Intramedullary alignment guide
US5688281A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/155
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intramedullary alignment guide and method for use thereof are disclosed for accurately preparing and shaping the distal femur end surface to receive a knee prosthesis for securement thereto. The guide references the femur intramedullary canal to ensure that a distal femoral resector is properly positioned at a selected angle with respect to a patient's mechanical axis. In the preferred embodiment, the intramedullary alignment guide includes an opening for inserting an intramedullary rod therethrough and into the intramedullary canal of a patient. The present guide includes an adjustment mechanism which allows a surgeon to quickly and easily deflect an attached distal femoral resector into a desired angular displacement with respect to intramedullary canal. In accordance with the preferred method, the distal femoral resector angled with respect to the intramedullary canal so that a cut can be made in a patient's distal femur end which is perpendicular with the patient's mechanical axis. The present guide can be used on patients having various anatomies, and in operations involving both the right and left legs. A sighting tool is also disclosed which allows a surgeon to externally…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.