77 wherein the means for engaging said datum comprises a hole formed in the cut guide.

82. A guide for guiding a cutter to cut a profile on a distal femur, the femur having at least one pin inserted into the side of the femur fixing a desired external rotation and A/P position, the guide comprising:

a distal portion having inner and outer distal surfaces;

a side portion having inner and outer side surfaces with at least one hole extending through the side from the inner to the outer side surface for receiving said at least one pin to set the guide at said desired external rotation and A/P position; and

a cut guide for guiding a cutter to cut said femur at said desired external rotation and A/P position.

83. The guide ofclaim 82 wherein the cut guide comprises a saw guide slot.

84. The guide ofclaim 83 wherein the saw guide slot sweeps from the side portion to the distal portion.

85. The guide ofclaim 82 wherein the distal portion further comprising an opening for visualizing the distal end of the femur.

86. The guide ofclaim 82 wherein the at least one hole is slotted so that the guide can slide between a proximal position and a distal position on the pin to permit the inner, distal guide surface to be positioned in contact with said distal femur.

87. The guide ofclaim 86 further comprising a distal fixation hole to receive a fastener to fix the guide in a position with the inner, distal guide surface in contact with said distal femur.

88. A method for cutting a distal portion of a femur having an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a femoral axis, the method comprising the steps of:

determining a desired rotation angle relative to the femoral axis;

determining a desired A/P position between the anterior and posterior surfaces of the femur;

creating a datum on the distal femur that records the rotation angle and A/P position;

referencing the datum with a cut guide to orient the cut guide relative to the rotation angle and A/P position; and

guiding a cutter with the cut guide to cut the femur.

89. The method ofclaim 88 wherein the cut guide comprises a saw guide slot and the step of guiding a cutter comprises guiding a saw blade.

90. The method ofclaim 89 wherein the saw guide slot sweeps from a side portion to distal portion and further comprising the step of guiding a saw blade through the slot from the side and moving the saw blade through the swept slot to guide the saw blade through the slot distally.

91. The method ofclaim 88 wherein the cut guide further includes window for viewing the distal end of the femur and further comprising the step of viewing the cutting of the distal end of the femur through the window.

92. The method ofclaim 88 wherein the datum is a pin and the cut guide has a hole for receiving the pin, the method further comprising the step of engaging the pin with the hole to position the cut guide.

93. The method ofclaim 92 wherein the hole comprises an elongated slot to permit the cut guide to slide proximally and distally on the pin, the method further comprising sliding the cut guide proximally on the pin until it abuts the distal femur.

94. The method ofclaim 93 wherein the cut guide further comprises a distal fixation hole, the method further comprising the step of inserting a fastener through the fixation hole to hold the cut guide against the distal femur.

95. The method ofclaim 88 further comprising the steps of:

making an incision on at least one of the medial and lateral sides of a knee to expose the femur from the side; and

performing the other steps through the incision from the side of the knee.

96. A cut guide for a femur having an anterior side, a posterior side, a proximal end, and a distal end, the cut guide comprising:

an anterior body portion having an outer anterior surface, an inner anterior surface, and an anterior cut guide surface;

a distal body portion having an outer distal surface, an inner distal surface, and a distal cut guide surface, the distal body portion extending from the anterior body portion at an angle, the distal cut guide surface being aligned with the anterior cut guide surface; and

a cutter guidable from the distal cut guide surface to the anterior cut guide surface to cut the anterodistal aspect of said femur along an angle from posterior and distal to anterior and proximal.

97. The cut guide ofclaim 96 wherein the anterior cut guide surface comprises an anterior chisel guide and the posterior cut guide surface comprises a posterior chisel guide and the cutter comprises a chisel.

98. The cut guide ofclaim 97 wherein the anterior chisel guide comprises a slot extending from the outer anterior surface to the inner anterior surface, the distal chisel guide comprises a slot extending from the outer distal surface to the inner distal surface and the chisel comprises a cross sectional shape matching the anterior and distal chisel slots so that the chisel is insertable through the chisel slots from the distal chisel slot to the anterior chisel slot.

99. The cut guide ofclaim 98 wherein the slots are three sided and the chisel comprises a corresponding three sided shape.

100. The cut guide ofclaim 99 further comprising at least one distal drill guide hole formed through the distal body portion from the outer distal surface to the inner distal surface to guide a drill to form at least one hole in the distal end of the femur at a predetermined location relative to the slots.

101. The cut guide ofclaim 97 further comprising medial and lateral articular condyles having articulating surfaces formed thereon permitting trial fitting of the cut guide to simulate the fit of a corresponding femoral implant relative to the tibia.

102. The cut guide ofclaim 101 further comprising a patellar articular surface formed thereon permitting trial fitting of the cut guide to simulate the fit of a corresponding femoral implant relative to the patella.

103. The cut guide ofclaim 97 further comprising an inner box profile corresponding to the inner box profile of a femoral implant.

104. A method for cutting the anterodistal aspect of a femur having an anterior side, a posterior side, a proximal end, and a distal end, the method comprising the steps of:

mounting a cut guide on the femur, the cut guide having a chisel guide; and

guiding a chisel with the chisel guide to cut the anterodistal aspect of the femur along an angle from posterior and distal to anterior and proximal.

105. The method ofclaim 104 wherein the chisel guide comprises an anterior chisel slot and a distal chisel slot and the chisel comprises a cross sectional shape matching the anterior and distal chisel slots, the method further comprising the step of inserting the chisel through the slots from the distal chisel slot to the anterior chisel slot.

106. The method ofclaim 105 wherein the cut guide further comprises at least one drill guide hole, the method further comprising the step of guiding a drill with the at least one drill guide hole to drill a hole in the distal end of the femur at a predetermined location relative to the slots.

107. The method ofclaim 104 wherein the cut guide further comprises medial and lateral articular condyles having articulating surfaces formed thereon, the method further comprising the step of performing a trial fitting of the cut guide on the femur and articulating it relative to the tibia to simulate the fit of a corresponding femoral implant relative to the tibia, before the step of guiding a chisel to cut the femur.

108. The method ofclaim 104 wherein the cut guide further comprises a patellar articular surface formed thereon, the method further comprising the step of performing a trial fitting of the cut guide on the femur and articulating it relative to the patella to simulate the fit of a corresponding femoral implant relative to the patella, before the step of guiding a chisel to cut the femur.

109. The method ofclaim 104 further comprising the steps of first making an incision on one of the medial and lateral sides of the knee joint to expose the femur from the side and performing the other steps through the incision from the side of the knee.

110. The method ofclaim 104 further comprising the steps of providing a femoral notch guide comprising a notch cut guide and a protrusion for engaging the cut in the anterodistal aspect of the femur, engaging the protrusion with the cut in the anterodistal aspect of the femur to align the femoral notch cut guide, and guiding a cutter with the notch cut guide to cut a notch in the femur.

111. The method ofclaim 106 further comprising the steps of providing a femoral notch guide comprising a notch cut guide and at least one protrusion for engaging the at least one hole drilled in the distal end of the femur, engaging the protrusion with the hole in the distal end of the femur to align the femoral notch cut guide, and guiding a cutter with the notch cut guide to cut a notch in the femur.

112. A method of total knee arthroplasty comprising the steps of:

making an incision on at least one of the medial and lateral sides of a knee to expose the knee joint from the side;

placing a patella cut guide adjacent the patella;

guiding a cutter with the patella cut guide through the incision to cut the patella from the side of the knee;

placing a femoral cut guide adjacent the femur;

guiding a cutter with the femoral cut guide through the incision to cut the femur from the side of the knee;

placing a tibial cut guide adjacent the tibia; and

guiding a cutter with the tibial cut guide through the incision to cut the tibia from the side of the knee.

113. The method ofclaim 112 wherein the step of cutting the femur comprises cutting the distal end of the femur and wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

establishing a datum on the femur engageable from the side of the knee to fix the desired external rotation and anteroposterior position of subsequent bone cuts;

engaging the datum with a cut guide to orient the cut guide in the desired external rotation and anteroposterior position; and

cutting the distal femur profile from the side of the knee.

114. The method ofclaim 112 wherein the step of cutting the patella further comprises cutting the patella while maintaining the patella in its normal anteroposterior orientation relative to the femur.

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