Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
  • A61F2/30—Joints
  • A61F2/46—Special tools for implanting artificial joints
  • A61F2/4603—Special tools for implanting artificial joints for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof
  • A61F2/4609—Special tools for implanting artificial joints for insertion or extraction of endoprosthetic joints or of accessories thereof of acetabular cups
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
  • A61F2/30—Joints
  • A61F2/46—Special tools for implanting artificial joints
  • A61F2/4657—Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
  • A61F2/30—Joints
  • A61F2/46—Special tools for implanting artificial joints
  • A61F2/4657—Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints
  • A61F2002/4668—Measuring instruments used for implanting artificial joints for measuring angles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
  • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
  • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
  • A61F2/30—Joints
  • A61F2/46—Special tools for implanting artificial joints
  • A61F2002/4687—Mechanical guides for implantation instruments

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an alignment guide.
• the present invention relates to an alignment guide for aligning an instrument, more particularly an alignment guide for use in a surgical procedure to implant a hip cup.
• Hip replacement surgery typically is performed to compensate for severe damage of the acetabulum due to disease, trauma or other factors, and includes the steps of removing all or part of the existing joint and substituting for the removed bone a femoral component attached to the patient's femur and an acetabular cup attached to the patient's acetabulum.
• the prosthetic acetabular cup is implanted to substitute for the socket of the hip joint, and is mated with a prosthetic femoral component to complete the hip
• the acetabular cup In order to achieve optimal performance of the combined acetabular and femoral prostheses, the acetabular cup must be properly positioned in the acetabulum. An improperly positioned acetabular component can lead to dislocations of the hip joint, decreased range of motion, and eventual loosening or failure of one or both of the acetabular and femoral components.
• Acetabular cups may be formed of a metal, ceramic or plastic. Incorrect acetabular component positioning can lead to edge loading and undesirable effects across bearings composed of any material, such as dislocation, increased wear, ceramic squeaking, elevated metal ion release and fractures. Studies of post-operative cup placement demonstrate that seating the cup in particular orientations provides for improved wear patterns compared with seating the cup in other orientations. For example, a study by Langton et al., entitled "The Effect of Component Size and Orientation on the
• the patient In preparation for surgery, the patient is x-rayed in the same two planes as those provided for in the post-operative studies. The surgeon then uses the x-rays as a means of preliminarily planning the size of the acetabular and femoral prostheses and the position of each when surgery is complete. During surgery, the surgeon uses a reamer to remove bone to form a hemispherical shape in the acetabulum. The reamed acetabulum enables a nearly unlimited number of angular cup positions as the cup may be seated at any angle within the hemisphere.
• the surgeon attaches the cup to an inserter/impactor and attempts to position the cup in a way that approximates the planned-for angles in the pre-operative plan.
• Figure 1 depicts the difference in the projection of angles seen from different views. For example, 45 ° of inclination and 30° of anteversion achieved in the operative environment will provide a steeper inclination angle of 50° when displayed on an A/P radiograph. To achieve a position that will provide a 45 ° inclination angle on the A/P radiograph, the surgeon must adjust the operative inclination angle. Thus, to succeed in positioning the cup at a desired angle, the surgeon needs to translate the information from the post-operative studies generated in two dimensions at a first viewing angle into data that is useful when in the operating theatre, where the surgeon operates in three dimensions and observes the patient at a viewing angle that is not the viewing angle provided in an A/P radiograph.
• Inclination and version guides are widely used during total hip arthroplasty to assist in aligning the acetabular cup.
• Separate guides may be provided for inclination and version angle.
• a combined guide may be provided.
• One known form of combined alignment guide enables the position of the acetabular cup to be set at an angle relative to the floor of the operating room and the long axis of the patient.
• Such an alignment guide (that provides a measure of operative angles to position the cup inserter in surgery) does not directly represent what the surgeon will see post-operatively on an A/P radiograph. As discussed earlier, all of the clinical analysis on cup wear has been based on post-operative measurements.
• the surgeon aims to position the cup to match as closely as possible the desired position as shown in a post- operative radiograph of the cup.
• the disadvantage of using operative angles in surgery is that, as you vary operative anteversion, the radiographic inclination angle of the cup changes.
• the present invention provides an alignment guide that accounts for changes in inclination when the user adjusts the version angle so as to more accurately position the cup inserter in surgery. Further, an embodiment of the alignment guide can be designed such that adjustment of inclination and version angles are made independently of each other. One embodiment of the alignment guide uses a spirit level to indicate when the alignment guide is positioned at a predetermined inclination and/or version angle.
• an alignment guide that includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis; a housing attached to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; a guide arm that extends from the housing at a predetermined angle along a second axis; and a spirit level connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.
• a method of using the alignment guide to position a cup or trial in a patient's acetabulum is for aligning an alignment guide relative to a reamed acetabulum of a patient having a long axis positioned on an operating table, and includes the steps of:
• an alignment guide comprising a shaft having a distal end and a longitudinal axis, a guide arm rotatably attached to the shaft about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a spirit level attached to the guide arm, the spirit level including a container having a liquid, a bubble disposed within the container, and at least one indicator marking on the container;
• Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating the operative and A/P radiographic viewing angles of a patient lying in a lateral decubitus position ready for surgery.
• Figure 2 is a side elevational view of an alignment guide.
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of the alignment guide shown in Figure 2.
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of the alignment guide shown in Figure 2, with the guide arm is shown separated from the shaft.
• Figure 5 is a side elevational view of another alignment guide.
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further alignment guide.
• Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the alignment guide of Figure 6 taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 6.
• Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the alignment guide of Figure 6.
• Figure 9 is an partially exploded perspective view of the alignment guide of Figure 6, having ratchet springs and pins omitted for clarity.
• Figures 10A and 10B are, respectively, top and bottom plan views of the alignment guide of Figure 6 at a first position, wherein the guide arm is co-planar with the shaft.
• Figures 11A, 1 IB and 11C are, respectively, a top plan, bottom plan and perspective view of the alignment guide of Figure 6 at a second position, wherein the guide arm is not co-planar with the shaft.
• Figures 12 A, 13A and 14A illustrate side elevational views of steps of a first method of using one of the first, second or third alignment guides shown in the previous drawings on a patient lying in a left lateral decubitus position.
• Figures 12B, 13B and 14B illustrate plan views of the steps illustrated in Figs. 12 A, 13A and 14 A, respectively.
• Figure 14C illustrates a perspective plan view of the step illustrated in 14A
• Figures 15 A, 16A and 17A illustrate side elevational views of steps of a second method of using one of the first, second or third alignment guides shown in the previous drawings on a patient lying in a dorsal decubitus position.
• Figures 15B, 16B and 17B illustrate plan views of the steps illustrated in Figs. 15 A, 16A and 17A, respectively.
• Figure 17C illustrates a perspective plan view of the step illustrated in 17A
• Figure 18 is a perspective view of an alignment guide that includes two spirit levels.
• Figure 19 is a perspective view of an alignment guide that includes a bulls-eye type spirit level.
• Figure 20A illustrates the side elevational view of a fourth method using the alignment guide shown in Figure 18 on a patient lying in a left lateral decubitus position.
• Figures 20B and 20C illustrate plan views of additional steps of the fourth method.
• Figures 21A-21D illustrate plan views of the position of the bubbles in the spirit level of the alignment guide shown in Figure 18 when the guide is positioned at different inclination and version angles according to the fourth method.
• Figure 22A illustrates the side elevational view of a fifth method using the alignment guide shown in Figure 19 on a patient lying in a left lateral decubitus position
• Figures 22B and 22C illustrate plan views of additional steps of the fifth method using the alignment guide shown in Figure 19.
• Figures 23A-23D illustrate plan views of the position of the bubbles in the spirit level of the alignment guide shown in Figure 18 when the guide is positioned at different inclination and version angles according to the fourth method.
• Alignment guide 20 includes a shaft 21 having a longitudinal axis A and a guide arm, generally referenced as reference numeral 30, releasably attached to shaft 21.
• Alignment guide 20 may be attached to a cup or trial 40 at distal end 22 of shaft 21.
• Alignment guide 20 may include a handle 24 attached at proximal end 23 of shaft 21.
• Guide arm 30 may be attached to shaft 21 such that shaft 21 and guide arm 30 are co-planar in a first position.
• Guide arm 30 is preferably configured such that guide arm 30 may be detached from shaft 21, rotated to a second position about a first axis B substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A at which position guide arm 30 is out of plane with shaft 21, and then re-attached to shaft 21.
• guide arm 30 may be spring biased with respect to shaft 21 such that a user could apply a force to overcome the spring bias to separate guide arm from shaft 21 to rotate guide arm 30 and shaft 21 with respect to one another.
• Guide arm 30 includes a first portion 32, a second portion 34 and a third portion 36.
• first portion 32, second portion 34 and third portion 36 of guide arm 30 are co-planar.
• First portion 32 is attachable to shaft 21 and is rotatable about a first axis B that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
• Second portion 34 may be attached at the distal end of first portion 32 or at some point along the length of first portion 32.
• Second portion 34 extends from first portion 32 at a first predetermined angle a along a second axis C.
• first predetermined angle a ranges from 30 to 50°, and more preferably approximately 40°.
• the distal end of first portion 32 transitions smoothly to second portion 34 at transition 33.
• Third portion 36 may be attached at the distal end of second portion 34 or at some point along the length of first portion 34.
• the distal end of second portion 34 transitions smoothly to third portion 36 at transition 35.
• Third portion 36 extends from second portion 34 at a second predetermined angle ⁇ along a third axis D.
• second predetermined angle ⁇ is approximately 90°.
• Shaft 21 may include a base 27 that extends from a surface of shaft 21 in a direction generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. It is understood that base 27 can be formed in shaft 21 or be a separate component that is attached to shaft 21, in which case base 27 may be glued or welded to shaft 21, for example.
• base 27 has a first recess 28 and at least two slots 29a, 29b.
• first portion 32 of guide arm 30 includes a cover 37 that has a protrusion 38 sized and shaped to be at least partially received within recess 28, and a tab 39 sized and shaped to be at least partially received within each of the at least two slots 29a, 29b.
• cover 37 and base 27 are configured to be attached to one another in more than one orientation.
• Cover 37 can be detached from base 27 and mated with base 27 such that protrusion 38 is disposed within recess 28 and tab 39 is disposed within slot 29a. If the surgeon chooses, cover 37 can be detached from base 27, rotated with respect to axis B, and then mated with base 27 such that protrusion 38 is disposed within recess 28 and tab 39 is disposed within slot 29b.
• Base 27 can be cylindrical in shape and first recess 28 can be located centrally to facilitate rotation of guide arm 30.
• Protrusion 38 can extend further from cover 37 than tab 39 such that at least a portion of protrusion 38 is disposed within recess 28 when the user disengages tab 39 from slots 29a, 29b to facilitate rotation and the mating of recesses and tabs.
• base 27 could include a plurality of slots 29 that are spaced apart at predetermined intervals such that guide arm 30 can be rotated about axis B with respect to shaft 21 at known angular increments.
• guide arm 30 may be attached to shaft 21 in a position where guide arm 30 is coplanar with longitudinal axis A of shaft 21 or out of plane with respect to shaft 21 by the angular increment that guide arm 30 was rotated with respect to shaft 21.
• up to fifteen slots could be provided at increments of 3 to 10°, but most preferably 5 ° increments.
• base 27 and cover 37 can be configured to attach in other ways.
• base 27 can have a protrusion that extends from an upper surface that is configured to be received in a recess in cover 37.
• base 27 can include a tab that extends upwardly that is configured to be received within slots formed in cover 37.
• cover 37 and base 27 can have a combination of tabs and slots, and/or protrusions and recesses that enable a user to attach cover 37 and base 27 to one another at two or more positions.
• the tab and slot features could be located on the perimeter of base 27 and cover 37 and/or could communicate with the perimeter of base 27 and cover 37 and/or be located within the perimeter of the body of one or the other or both base 27 and cover 37.
• Protrusion 38 may be spring biased with respect to base 27 by attaching a spring (not shown) to protrusion 38 (or cover 37) and base 27. In this way, a user could apply a force to overcome the spring bias to separate cover 37 from base 27 a distance that disengages tab 39 from slots 29 and permits cover 37 to be rotated with respect to base 27.
• shaft 21 may be attachable directly to cup or trial 40 or attachable to a separate component that is itself attachable to cup or trial 40.
• the separate component need not be aligned with longitudinal axis A along its entire length, but preferably attaches to cup or trial 40 at a point that is collinear with longitudinal axis A or at least parallel to longitudinal axis A.
• shaft 21 may be a short shaft that is attachable to an inserter shaft that is attachable to cup or trial 40.
• shaft 21 may have a proximal portion that defines longitudinal axis A and a distal portion that is curved and/or has at least two lengths that are not parallel to longitudinal axis A.
• Alignment guide 120 includes a shaft 121 having a longitudinal axis A, and a guide arm, generally indicated as reference numeral 130, releasably attached to shaft 121.
• Alignment guide 120 may be attached to a cup or trial 140 at distal end 122 of shaft 121.
• Alignment guide 120 may include a handle 124 attached at proximal end 123 of shaft 121.
• Guide arm 130 may be attached to shaft 121 such that shaft 121 and guide arm 130 are co- planar in a first position.
• Guide arm 130 is preferably configured such that guide arm 130 may be rotated to a second position about a first axis B substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A at which position guide arm 130 is out of plane with shaft 121.
• Guide arm 130 includes a housing 132 that is attached to shaft 121, a first portion 134 attached to housing 132, and a second portion 136 attached to first portionl34.
• Housing 132 includes a base 127 attached to shaft 121, and a cover 137 rotatable relative to base 127 about first axis B.
• First portion 134 extends from housing 132 along a second axis C at a first predetermined angle a.
• Second portion 136 extends from first portion 134 at a second predetermined angle ⁇ .
• second predetermined angle ⁇ is approximately 90°.
• first portion 34 may be attached at the distal end of housing 132 or at some point along the length of housing 132.
• First portion 134 may attach directly to housing 132 or attach to housing 132 via a linking portion 133 that transitions from first portion 134 to housing 132.
• Linking portion 133 may transition from axis C to axis B along a straight or curved line.
• Second portion 136 may be attached at the distal end of first portion 134 or at some point along the length of first portion 134. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of first portion 134 transitions smoothly to second portion 136 at transition 135.
• Base 127 and cover 137 may be configured to be lockable with respect to one another.
• base 127 extends from a surface of shaft 121 in a direction generally perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
• Base 127 can be formed in shaft 121 or be a separate component that is attached to shaft 121.
• Base 127 may be glued or welded to shaft 21, for example.
• cover 137 and base 127 may have a combination of features, such as slots/recesses and protrusions/tab, to permit cover 137 and base 127 to be attached to one another at different angular positions relative to longitudinal axis A. It is understood that each of the different combinations of mating features described with respect to the first embodiment may be employed to attach or mate cover 137 and base 127.
• guide arm 130 may be attached to shaft 21 in a position where guide arm 30 is coplanar with longitudinal axis A of shaft 121 or out of plane with respect to longitudinal axis A of shaft 21 by the angular increment that guide arm 30 was rotated with respect to shaft 21.
• the angular increments can be provided in known increments of, for instance, 3 to 10°, but most preferably 5 ° increments.
• Alignment guide 220 includes a shaft 221 having a longitudinal axis A, and a guide arm, generally indicated as reference numeral 230, releasably attached and rotatably attached to shaft 221.
• Alignment guide 220 may be attached to a cup or trial (not shown) at distal end 222 of shaft 221.
• Alignment guide 120 may include a handle 224 attached at proximal end 223 of shaft 221.
• Guide arm 230 may be attached to shaft 221 such that shaft 221 and guide arm 230 are co-planar in a first position.
• Guide arm 230 is preferably configured such that guide arm 230 may be rotated to a second position about a first axis B substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A at which position guide arm 230 is out of plane with shaft 221.
• guide arm 230 is rotatable in angular increments with respect to shaft 221.
• the angular increments can be provided in known increments of, for instance, 3 to 10°, but most preferably 5 ° increments.
• Guide arm 230 includes a first portion 232, a second portion 234 and a third portion 236.
• Second portion 234 may be attached at the distal end of first portion 232 or at some point along the length of first portion 232. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of first portion 232 transitions smoothly to second portion 234.
• Third portion 236 may be attached at the distal end of second portion 234 or at some point along the length of first portion 234. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of second portion 234 transitions smoothly to third portion 236.
• Second portion 234 extends from first portion 232 at a first predetermined angle a along a second axis C. In a preferred embodiment, first predetermined angle a ranges from 30 to 50°, and more preferably approximately 40°.
• Third portion 236 extends from second portion 234 at a second predetermined angle ⁇ along a third axis D. In a preferred embodiment, second predetermined angle ⁇ is approximately 90°.
• the third embodiment differs from the first two embodiments in that the mechanisms for detachably attaching guide arm 230 to shaft 221 and rotating guide arm 230 with respect to shaft 221 are more complex.
• guide arm 230 is attached to a clip 250 which is adapted to be releasably attached to a housing 240, which in turn is attached to shaft 221.
• Housing 240 includes a base 227 attached to shaft 221 and a cap 241 attached to an upper portion of base 227.
• a bezel 237 is rotatably attached to base 227 about a first axis B, which is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
• Bezel 237 is preferably captured within housing 240 between base 227 and cap 241, and is configured to be rotatable with respect to base 127 and lockable with respect to base 127 at discrete positions.
• Base 227 of housing 240 is mounted or attached to shaft 221.
• shaft 221 is circular in cross-section (though shaft 221 may have any cross-sectional shape), and includes a platform 260 formed on a proximal portion of shaft 221.
• Platform 260 preferably has a generally rectilinear cross-section and one side that is flat so as to more readily attach base 227 to that side.
• Base 227 may be attached to platform 260 (or directly to shaft 221) in any manner known to one skilled in the art, but one in which permits no relative movement between base 227 and shaft 221. For example, depending upon the material of base 227, it may be glued or welded to platform 260.
• base 227 includes a ring 227a that has an inner surface with teeth 227b formed thereon over at least a segment of the inner surface.
• Ring 227a is preferably centred on first axis B.
• teeth 227b are formed on a lower portion of the inner surface of ring 227a.
• Ring 227a includes a first portion 227c and a second portion 227d of increased height as measured from the platform 261.
• the first portion 227c and second portion 227d preferably are opposed from one another and extend approximately between 60 and 110° about base 227, but most preferably approximately 90°.
• Cap 241 is attached to first portion 227c and second portion 227d such that windows 228 are formed between cap 241 and ring 227a.
• the windows extend over at least that portion of ring 227a that includes teeth 227b.
• Ring 227a also includes a shoulder 227e formed above teeth 227b about the inner circumference of ring 227a.
• bezel 237 is rotatably attached to base 227 about first axis B.
• Bezel 237 has two opposed arcuate portions 237a connected by a central bar 237b. The arcuate portions each have a lower surface 237e dimensioned to contact shoulder 227e of base 227, and an outer arcuate surface 237c dimensioned to contact the inner surface of first and second portions 227c, 227d.
• Arcuate portions 237a each may have a reduced diameter portion 237d that together with outer surface 237c form a shoulder 237f. Shoulder 237f thus provides clearance for cap 241 to be attached to first portion 227c and second portion 227d and permits bezel 237 to freely rotate between cap 241 and base 227.
• cap 241 preferably has an opening to permit clip 250 to extend through cap 241 and be releasably attached to bezel 237.
• Bezel 237 may have one or more guideholes 237g in a top surface to guide the user when clip 250 is attached to bezel 237.
• guideholes 237g are configured to permit clip 250 to attach to bezel only in a single orientation.
• Housing 240 is configured to receive therein a first male ratchet member 270 and a second male ratchet member 271.
• Male ratchet members 270, 271 are captured within base 227 and cap 241 so as to be rotatable with respect to the base 227 within window 228.
• First male ratchet member 270 has a first opening 270a and a second opening 270b, spaced apart from first opening 270a, formed in an inner surface of first male ratchet member 270.
• second male ratchet member 271 has a first opening 271a and a second opening 271b, spaced apart from first opening 271a, formed in an inner surface of second male ratchet member 271.
• One of the male ratchet member 270 and second male ratchet member 271 is configured to receive a first end of a first ratchet pin 272 and a second ratchet pin 273 in openings 270a, 270b or 271a, 271b.
• the other of the male ratchet member 270 and second male ratchet member 271 is configured to receive one end each of a pair of ratchet springs 274 in openings 270a, 270b or 271a, 271b.
• the other end of ratchet springs 274 are received on the second end of first ratchet pin 272 and a second ratchet pin 273.
• Ratchet pins 270, 271 are attached to bezel 237.
• first male ratchet member 270 and second male ratchet member 271 each have an inner portion 270c, 271c and an outer portion 270d, 27 Id and an arm 270e, 27 le connect that connects the inner portions to the outer portions.
• Arms 270e, 27 le are dimensioned to extend through window 228 formed between base 227 and cap 241, and accommodate the thickness of ring 227a.
• Each outer portion 270d, 27 Id extends substantially perpendicularly from the arm and has a height that is greater than the height of window 228.
• Each outer portion 270d, 27 Id has an outer grip surface 270h, 27 lh and an inner surface 270f, 27 If that preferably is shaped such that as the respective ratchet member is moved about the base and cap, inner surfaces 270f, 27 If are not impeded by the base or cap.
• the inner surface of the outer portions are arcuate and defines an arc of a circle that is slightly larger than that defined by the base or cap.
• Inner portions 270c, 271c of ratchet members 270, 271 are configured to closely mate with bezel 237 when ratchet members 270c, 271c are assembled within housing 240 such that when the ratchet members are rotated, bezel 237 also rotates.
• Ratchet members 270, 271 are formed with at least one ratchet tooth 270g, 27 lg (see Figure 10A) on the respective outer surfaces of the inner portions 270c, 271c.
• Each of the ratchet teeth 270g, 27 lg are disposed between inner portions 270c, 271c and outer portions the 270d, 27 Id and below arms 270c, 271c.
• Ratchet teeth 270g, 27 lg are shaped to engage the teeth 227b of base 227 or the space defined between them.
• ratchet teeth 270g, 27 lg of male ratchet members 270, 271 are spring biased to engage teeth 227b of base 227.
• a user may impart a compressive force on the opposed grip surfaces 270h, 27 lh of ratchet members, which acts against springs 274, which serves to reduce the distance between the distal end of ratchet teeth 270g, 27 lg such that ratchet teeth 270c, 271c disengage from base teeth 227b.
• each base tooth is spaced apart from a next tooth by approximately 3 to 10°, but most preferably 5 °.
• cap 241 may have indicia printed thereon to indicate the amount of anteversion guide arm 230 will provide when bezel 237 is rotated relative to base 227 and shaft 221.
• the indicia would include a "0" marking aligned with longitudinal axis A, and have tick or numeric markings indicating the degree of anteversion on either side of the "0" marking provided when guide arm 230 is rotated in either direction.
• Alignment guide 220 is designed to be used on either the left or right leg.
• the measurement of anteversion depends on which leg the alignment guide is being used.
• clip 250 serves to releasably attach guide arm 230 to housing 240 and more particularly, bezel 237.
• guide arm 230 serves to releasably attach guide arm 230 to housing 240 and more particularly, bezel 237.
• clip 250 includes a locking plate 251, a post 252 extending from a top surface thereof, and at least two stakes 25 la extending from a bottom surface thereof. Stakes 25 la are dimensioned and spaced such that they may be received within guideholes 237g of bezel 237.
• one of stakes 25 la is configured to mate with a first guidehole 237g and the other of stakes 251a is configured to mate with a second guidehole 237g such that plate 251 mates with bezel 237 in only one orientation.
• mating components 251a and 237g are configured such that each of the two different stakes 251a is shaped and/or sized to fit in only one of each of the two different guideholes 237g.
• locking plate 251 can include an indicator on a top surface that points to the tick or numeric markings on cap 241 when clip 250 is assembled with bezel 237.
• Post 252 includes a lower portion 252a that extends from a top surface of locking plate 251 and a upper portion 252b that extends from lower portion 252a.
• a shoulder 252c is formed where the cross-sectional dimension of upper portion 252b steps down from the cross-sectional dimension of lower portion 252a.
• At least a portion of lower portion 252a is threaded to receive a lock nut 254.
• a lock-nut spring 255 is disposed about upper portion 252b between lock nut 254 and a spring cap 256.
• Spring cap 256 has a centrally located bore for receiving the distal end of first portion 232 of guide arm 230.
• the bore of spring cap 256 is configured to communicate with a similar bore in upper portion 252b of post 252.
• Each of the bores is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of first portion 232 of guide arm 230.
• Levers 253 each have a pair of ears that are dimensioned to be disposed about one side of post 252.
• Each of the pair of ears has a pinhole that communicates with a throughhole that passes through opposing sides of lower portion 252a when levers 253 are engaged with post 252.
• a pin disposed through the pair of ears of levers 253 and the throughhole of post 252 pivotably connects each of levers 253 to post 252.
• Levers 253 each have a lower lip 253a that engages at least the sides and preferably the underside of central bar 237b when levers 253 are in a first position at which point lock nut 254 is screwed down onto lower portion 252a of post 252.
• lock nut 254 When lock nut 254 is positioned distally on lower portion 252a, lock nut 254 contacts an upper surface of levers 253 to prevent levers 253 from rotating with respect to each other thereby preventing lips 253 a from disengaging from bezel 237.
• Spring lock 255 maintains a force on lock nut 254 to maintain it in the distal most position until the user backs off lock nut 254.
• levers 253 freely pivot about pins 258 so as to permit the user to disengage lips 253a from bezel 237, which in turn permits the user to detach clip 250 (and guide arm 230) from bezel 237 (and shaft 221).
• Figures 10A and 10B depict a detail top plan and bottom plan view of alignment guide 220 in a first position, wherein third portion 236 of guide arm 230 is aligned with the longitudinal axis A of shaft 221.
• guide arm 230 and shaft 221 are co-planar.
• Ratchet teeth 270g, 27 lg mate with base teeth 227b of ring 227a to prevent guide arm 230 from inadvertently moving relative to shaft 221.
• FIGS. 11 A-C depict a detailed top plan, bottom plan and perspective view of alignment guide 220 in a second position, wherein third portion 236 of guide arm 230 is not aligned with the longitudinal axis A of shaft 221.
• Alignment guide 320 includes a shaft 321, having a longitudinal axis A, a guide arm, generally referred to as element 330, which is rotatable with respect to shaft 321, and a spirit level 380 attached to guide arm 330.
• This embodiment differs from the prior embodiments in that it includes spirit level 380, which facilitates the use of the alignment guide by making it easier for the user to visualize when the alignment guide is in the planned orientation. For example, it may be difficult for the surgeon to judge whether the guide arm is aligned with the patient axis while he or she is holding the device. As such, the spirit level provides an additional indicator allowing the surgeon to check the angle without having to alter his or her viewing position.
• alignment guide 320 may be attached to a cup or trial 340 at distal end 322 of shaft 321.
• Alignment guide 320 may include a handle 324 attached at proximal end of shaft 321.
• Guide arm 330 may be attached to shaft 321 such that shaft 321 and guide arm 330 are co-planar in a first position.
• Guide arm 330 is preferably configured such that guide arm 330 may be rotated to a second position about a first axis B, which is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A, at which position guide arm 330 is out of plane with shaft 321.
• Guide arm 330 may be configured to be rotated with respect to shaft 321 using any of the mechanisms described with respect to the prior embodiments described herein.
• guide arm 330 may be configured to be detached and then reattached to shaft 321 at a different angular position.
• guide arm 330 may be attached to shaft 321 via the mechanisms described in connection with the embodiments shown in Figures 6-11.
• Guide arm 330 can include a first portion 332, a second portion 334 and a third portion 336.
• first portion 332, second portion 334 and third portion 336 of guide arm 330 are co-planar.
• First portion 332 is attachable to shaft 321 and is rotatable about a first axis B that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
• first axis B is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
• first portion 332 transitions smoothly to second portion 334, which extends along a second axis C at an angle a with respect to first axis B.
• first predetermined angle a ranges from 30 to 50°, and more preferably approximately 40°.
• Third portion 336 may be attached at the distal end of second portion 334 or at some point along the length of first portion 334. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of second portion 334 transitions smoothly to third portion 336. Third portion 336 extends from second portion 334 at a second predetermined angle ⁇ along a third axis D. In a preferred embodiment, second predetermined angle ⁇ is approximately 90 ° .
• guide arm 330 includes a housing 331 that is attached to shaft 321 on one side and to first portion 332 on an opposite side.
• Housing 331 may, for example, be configured like housing 132 in Figure 5 or housing 240 in Figure 6.
• Housing 331 should in any respect have a stationary part that is attached to the shaft (like base 27 depicted in Figure 4) and a part that rotates with respect to the stationary part (like cover 37 depicted in Figure 4).
• guide arm 330 is rotatable with respect to shaft 321 about first axis B.
• Figure 20B depicts third portion 336 at a rotated (or anteverted) position with respect to shaft 321 to an angle designated as ⁇ .
• Angle ⁇ is typically between 0 and 35 °, and may be adjustable at known angular increments of, for instance 1 to 10°, but most preferably 5 ° increments. As shown in Figure 20B, angle ⁇ is approximately 20°.
• guide arm 330 need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
• spirit level 380 may be interposed between portion 334 and 336 or attached to portion 336 or portion 334.
• Spirit level 380 includes a housing 380a, a first elongate tube 381 and a second elongate tube 382, each at least partially disposed within housing 380a.
• First elongate tube 381 and second elongate tube 382 are preferably made of a clear plastic.
• First elongate tube 381 is aligned with axis D of third portion 336.
• Second elongate tube 382 is oriented perpendicularly to first tube 381.
• Each of first and second tubes 381, 382 contains a liquid within which a bubble is disposed.
• Bubble 386 is disposed or captured within tube 381 and bubble 387 is disposed or captured within tube 382.
• Tubes 381, 382 have markings 388, 389 that indicate when bubbles 386, 387 are centred within tubes 381, 382, whereat the bubbles are at the "zero position".
• a fifth embodiment of the alignment guide is generally referenced as reference numeral 420.
• Alignment guide 420 includes a shaft 421, having a longitudinal axis A, a guide arm, generally referred to as element 430, which is rotatable with respect to shaft 421, and a spirit level 480 attached to guide arm 430.
• This embodiment differs from those embodiments that went before the fourth embodiment in that it includes spirit level 480, which facilitates the use of the alignment guide by making it easier for the user to visualize when the alignment guide is in the planned orientation. For example, it may be difficult for the surgeon to judge whether the guide arm is aligned with the patient axis while he or she is holding the device. As such, the spirit level provides an additional indicator allowing the surgeon to check the angle without having to alter his or her viewing position.
• alignment guide 420 may be attached to a cup or trial 440 at distal end 422 of shaft 421.
• Alignment guide 420 may include a handle 424 attached at proximal end of shaft 421.
• Guide arm 430 may be attached to shaft 421 such that shaft 421 and guide arm 430 are co-planar in a first position.
• Guide arm 430 is preferably configured such that guide arm 430 may be rotated to a second position about a first axis B, which is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A, at which position guide arm 430 is out of plane with shaft 421.
• Guide arm 430 may be configured to be rotated with respect to shaft 421 using any of the mechanisms described with respect to the prior embodiments described herein.
• guide arm 430 may be configured to be detached and then reattached to shaft 421 at a different angular position.
• guide arm 430 may be attached to shaft 421 via the mechanisms described in connection with the embodiments shown in Figures 6-11.
• Guide arm 430 can include a first portion 432, a second portion 434 and a third portion 436.
• first portion 432, second portion 434 and third portion 436 of guide arm 430 are co-planar.
• First portion 432 is attachable to shaft 421 and is rotatable about a first axis B that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
• first axis B is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.
• first portion 432 transitions smoothly to second portion 434, which extends along a second axis C at an angle a with respect to first axis B.
• first predetermined angle a ranges from 30 to 50°, and more preferably approximately 40°.
• Third portion 436 may be attached at the distal end of second portion 434 or at some point along the length of first portion 434. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of second portion 434 transitions smoothly to third portion 436. Third portion 436 extends from second portion 434 at a second predetermined angle ⁇ along a third axis D. In a preferred embodiment, second predetermined angle ⁇ is approximately 90 ° .
• guide arm 430 includes a housing 431 that is attached to shaft 421 on one side and to first portion 432 on an opposite side.
• Housing 431 may, for example, be configured like housing 132 in Figure 5 or housing 240 in Figure 6.
• Housing 431 should in any respect have a stationary part that is attached to the shaft (like base 27 depicted in Figure 4) and a part that rotates with respect to the stationary part (like cover 37 depicted in Figure 4).
• guide arm 430 is rotatable with respect to shaft 421 about first axis B.
• Figure 22B depicts third portion 436 at a rotated (or anteverted) position with respect to shaft 421 to an angle designated as ⁇ .
• Angle ⁇ is typically between 0 and 35 °, and may be adjustable at known angular increments of, for instance 1 to 10°, but most preferably 5 increments. As shown in Figure 22B, angle ⁇ is approximately 20°.
• guide arm 430 need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
• spirit level 480 may be interposed between portion 434 and 436 or attached to portion 436 or portion 434.
• Spirit level 480 includes a housing 480a and a circular container 481 at least partially disposed within housing 480a.
• Container 481 is preferably made of a clear plastic.
• Container 481 contains a liquid within which a bubble 487 is disposed or captured.
• Container 481 preferably has a marking 488 located at a known position, preferably the centre of container 481, that indicates when bubble 486 is at the "zero position".
• marking 488 located at a known position, preferably the centre of container 481, that indicates when bubble 486 is at the "zero position”.
• shaft 321, 421 may be attachable directly to cup or trial or attachable to a separate component that is itself attachable to a cup or trial.
• the separate component need not be aligned with longitudinal axis A along its entire length, but preferably attaches to a cup or trial at a point that is collinear with longitudinal axis A or at least parallel to longitudinal axis A.
• shaft 321,421 may be a short shaft that is attachable to an inserter shaft that is attachable to a cup or trial.
• shaft 421 may have a proximal portion that defines longitudinal axis A and a distal portion that is curved and/or has at least two lengths that are not parallel to longitudinal axis A.
• Alignment guide 220 may be used in a surgical procedure to assist with correctly aligning surgical instruments.
• two methods of using alignment guide 20, 120, 220 are depicted.
• Figures 12-17 are schematic in that they do not show the cup or trial 40 that is attached to shaft 21 of guide 220 as being positioned within the prepared acetabulum, which in practice would be the case. Instead, they show the cup or trial 40 positioned just above the location of the prepared acetabulum.
• the method of using alignment guides are also be used in a surgical procedure to assist with correctly aligning surgical instruments.
• Alignment guide 20, 120, 220 helps to reduce misalignment of the implant and therefore helps to minimize wear of the implant.
• the patient is positioned on the operating table such that the patient is perpendicular to the table. In this way, the patient's pelvis is aligned such that it is vertical and not tilted with respect to the long (sagittal) axis of the body.
• the patient is typically constrained in one of two different ways to minimize movement during surgery.
• Figures 12-14 depict a first method of using alignment guides 20, 120, 220 on a patient lying on his left side in the left lateral decubitus position.
• Figures 15-17 depict a second method of using alignment guides 20, 120, 220 on a patient lying in the prone or dorsal decubitus position.
• the surgeon accesses the joint via a series of incisions and dislocates the femur.
• the surgeon next uses a reamer to remove bone to form a
• the reamed acetabulum enables a nearly unlimited number of angular cup positions as the cup may be seated at any angle within the hemisphere.
• the surgeon seeks to align the cup in a particular orientation so as to mate with the implanted femoral component of the hip system using his or her experience and local landmarks.
• the surgeon attaches the cup or trial 40 to alignment guide 20 at distal end 22 of shaft 21.
• guide arm 30 Prior to positioning the cup or trial, guide arm 30 should be attached to shaft
• Guide arm 230 is attached to shaft 221 by holding back levers 253 and inserting stakes 251a into guideholes 237g such that plate 251 is seated on the top surface of bezel 237.
• lips 253 a engage at least the sides and preferably the underside of central bar 237b.
• lock nut 254 is threaded down onto lower portion 252a of post 252 until the distal surface of lock nut 254 contacts a proximal surface of levers 253, thereby ensuring that levers 253 cannot pivot relative to bar 237b.
• guide arm 230 is secured to shaft 221.
• the trial or acetabular implant 40 can be screwed onto the distal tip of the alignment guide, taking care not to damage the implant or the screw threads.
• the cup should be screwed on until tight against the shoulder in order to prevent damage to the threads and the cup during impaction.
• the user may select the desired anteversion by rotating bezel 237.
• the user presses on the opposed grip surfaces 270h, 27 lh of ratchet members 270, 271, which disengage ratchet teeth 270c, 271c from base teeth 227b.
• the user may rotate bezel 237 freely and the bezel to the desired anteversion.
• Anteversion is most preferably available in 5 ° increments between 0 and 35 °.
• the user needs to take care to ensure that the correct version is used as determined by the hip that is being operated upon; i.e. the left or right hip.
• the desired anteversion is achieved, the user releases grip surfaces 270h, 27 lh to re-engage ratchet teeth 270c, 271c with base teeth 227b.
• Figures 12-14 schematically depict a first method of using one of the first, second or third alignment guides 20, 120, 220 on a patient lying on his left side in a left lateral decubitus position.
• Figure 12A depicts a side elevational view
• Figure 12B depicts the corresponding top plan view of a first step of a preferred method, wherein the user holds the cup or trial 40 in the prepared acetabulum and uses alignment guide 20 to position the cup in a pre-planned orientation.
• the user may modify that orientation depending on how the cup is aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the patient using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks (such as the transverse acetabular ligament, bilateral anterosuperior iliac spines, the acetabular labrum and the upper margin of the pubic symphysis) or other factors specific to the patient.
• anatomic landmarks such as the transverse acetabular ligament, bilateral anterosuperior iliac spines, the acetabular labrum and the upper margin of the pubic symphysis
• the user positions alignment guide 20 using handle 24 such that shaft 21 is substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as being the level of the operating table, designated as T) and in line with the long axis of the patient.
• portion 36 has been rotated (or anteverted) with respect to shaft 21 to an angle designated as ⁇ .
• angle ⁇ is typically between 0 and 35 °.
• angle ⁇ is approximately 20°.
• guide arm 30 need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
• the user grasps handle 24 and sets the inclination angle by moving handle 24 toward the head of the patient or anteriorly.
• the shaft 21 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of Figure 13 A).
• the inclination angle is between 35 and 55 °, and preferably 45 °, as is depicted in Figure 13 A.
• Figures 14A, 14B and 14C the user next sets the anteversion angle and positions the alignment guide in its final position.
• Figures 14A and 14B are respectively side elevational and top plan views of alignment guide 20 positioned in the final position.
• Figure 14C is a perspective view of the patient with the alignment guide in the final position.
• the user grasps handle 24 and anteverts handle 24. That is, the user moves handle 24 toward the front or anterior of the patient.
• the shaft 21 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of Figure 14 A) and is substantially parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as viewed in the top plan view of Figure 14B and 14C).
• the user In order to achieve the position of being substantially parallel to both the long axis of the patient and the operating table, the user must drop proximal end of handle 24 medially toward the patient's body as handle 24 is pivoted anteriorly. This motion ensures that the user closes down the inclination angle while anteverting the cup such that the operative inclination angle as viewed from the side elevational view substantially matches the sought radiographic inclination angle.
• Figures 15-17 depict a second method of using alignment guides 20, 120, 220 on a patient lying in the prone or dorsal decubitus position.
• Figure 15A depicts a side elevational view
• Figure 15B depicts the corresponding top plan view of a first step of a second preferred method, wherein the user holds the cup or trial 40 in the prepared acetabulum and uses alignment guide 20 to position the cup in a pre-planned orientation. Once in the pre-planned orientation, the user may modify that orientation depending on how the cup is aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the patient using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks or other factors specific to the patient.
• the user positions alignment guide 20 using handle 24 such that shaft 21 is substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as being the level of the operating table, designated as T) and in line with the long axis of the patient.
• portion 36 has been rotated (or anteverted) with respect to shaft 21 to an angle designated as ⁇ .
• angle ⁇ is typically between 0 and 35 °.
• angle ⁇ is approximately 20°.
• guide arm 30 need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
• the user grasps handle 24 and sets the inclination angle by moving handle 24 toward the head of the patient or anteriorly.
• the shaft 21 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is substantially parallel to the long axis of the patient when viewed from the top of the table (as depicted in the top plan view of Figure 16B).
• the inclination angle is between 35 and 55 °, and preferably 45 °, as is depicted in Figure 16B.
• Figures 17A, 17B and 17C the user next sets the anteversion angle and positions the alignment guide in its final position.
• Figures 17A and 17B are respectively side elevational and top plan views of the alignment guide 20 positioned in the final position.
• Figure 17C is a perspective view of the patient with the alignment guide in the final position.
• the user grasps handle 24 and anteverts handle 24. That is, the user moves handle 24 toward the front or anterior of the patient.
• the shaft 21 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of Figure 17A) and is substantially parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as viewed in the top plan view of Figures 17B and 17C).
• the user In order to achieve the position of being substantially parallel to both the long axis of the patient and the operating table, the user must drop proximal end of handle 24 medially toward the patient's body as handle 24 is pivoted anteriorly. This motion ensures that the user closes down the inclination angle while anteverting the cup such that the operative inclination angle as viewed from the side elevational view substantially matches the sought radiographic inclination angle.
• Figures 20A-20C depict a third method of using an alignment guide 320 on a patient lying on his left side in a left lateral decubitus position.
• Figure 20A depicts a side elevational view of a first step of a third preferred method
• Figure 20B and 20C depict top plan views of a second and third step of the third preferred method, wherein the user holds the cup or trial 340 in the prepared acetabulum and uses alignment guide 320 to position the cup in a pre-planned orientation. Once in the pre-planned orientation, the user may modify that orientation depending on how the cup is aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the patient using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks or other factors specific to the patient. As graphically depicted in Figure 20A, the surgeon or user grasps alignment guide
• the surgeon orients shaft 321 such that shaft 321 is substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as being the level of the operating table, designated as T) and in line with the long axis of the patient.
• T the level of the operating table
• alignment guide is being held at 0° inclination and 0° version.
• bubble 386 of tube 381 is in a forward position (because the planned inclination orientation in this example is 45 °) and bubble 387 is shown in the zero position, substantially between markings 389.
• the surgeon can set the planned version angle by rotating guide arm 330 relative to shaft 321.
• the user may rotate portion 336 either to the left or right position as shown in Figures 2 IB and 2 ID, depending on which hip the surgeon is operating on.
• guide arm 336 has been rotated (or anteverted) with respect to shaft 321 to an angle designated as ⁇ .
• angle ⁇ is typically between 0 and 35 °.
• the surgeon while maintaining contact between the prepared acetabulum and cup or trial 340, pivots shaft 321 about that contact point to a preplanned inclination angle, indicated to be 45 ° in Figure 21B. To do so, the surgeon pivots the handle 324 from the position depicted in Figure 20A toward the patient's head or anteriorly (or out of the page when viewing Figure 20B).
• shaft 321 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 336 of guide arm 330 is substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of Figure 20 A).
• the inclination angle is between 35 and 55 °, and preferably 45 °, as is depicted in Figure 20B.
• Figure 20C is a top plan view of the patient with alignment guide 330 in the final, pre-planned position.
• the user grasps handle 324 and anteverts handle 324. That is, the user moves handle 324 toward the front or anterior of the patient. In doing so, the shaft
• portion 336 of guide arm 330 is substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of Figure 20A) and is substantially parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as viewed in the top plan view of Figure 20C).
• the user In order to achieve the position of being substantially parallel to both the long axis of the patient and the operating table, the user must drop proximal end of handle 324 medially toward the patient's body as handle 334 is pivoted anteriorly.
• guide arm 336 need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
• the user may choose to estimate the how much he or she wants to antevert the guide arm and adjust it prior to surgery or adjust for anteversion while orienting the alignment guide and/or trialling the cup component.
• the user need not perform each of the steps depicted in Figures 20A-20C to achieve the pre-planned position of the cup.
• Figures 22A-22C depict a fourth method of using an alignment guide 420 on a patient lying on his left side in a left lateral decubitus position.
• Figure 20A depicts a side elevational view of a first step of a third preferred method
• Figure 22B and 22C depict top plan views of a second and third step of the fourth preferred method, wherein the user holds the cup or trial 440 in the prepared acetabulum and uses alignment guide 420 to position the cup in a pre-planned orientation. Once in the pre-planned orientation, the user may modify that orientation depending on how the cup is aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the patient using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks or other factors specific to the patient.
• the surgeon or user grasps alignment guide 420 using handle 424 and positions the cup or trial 440 against the patient's prepared acetabulum. Holding cup or trial 440 in this position, the surgeon orients shaft 421 such that shaft 421 is substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as being the level of the operating table, designated as T) and in line with the long axis of the patient.
• T the level of the operating table
• alignment guide is being held at 0° inclination and 0° version.
• bubble 486 of container 481 is in a forward position (because the planned inclination orientation in this example is 45 °).
• the surgeon can set the planned version angle by rotating guide arm 430 relative to shaft 421. The user may rotate portion 436 either to the left or right position as shown in Figures 23B and 23D, depending on which hip the surgeon is operating on.
• guide arm 436 has been rotated (or anteverted) with respect to shaft 421 to an angle designated as ⁇ .
• angle ⁇ is typically between 0 and 35 °.
• the surgeon while maintaining contact between the prepared acetabulum and cup or trial 440, pivots shaft 421 about that contact point to a preplanned inclination angle, indicated to be 45 ° in Figure 23B. To do so, the surgeon pivots the handle 424 from the position depicted in Figure 22A toward the patient's head or anteriorly (or out of the page when viewing Figure 22B).
• shaft 421 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 436 of guide arm 430 is substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of Figure 22 A).
• the inclination angle is between 35 and 55 °, and preferably 45 °, as is depicted in Figure 22B.
• bubble 486 will not be at the zero position in container 381, as shown in Figures 22B and 23B. Instead, bubble 486 may move to one side of marking 488 (shown in Figures 23 as a circle with "45°" printed within the circle). Referring to Figures 22C and 23 C, the user next positions the alignment guide in its final position.
• Figure 22C is a top plan view of the patient with alignment guide 430 in the final, pre-planned position.
• the user grasps handle 424 and anteverts handle 424. That is, the user moves handle 424 toward the front or anterior of the patient.
• the shaft 421 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 436 of guide arm 430 is substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of Figure 22A) and is substantially parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as viewed in the top plan view of Figure 22C).
• the user In order to achieve the position of being substantially parallel to both the long axis of the patient and the operating table, the user must drop proximal end of handle 424 medially toward the patient's body as handle 434 is pivoted anteriorly.
• guide arm 436 need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
• the user may choose to estimate the how much he or she wants to antevert the guide arm and adjust it prior to surgery or adjust for anteversion while orienting the alignment guide and/or trialling the cup component.
• the user need not perform each of the steps depicted in Figures 22A-22C to achieve the pre-planned position of the cup.
• alignment guide 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 is in its final position, the user checks local landmarks proximate the acetabulum to ensure that the cup is located in a satisfactory position. Once a satisfactory position is achieved, the user impacts the acetabular component into position using the alignment guide/inserter. Prior to doing so, it is recommended that guide arm 30, 130, 230, 330, 430 be detached from shaft 21, 121, 221, 321, 421. Further modifications to, and applications of, the present invention will be readily apparent to the skilled person from the teaching herein, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
• Transplantation (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Cardiology (AREA)
• Vascular Medicine (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
• Surgery (AREA)
• Prostheses (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=47291171

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (1)

Citations (4)

• 2012
  • 2012-10-31 WO PCT/GB2012/052704 patent/WO2013110910A1/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (4)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Similar Documents

Legal Events