Method and apparatus for achieving correct limb alignment in unicondylar knee arthroplasty
US7094241B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B17/157
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for correcting limb alignment in a unicondylar knee arthroplasty and linking the distal femoral cut and the proximal tibial cut. Alignment rods are connected to a spacing apparatus to facilitate correction of limb alignment. The alignment rods are positioned along the mechanical axis of the femur and the tibia and the knee joint is positioned to correct alignment. A spacing apparatus is positioned in the relevant knee compartment and utilized to hold the knee in position to correct limb alignment. The spacing apparatus includes a femoral cut slot through which the distal femoral cut is made and further includes tibial affixment apertures through which a headless securing device can be positioned to secure the spacing apparatus to the tibia. After the distal femoral resection is complete, the spacing apparatus is removed, with the headless securing devices remaining positioned in the tibia. The headless securing devices are used as a reference for securing a tibial cut block to the tibia for making the proximal tibial resection. With the mechanism of the present invention, the knee can be placed in flexion when making the proximal tibial cut and the distal fem…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.