Locking intramedullary jig

Abstract

A locking intramedullary alignment jig for use in bone resection, especially for the proximal tibial has an axially extending intramedullary rod for insertion into the medullary canal of the tibia. A slidable anchoring block is mounted on the rod for movement along the rod in the axial direction, which on the tibia is the proximal-distal direction. The anchoring block has a pivot point at one end thereof and a tooth portion at a second end thereof. A first rotating body is pivotally coupled to the pivot point on the anchoring block for rotation about a first axis. The rotating body includes a toothed locking member for releasable locking engagement with the toothed portion the anchoring block. A second rotating body, including a bone resection guide is connected to the first rotating body. Movement of the first and second rotating bodies allow rotation of the resection guide in both the flexion-extension and varus-valgus directions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 060,154, filed on Feb. 17, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to an alignment jig used to place and align a cutting guide in order to make a transverse cut on the tibia and / or femur.[0003]Intramedullary instruments are used by surgeons to place and subsequently align a cutting guide on a tibia or femur to a specific flexion-extension and varus-valgus angle with respect to the mechanical axis of the tibia or femur. Once the cutting guide is aligned to the desired settings, it is pinned to the bone for stability and used to guide a saw blade to make a transverse cut on the bone as required in total knee replacement surgery. The transverse cut would be on the proximal tibia or distal femur.[0004]A drawback of some of these instruments is that once varus-valgus and flexion-extension adjustme...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a bone cutting instrument that can be easily and quickly adjusted with a non-slip locking mechanism. The instrument includes a spring-loaded shuttle that allows for precise adjustment and auditory feedback. The instrument can be used in bone resection surgery and is mounted on an axially extending intramedullary rod or trial stem. The movement of the instrument is controlled by the user and can adjust the flexion-extension angle of the bone. The instrument is designed to provide better control and ease of use for surgeons.

Problems solved by technology

A drawback of some of these instruments is that once varus-valgus and flexion-extension adjustments are made and locked in place, this alignment setting can slip during the subsequent pinning of the cutting guide to the proximal tibia.

Slippage may occur because the amount of torque that can be applied by hand to a knob of limited size, and with slippery gloves is somewhat limited.

Additionally, if the jig remains in place during the cutting operation, as is usual in revision surgery, the vibration caused by the saw may loosen the screws.

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