Method and apparatus for resecting a distal femur and a proximal tibia in preparation for implanting a partial knee prosthesis

US6632225B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Zimmer, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Adam H. Sanford · Los Angeles, US
• Toby N. Farling · Warsaw, US
• Robert A. Hodorek · Warsaw, US
• Mark A. Price · Caldwell, US
• Paul L. Saenger · Asheville, US
• Richard V. Williamson · Anacortes, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 20, 2001
• Grant date: Oct 14, 2003
• Expiry date: Jun 20, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/3895
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method of resecting a proximal tibia and distal femur for implanting a partial knee prosthesis uses a resecting kit which includes multiple spacers, each of which has a different spacing dimension. A surgeon selects the appropriate spacer with the amount of correction desired to align the patient's leg and installs the spacer with the spacing dimension between the distal femur and proximal tibia which is to receive the partial knee prosthesis. The spacers have projecting stems, upon which a resector is installed. The resector is then aligned with the axis selected by the surgeon according to known methods, and is pinned to the femur and proximal tibia. A distal femoral cut is then made in the femur after which the resector is removed while leaving at least two of the pins in place, the pins being headless pins. A second resector is then installed on the pins to effect the required cut of the tibia. Additional cuts are made in the femur according to known procedures, and the femoral and tibial prostheses are then installed, according to known procedures.