Systems and methods for producing osteotomies

Abstract

Systems and methods for producing minimally invasive osteotomies to correct angular deformities of bones in and about the knee are disclosed. A method includes locating a plane in which the angle exhibited by the deformity is situated. An oblique cut is then made along a surface of the bone, such that the cut is transverse to the plane in which the angle is situated. Thereafter, the bone pieces are rotated about the cut relative to one another until a desired alignment between the bone pieces is achieved. To maintain the bone pieces in alignment, a device having an elongated body for extending into a tunnel between the bone pieces is provided. The system also includes a rigid member fixedly positioned at one end of the body. The rigid member is transverse to the body to engage one bone piece. The system further includes a locking mechanism at an opposite end of the body to engage the other bone piece. The system permits the bone pieces to be pulled against one another between the rigid member and the locking mechanism.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 402,826 filed on Mar. 28, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 506,714 filed on Feb. 18, 2000 which is a divisional application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,504 filed Dec. 5, 1997 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 031,989, filed Dec. 6, 1996 and from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 063,195, filed Oct. 21, 1997 which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to a device and method for producing osteotomies in bones experiencing angular deformities, and in particular osteotomies associated with angular deformities of the femur and tibia. BACKGROUND ART [0003] Prior art methods for producing osteotomies to correct angular deformity in a bone mass, such as a femur or tibia, generally require making a large open incision around the deformed site and cutting a wedge, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Prior to drilling the tunnel through the deformed bone, a support structure of the present invention is preferably affixed along a surface of the deformed bone adjacent the angular deformity. The support structure is designed so that one end attaches to a first end portion of the bone, and an opposite end attaches to a second end portion of the bone. The support structure is also pivotally movable at an area between its ends. In this manner, once the bone pieces are formed, the support structure may maintain the bone pieces close to one another, so that they may subsequently be pivoted into alignment. To secure and maintain the bone pieces in approximation after alignment, a bone anchor assembly of the present invention is positioned through the tunnel and tightened against the bone pieces.

Problems solved by technology

However, because of the invasiveness of the surgery, osteotomy procedures often result in undesirable pain and extended period of immobility for the patient.

In addition to a period of immobility, prior art methods for producing osteotomies have allowed only minimal control of the bone pieces once the bone mass has been divided.

For example, as it may be difficult to control the alignment between the two bone pieces of the deformed bone, the correction of the angular deformity may provide clinical results that are unpredictable.

Also contributing to the unpredictability of the clinical results is the difficulty in maintaining the bone pieces in approximation after they have been aligned.

A uniform change in the angle of the deformed bone mass for different individuals, therefore, may not result in a sufficient change in the contact pressure between the articular surfaces of the bones, so as to avoid future degenerative problems.

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