Method for resecting the knee using a resection guide and provisional prosthetic component

Abstract

A method and apparatus for knee replacement surgery wherein a femoral provisional component is provided which corresponds to a permanent component to be implanted in a human and which includes means for establishing the correct fit and position of such a component, prior to its implantation, in relation to the soft tissues of the knee before final resection of the anterior femoral surface. The provisional component further includes cutting guide means for such anterior surface resection such that accurate cuts may be made with the provisional component in place. The method involves preparing the distal femoral surface using the femoral intramedullary canal as a constant reference point for posterior and distal cutting guides followed by locating the provisional component by means of a provisional intramedullary stem so that the relationship with the soft tissues of the knee may be accurately established.

Description

[0001]This is a division of application Ser. No. 07 / 862,953 filed Apr. 3, 1992 now abandoned.This application is a reissue of application Ser. No. 08 / 021,039, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,645, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 07 / 862,953, filed Apr. 3, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,258,032.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for a knee joint prosthes is and surgical procedure. More particularly concerning the proper fitting of the femoral component of a total knee revision prosthesis, the procedure for performing revision surgery and apparatus used therein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to a provisional knee prosthesis and resection guide component together with a surgical procedure designed for use as a system in revision surgery of previously performed knee arthroplasties. It may also find utility in an initial knee replacement procedure.[0004]Revision surgery is performed to correct failures of pre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The augments, which are modular and therefore independently changeable, allow adjustment of the anterior / posterior box size as well as the distal positioning of the provisional component. Such distal positioning is crucial for obtaining correct soft tissue balance in the knee during trial reduction before final anterior resection and implantation of the permanent prosthesis. Modular augments and pretesting of the knee with the provisional component of the present invention also enable the surgeon to ensure a close contact fit of the prosthesis with the resected bone surface whereby a greater degree of adhesion may be obtained through bone ingrowth or less bone cement need be used.

[0015]It is therefor an object of this invention to provide a combination knee prosthesis provisional apparatus and resection guide for use in knee replacement surgery whereby resection and test fitting of femoral prostheses may be easily and reliably achieved.

[0016]It is a further object of this invention to provide a means whereby the spacing of extension and flexion gaps of the knee may be tested and evaluated during the process of replacement surgery prior to final resection and prosthesis implantation.

Problems solved by technology

However, what the prior art lacks is an apparatus and method whereby all cuts can be made from the common reference point of the intramedullary canal of the femur and whereby the positioning and size of a femoral component may be checked relative to the soft tissues and the track of the patella prior to making the final resection of the anterior surfaces.

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