Guide device for a surgical cutting tool - Patent application

Abstract

A guide apparatus for a surgical cutting tool includes a plurality of plates arranged parallel to a guide plane. The plates form opposing seating surfaces spaced apart a clearance distance that defines an opening. The sheath includes a cylindrical portion extending along a longitudinal axis and defines an internal passageway extending through the cylindrical portion along the longitudinal axis. The cylindrical portion of the sheath slidably engages the opening through the clearance distance, and the internal passageway of the sheath receives a rotating cutting head of the surgical cutting tool in an operative configuration.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a guide device for a surgical cutting tool, and more specifically to a guide device for aligning a surgical cutting tool with a resection or cutting site. Alignment of a surgical cutting tool along a cutting plane or surface of a bone may be applied as an initial step prior to surgically attaching an artificial joint or device to the bone. Resection of the bone may be applied to the distal or proximal end portion that forms the patient's joint. Alignment of the cutting or resection plane at the proper angle or range relative to the joint is considered essential to ensure proper fit and alignment of the artificial device or joint for connection with the bone. The present disclosure provides a guide device and method of operation that can assist in effective alignment of the resection plane to improve the efficiency and ease of accomplishment of various surgical operations. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0002] In various implementations, the present disclosure provides a guide device for a surgical cutting tool. The guide device can be applied to various surgical operations and is believed to be particularly well suited for operations involving proximal or distal resection of bone for joint repair or replacement. The guide device can generally provide alignment of a guide plane along which bone can be cut or resected to connect or implant a prosthetic device. As will be apparent from various exemplary embodiments, the guide device can be positioned by connecting to the patient's bone and placing or embedding one or more alignment pins or features. The guide device can engage the alignment pins and position the guide plane of the surgical cutting tool along a flat surface that extends through the joint. Once aligned, the cutting tool can be guided during operation for precise removal of bone and tissue necessary to attach a prosthetic device or complete a modification to the bone.

[0003] In some implementations, the guide device can include a plurality of plates arranged parallel to a guide plane aligned with the resection plane. The plates can include opposing seating surfaces spaced apart a clearance distance defining a planar opening. During operation, the sheath can be configured to receive a surgical cutting tool for slidable engagement with the planar opening between the seating surfaces within the clearance distance. The sheath can include a cylindrical portion extending along a longitudinal axis and define an internal passageway extending through the cylindrical portion along the longitudinal axis. The internal passageway within the sheath can receive a rotating cutting head of the surgical cutting tool and align movement of the surgical cutting tool along the guide plane to precisely remove bone and tissue to expose the resection surface.

[0004] In various implementations, the guide device can include one or more of the following features: the sheath further includes a bulbous portion extending outwardly from the cylindrical portion; A groove is formed along a path in the seating surface of at least one of the plates and receives a bulbous portion of the sheath; The groove path extends to a periphery of at least one of the plurality of plates, the groove forming a peripheral opening that receives a bulbous portion of the sheath in the planar opening; The groove is formed along a path through each of the bearing surfaces as a negative clearance profile that is complementary to the rounded exterior profile of the bulbous portion; the bulb portion is spherical and the groove forms a spherical opening that is swept along a path that receives the bulb portion in a clearance fit configuration; The bulbous portion slides along the groove path and is translationally constrained axially relative to the groove path; The cylindrical portion slides between the bearing surfaces and is rotationally constrained along the longitudinal axis; The rotatable cutting head rotates about a longitudinal axis, and the cutting head is rotationally constrained relative to the sheath such that the sheath and cutting head rotate synchronously within the planar opening; The rotatable cutting head slidably engages the interior passage of the sheath along the longitudinal axis; The plurality of plates form a profile cutting guide along which the cutting depth of the rotating cutting head is limited along the longitudinal axis; The cutting depth is limited along the longitudinal axis by translational interference between an active stop connected to the rotating cutting head and profile features of the multiple plates; The profile feature is a profile cutting path formed by a profile edge of at least one of the plates or a groove between the bearing surfaces; The cutting head includes at least one of a burr, a file, a drill, a router bit, and an end mill; At least one connecting spacer is arranged between the plates; A connecting spacer is centrally disposed between the plates and blocks a portion of the groove path, and / or ·Spacers are cylinders that connect multiple plates and fix the parallel arrangement with the guide surfaces and the clearance distance that defines the planar opening.

[0005] In some implementations, the guide device can include a plurality of parallel-arranged plates forming opposing seating surfaces spaced apart a clearance distance that defines an opening. The sheath can form an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis and can include a bulbous portion protruding from the elongate body. The sheath can form an internal passageway extending through the elongate body along the longitudinal axis. The internal passageway of the sheath receives a cutting head of a surgical cutting tool in an actuated configuration. A groove can be formed in one of the seating surfaces of the plates. The groove can form a complementary shape to the bulbous portion of the sheath such that the groove is configured to receive the bulbous portion to slide the sheath between the plates along the guide plane.

[0006] In various implementations, the guide device can include one or more of the following features: The groove forms a path along the bearing surface through which the bulbous portion slides; The elongate body of the sheath slidably engages the opening through a clearance distance, and the interior passage of the sheath receives a cutting head of the surgical cutting tool in an operative configuration; the cutting tool is a rotary cutting tool including a cross section extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to form a mating profile, the internal passage slidably receiving the cutting head along the longitudinal axis and rotationally engaging the mating profile; and / or The mating profile forms a polygonal shape that slidably extends through the interior passage along a longitudinal axis and rotationally engages the interior passage along two or more sides.

[0007] In some implementations, the present disclosure may provide a method of guiding a surgical tool within a guide apparatus. The method may include receiving a cutting head of the surgical tool within an internal passageway formed through a sheath. It is believed that the elongate body of the sheath is guided within an opening between parallel guide plates spaced apart over a clearance distance and aligned with the guide plane. It is believed that the sheath is guided between the parallel guide plates through a groove formed along a path between the parallel guide plates. Rotation of the cutting head of the surgical tool may result in synchronous rotation of the sheath with the cutting head within the opening formed between the parallel guide plates. In some embodiments, the synchronous rotation of the cutting head and the sheath within the opening defines a cutting path of the cutting head along the guide plane. In addition, the guide apparatus may include alignment features connected to the plurality of plates. The alignment features may form a locating opening that receives an alignment pin extending along the guide plane.

[0008] These and other features, objects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary depiction of a proximal or distal end portion of a bone revealing alignment pins positioned parallel to the resection plane. [Figure 1B] 1 is a representative projection view of a guide device for a surgical cutting tool aligned with bone to form a resection plane. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is an assembly view of a guide device for a surgical cutting tool. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a detailed projection view of a sheath inserted between the guide plates of the guide device. [Figure 3A] FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a top front projection view of the guide device. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a top view of the guide apparatus revealing the sheath and cutting tool in a first position. [Figure 4B] FIG. 13 is a top view of the guide apparatus revealing the sheath and cutting tool in a second position. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting bones clarifying the resection pattern for arthroplasty. [Figure 5B] FIG. 13 is a top view of a guide apparatus revealing a profiled cutting guide feature for a surgical cutting tool. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating a guide apparatus including a profiled cutting guide feature that reveals a surgical cutting tool in multiple positions. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view of a guide apparatus including a profile cutting guide feature in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 1A and 1B, the present disclosure generally provides a guide apparatus 10 and method for utilizing a surgical cutting tool 12 to precisely cut or resect a bone 14 for arthroplasty. In various implementations, the surgical cutting tool 12 may include a cutting head in the form of a burr, file, drill, router bit, and / or end mill. As shown in FIG. 1A, a representative depiction of a bone 14 reveals an end portion 16 that may correspond to a proximal or distal end portion that may form a joint in a patient. In various implementations, the alignment feature 18 of the guide apparatus 10 may engage one or more alignment pins 20 that may be connected to or embedded within the bone 14. The engagement of the alignment feature 18 with the alignment pins 20 may align a guide surface 22 of the guide apparatus 10 with a resection plane 24 such that the guide apparatus 10 may limit or control the movement of the surgical cutting tool 12 along a cutting angle α defined relative to a longitudinal axis 26 of the bone 14. Thus, the guide apparatus 10 can provide for alignment of the surgical cutting tool 12 so that a resection plane 24 can be exposed by removing bone and tissue from the distal portion 16 to substantially facilitate successful repair or replacement of a portion or segment of the bone 14. Although the exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the distal portion 16 of the bone 14, the guide apparatus 10 can be similarly applied to precisely align the surgical cutting tool 12 with various portions of the bone 14 or tissue.

[0011] In various embodiments, the guide apparatus 10 can include a plurality or a pair of alignment plates 26 that can be connected to the alignment features 18. As will be apparent, the alignment features 18 can correspond to one or more guide apertures 28 configured to receive alignment pins 20 to position the guide surface 22 of the guide apparatus 10 along the resection plane 24. In various implementations, the guide apertures 28 can be integrally formed as embossed ridges 30 that protrude from an outer surface 32 of one of the alignment plates 26. The guide apertures 28 can likewise be connected to various portions of the alignment plates 26 or the guide apparatus 10 as one or more sleeves or support structures, including the guide apertures 28 mating with the alignment pins 20 for alignment with the guide surface 22.

[0012] 1B, 2A, and 2B, in various embodiments, the guide apparatus 10 can include a sheath 40 having an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis 42. The elongated body can correspond to a cylindrical portion 44 having an internal passageway 46 formed therethrough along the longitudinal axis 42. A bulbous portion can project or extend outwardly from the cylindrical portion 44 and can correspond to a spherical portion 48. The bulbous or spherical portion 48 can be centrally positioned along the length of the cylindrical portion 44 such that the cylindrical portion 44 extends outwardly from the spherical portion 48 along the longitudinal axis 42.

[0013] The spaced apart configuration of the alignment plates 26 can include a separated parallel arrangement of opposing seating surfaces 50 formed between the alignment plates 26. The seating surfaces 50 of the alignment plates 26 can orient the guide surface 22 relative to the resection plane 24 and can be separated by a clearance distance d forming a planar opening 52 or alignment opening. The planar opening 52 or alignment opening can be of sufficient proportion to provide a clearance fit between the seating surfaces 50 to receive the height of the cylindrical portion 44. As described herein, the clearance fit can correspond to a free running, close running, or sliding fit between the seating surfaces 50 and the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 44. For example, the clearance fit can include a clearance distance d that exceeds the nominal diameter D of the cylindrical portion 44 by about 25 to 500 microns (e.g., about 0.001 to 0.020 inches). Although specific ranges are described for the clearance fit in the exemplary embodiment, the specific ratios of the sheath 40 and planar opening 52 may vary based on the intended application and specified tolerances of the guide apparatus 10 .

[0014] The bulbous or cylindrical portion 44 of the sheath 40 can be configured to engage a groove 60 formed within at least one of the seating surfaces 50. The groove 60 can extend along each of the seating surfaces 50 and along a path 62, which can be a mirror surface across the seating surfaces 50. In this configuration, the spherical outer surface of the spherical portion 48 can engage with a negatively swept spherical opening formed along the path 62 between or along the seating surfaces 50. Thus, the spherical portion 48 of the sheath 40 can slide within the groove 60 formed in the seating surfaces 50 such that the sheath 40 is translationally constrained to slide along the path 62 of the groove 60. The engagement of the bulbous or spherical portion 48 of the sheath 40 with the groove 60, in combination with the engagement of the cylindrical portion 44 between the seating surfaces 50, can limit the motion of the sheath 40 to translation along the path 62, rotation about the pivot axis 64 of the spherical portion 48, and rotation about the longitudinal axis 42. Thus, movement of the surgical cutting tool 12 may be limited as a result of engagement of the sheath 40 within the planar alignment opening 52 formed by the guide apparatus 10 .

[0015] Various aspects of the guide apparatus 10 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B. As shown in Figure 2A, a coordinate system 70 is shown with the Y axis aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 42 and the XY plane aligned parallel to the guide surface 22. The coordinate system 70 and the corresponding X, Y, and Z axes will be referenced throughout the description to clearly define constraints on rotational and translational movement, or rotational and translational motion, of the surgical cutting tool 12 relative to the alignment plate 26 and various additional features of the guide apparatus 10.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2B, the groove 60 can extend along the path 62 to a perimeter 72 of the alignment plate 26. The intersection of the openings between the seating surfaces 50 formed by the groove 60 can form a peripheral opening 74 that provides a clearance fit for receiving the bulbous or spherical portion 48 of the sheath 40 within the groove 60. The peripheral opening 74 can provide for assembly of the sheath 40 with the guide plate or alignment plate 26 such that the guide device 10 can be easily assembled even with the alignment plate 26 connected to the alignment pin 20 through the guide opening 28. Separation and alignment of the alignment plates 26 can be achieved by one or more connecting portions 76, which can correspond to a connecting column 78 or spacer connected to each of the alignment plates 26. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the connecting column 78 is centrally located in the alignment opening 52 between the seating surfaces 50. For example, the connecting column 78 may be fixed to or integrally formed with the alignment plate 26 to maintain parallel alignment of the alignment plate 26 over the clearance distance d. In this configuration, the sheath 40 may be inserted into the groove 60 through a peripheral opening 74 located in a first side portion 80a of the alignment plate 26 to access the first passage 62a or through a peripheral opening 74 formed in a second side portion 80b of the alignment plate 26 to access the second passage 62a. As shown, the first passage 62a and the second passage 62b are separated by the connecting column 78 and are independently accessible through the first and second side portions 80a, 80b of the alignment plate 26.

[0017] As best shown in FIG. 3A, an internal passageway 46 can be formed through the elongated body or cylindrical portion 44 of the sheath 40 along the longitudinal axis 42. In various implementations, the surgical cutting tool 12 can correspond to a rotary cutting tool configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 42 or a rotary cutting tool configured to rotate parallel to the Y-axis, as described above. In some implementations, the internal passageway 46 can form a receiving profile shape 90 that can complement a mating profile shape 92 formed by a cross-section of the cutting tool 12 defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 42. In this configuration, the cutting tool 12 can slidably engage the internal passageway 46 formed through the sheath 40 such that the mating profile shape 92 enters the receiving profile shape 90. The complementary mating surfaces of the receiving profile shape 90 and the mating profile shape 92 formed between the inner wall of the internal passageway 46 and the cutting tool 12 can constrain the cutting tool 12 while rotating relative to the sheath 40 about the longitudinal axis 42. In this configuration, rotation of the cutting tool 12 and the sheath 40 can occur synchronously about the longitudinal axis 42 .

[0018] Additionally, the sliding engagement of the cutting tool 12 within the internal passage 46 may allow the cutting tool 12 to translate freely along the longitudinal axis 42 within the internal passage 46. In this manner, the movement of the cutting tool 12 may be limited by the constraints created between the sheath 40, the groove 60, and the seating surface 50 formed between the alignment plates 26 to provide operative alignment of the guide surface 22. The complementary profile shapes 90, 92 of the internal passage 46 of the sheath 40 and the cutting tool 12 are shown in FIG. 3A as grooved triangular shapes. However, the profile shapes 90, 92 may correspond to a variety of complex shapes that may include various polygonal shapes (e.g., square, hexagon, etc.), as well as curved segments or portions, provided that the complementary profile shapes maintain sliding engagement along the longitudinal axis 42 and rotationally constrained engagement about the longitudinal axis 42.

[0019] 2A-4B, the movement of the cutting tool 12 relative to the sheath 40 and the movement of the sheath 40 relative to the alignment plate 26 will be further described with reference to the coordinate system 70. Illustrative examples of the translation of the sheath 40 along the path 62 and the rotation of the sheath 40 about the pivot axis 64 are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. As described above, the movement of the sheath 40 is constrained in the up and down direction (e.g., along the Z axis) by the interaction of the cylindrical portion 44 and the seating surface 50. In addition, the translation of the spherical portion 48 of the sheath 40 is constrained by the groove 60 formed along the path 62 between the seating surfaces 50. Thus, the sheath 40 connected to the cutting tool can freely translate along the path 62 as well as rotate about the pivot axis 64, the position of which can change based on the position of the spherical portion 48 along the path 62. In this manner, the movement of the sheath 40 is constrained to translation along the path 62 as well as rotation about the pivot axis 64, which is parallel to the guide surface 22. As shown, guide surface 22 is parallel to the XY plane, and pivot axis 64 is parallel to the Z axis of coordinate system 70 .

[0020] With the sheath 40 engaged on the seating surface 50 and in the groove 60, the further engagement of the cutting tool 12 within the internal passage 46 is similarly constrained in rotation, but provides an additional degree of freedom for translation of the surgical cutting tool 12 along the longitudinal axis 42. For example, the sliding engagement of the complementary receiving profile shape 90 with the mating profile shape 92 allows the cutting tool 12 to translate within the internal passage 46 of the sheath 40. Additionally, in implementations in which the cutting tool 12 corresponds to a rotating cutting tool, rotation about the longitudinal axis 42 can be freely provided by the guide apparatus 10. In this manner, the guide apparatus 10 can provide translation along the longitudinal axis 42, rotation about the pivot axis 64, and the longitudinal axis 42, while restricting the movement of the cutting tool 12 to along the guide surface 22. In this manner, the guide apparatus 10 can provide accurate and effective alignment of the cutting tool 12 with the resection plane 24.

[0021] In general, the materials utilized for each of the components of the guide apparatus 10 and the surgical cutting tool 12 can be selected to optimize the operation of the guide apparatus 10. For example, the sheath 40 can be formed of a material that is at least as hard as the cutting tool 12. Additionally, the alignment plate 26 can be formed of a material that is softer than the sheath 40 or has a lower hardness than the sheath 40. The similar hardness of the cutting tool 12 and the sheath 40 can prevent wear that may result from high speed synchronous rotation of the cutting tool 12 about the longitudinal axis 42 that may be applied in combination with translation of the cutting tool 12 in the internal passage 46. Additionally, application of a reduced hardness material to the alignment plate 26 or the portions that form the seating surface 50 and the groove 60 can prevent galling or wear that may result from high speed rotation of the sheath 40. Thus, the alignment plate 26 or at least the surfaces that form the seating surface 50 and the groove 60 can be formed, coated, or lined with a material that has a lower hardness than the sheath 40. For example, the sheath 40 and cutting tool 12 can be various forms of hardened or tool steel. The alignment plate 26, associated seating surface 50, and / or surfaces of the groove 60 can be formed of a material having a lower hardness than the cutting tool 12 and sheath 40 (e.g., a polymer or a low hardness metal having a Mohs hardness of less than 4).

[0022] 4A and 4B, a top view of the alignment plate 26 reveals the periphery 72. As shown, the anterior profile edge 100a and the posterior profile edge 100b extend concentrically along the path 62 of the groove 60. The anterior profile edge 100a may form a rounded contour that extends partially around the terminal portion 16 of the bone 14. In such a case, the rounded contour of the anterior profile edge 100a may improve the accessibility of the bone 14, especially when one or more occlusions 102 may be located in the working range of the cutting tool 12. For example, to perform some surgical operations, the anterior profile edge 100a of the alignment plate 26 may partially envelop the tendon or connective tissue, represented in FIG. 4B as the occlusion 102. In such a case, the guide device 10 may implement a connecting column 78 centrally located along the path 62 so that the connecting column 78 may be aligned with the connective tissue represented by the occlusion 102. In this manner, the connecting posts 78 can act as a physical barrier or stop along the path 62 that can be utilized to guide the movement of the surgical cutting tool 12 within the sheath 40 to prevent cutting tissue corresponding to the occlusion 102. In this manner, the guide apparatus 10 can provide a physical stop in the form of the connecting posts 78 that can assist an operator (e.g., a surgeon, physician, etc.) in aligning the cutting tool 12 with the resection plane 24 while avoiding contact with the tissue or tendon represented by the occlusion 102.

[0023] The rear profile edge 100b can follow the rounded concentric profile of the front profile edge 100a and the pathway 62. In this configuration, the reach or extent 106 of the working range 104 can generally correspond to the curvature of the pathway 62. In addition, in some embodiments, the rear profile edge 100b can be implemented as a profile cutting guide 108 that can limit the extent 106 of the working range 104 of the surgical cutting tool 12 to a profile cutting shape or profile cutting depth, as further described with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, 6, and 7. The cutting depth can correspond to the penetration depth of the cutting tool 12 in and out of the interior passage 46 of the sheath 40, which can correspond to the extent to which the cutting tool 12 passes through the bone 14 or tissue within the working range 104. Different configurations of the guide apparatus 10 are illustrated in various figures of this disclosure, with like reference numbers referring to like elements for ease of viewing. In addition, variations between some of the embodiments disclosed in this application may be combined in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0024] 5A-5B and 6, an implementation of the guide apparatus 10 reveals the implementation of an angled cut of a profile cutting guide 108. As shown in FIG. 5A, in some operations, the profile cutting guide 108 of the guide apparatus 10 can be implemented to section or create a pocket / groove in the end portion 16 along an angled, faceted, or generally contoured profile 110. The contoured profile 110 can be provided by controlling the cutting depth of the cutting tool 12 using the profile cutting guide 108. As shown in FIG. 5B, the profile cutting guide 108 includes a plurality of straight line segments 112 that intersect at a cutting angle 114 that matches the contoured profile 110. To limit the movement of the cutting tool 12 along the longitudinal axis 42, a stop collar 116 or active stop can be connected and positioned to the cutting tool 12 such that the extent 106 of the operating range 104 is limited along the longitudinal axis 42 by interference between the stop collar 116 and the profile cutting guide 108 that extends along the rear profile edge 100b of the alignment plate 26. In this manner, the profile cutting guide 108 can control the reach or extent 106 of the working range 104 of the cutting tool 12 such that a contoured profile 110 of the cutting depth can conform to the shape of the profile cutting guide 108 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0025] 5A, 5B, and 6, an implementation of the guide apparatus 10 provides a connecting portion 76 in the form of two connecting columns 78 that can be positioned near the first side portion 80a and the second side portion 80b. As with other implementations of the guide apparatus 10, the groove 60 is formed between the alignment plates 26. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6, the path 120 is positioned between the connecting columns 78 and extends to the periphery 72. More specifically, the path 120 extends through an intermediate access path 122 to the rear profile edge 100b of the alignment plate 26. In this configuration, the groove 60 formed in the seating surface 50 of the alignment plate 26 extends along the path 120 and the intermediate access path 122. At the intersection of the intermediate access passage 122 and the rear profile edge 100b, the peripheral opening 74 can be formed by a groove 60, and the bulbous portion 48 of the sheath 40 can be provided to engage the groove and slide along the intermediate access passage 122 to the passage 120. In this configuration, the sheath 40 can be slidably coupled to translate along the passage 120 and the intermediate access passage 122 in the assembled configuration. Although the passage 120 and the intermediate access passage 122 are described with reference to the corresponding implementations of the profile cutting guide 108 and the guide apparatus 10, the passage 120 and the intermediate access passage 122 can be similarly implemented in the guide apparatus described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Similarly, the connecting cylinders 78 disposed near the first side 80a and the second side 80b can be implemented in various embodiments of the guide apparatus 10.

[0026] 7, the guide apparatus 10 can incorporate a profile cutting guide 108 by similarly limiting the cutting depth of the cutting tool 12 using a stop collar 116 or active stop that engages the profile cutting path 130 that can be formed by the groove 60 between the seating surfaces 50. In some implementations, the stop collar 116 can be proportioned to match the height or diameter of the cylindrical portion 44 of the sheath 40. In this configuration, the stop collar 116 can slide between the seating surfaces 50 in the same manner as the cylindrical portion 44, but can limit the movement of the surgical cutting tool 12 along the longitudinal axis 42 based on interference between the stop collar 116 and the sheath 40. In such implementations, the rear profile edge 100b of the alignment plate 26 can not necessarily correspond to the profile cutting guide 108. For example, in some implementations, the profile cutting path 130 of the groove 60 can correspond to a contoured profile 110 that defines the cutting depth or extent 106 of the working range 104 of the cutting tool 12. 7, the bulbous or spherical portion 48 of the sheath 40 can be free to translate along the profile cutting path 130, thereby guiding the translational motion of the cutting tool 12. Additionally, interference between the stop collar 116 and the sheath 40 can limit the cutting depth of the cutting tool 12 to correspond to the contoured profile 110. In this manner, the guide apparatus 10 can provide yet another optional solution for controlling the contoured cutting profile 110 of the cutting tool 12.

[0027] Still referring to FIG. 7, in some implementations, the profile cutting path 130 can incorporate the intermediate access path 122 as described above with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the profile cutting path 130 does not provide a perimeter opening 74 and remains coupled between the alignment plates 26. In such implementations, the sheath 40 can be attached with the cylindrical portion 44 extending into the groove 60 during the manufacturing or assembly operation of the alignment plates 26. Additionally, in some cases, one or more of the connecting portions 76 (e.g., connecting cylinders 78) interconnecting the alignment plates 26 can be connected through one or more fasteners (e.g., such as screws, nuts, and bolts) such that the alignment plates 26 can be separated and the bulbous or spherical portion 48 of the sheath 40 can be inserted into the groove 60 before the alignment plates 26 are secured together in an assembled configuration.

[0028] It will be understood that any described process or step within a described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the devices of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0029] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made to the structures and methods described above without departing from the inventive device concepts, and it is further to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless those claims expressly state otherwise by their language.

[0030] The foregoing description is believed to be of illustrative embodiments only. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the art and those who make or use the device. It is therefore understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the device, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 10 Guide device 12 Surgical cutting tools 14 Bones 18 Guider Alignment Features 24 Cut plane

Claims

1. A guide device for a surgical cutting tool a plurality of plates arranged parallel to the guide plane, the plates including opposing bearing surfaces spaced apart a clearance distance defining a planar opening; a sheath including a cylindrical portion extending along a longitudinal axis, the sheath defining an internal passageway extending through the cylindrical portion along the longitudinal axis; Including, the cylindrical portion of the sheath slidably engages the planar opening through the clearance distance, and the internal passage of the sheath receives a rotatable cutting head of the surgical cutting tool in an activated configuration. Guide device.

2. The guide device of claim 1 , wherein the sheath further includes a bulbous portion extending outwardly from the cylindrical portion.

3. 3. The guide device of claim 2, wherein a groove is formed along a path in the seating surface of at least one of the plates and receives the bulbous portion of the sheath.

4. 4. The guide device of claim 3, wherein the path of the groove extends to a periphery of the at least one of the plurality of plates, and the groove forms a peripheral opening in the planar opening that receives the bulbous portion of the sheath.

5. 4. The guide apparatus of claim 3, wherein the groove is formed along the path through each of the bearing surfaces as a negative clearance profile that is complementary to the rounded exterior profile of the bulbous portion.

6. The guide apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the bulbous portion is spherical and the groove defines a spherical opening swept along the path that receives the bulbous portion in a clearance fit configuration.

7. 4. The guide apparatus of claim 3, wherein the bulbous portion slides along the path and is translationally constrained relative to the path of the groove.

8. 2. The guide apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion slides between the bearing surfaces and is rotationally constrained along the longitudinal axis.

9. 9. The guide device of claim 1, wherein the rotary cutting head rotates about the longitudinal axis, and the rotary cutting head is rotationally constrained relative to the sheath such that the sheath and the cutting head rotate synchronously within the planar opening.

10. The guide apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rotating cutting head slidably engages the interior passage of the sheath along the longitudinal axis.

11. The guide apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of plates form a profile cutting guide along which the cutting depth of the rotary cutting head is limited along the longitudinal axis.

12. The guide apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the rotary cutting head comprises at least one of a burr, a file, a drill, a router, and an end mill.

13. The guide apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one connecting spacer disposed between said plates.

14. 14. The guide device of claim 13, wherein the connecting spacer is centrally located between the plates and blocks a portion of the path of the groove.

15. 15. The guide device according to claim 13, wherein the connecting spacer is a cylinder that connects the plurality of plates and fixes the parallel arrangement of the guide plane and the clearance distance that defines the planar opening.

16. 1. A guide device for a surgical cutting tool including a cutting head, comprising: a plurality of parallel-arranged plates, the plates including opposing bearing surfaces spaced apart a clearance distance defining an opening; a sheath including an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis and a bulbous portion protruding from the elongate body, the sheath slidably engaging the opening through the clearance distance and defining an internal passageway extending through the elongate body along the longitudinal axis, the internal passageway of the sheath receiving the cutting head of the surgical cutting tool in an activated configuration; Including, a groove formed in the seating surface of at least one of the plates and adapted to receive the bulbous portion of the sheath; Guide device.

17. 17. The guide device of claim 16, wherein the groove forms a path along the seating surface through which the bulbous portion slides.

18. the surgical cutting tool is a rotary cutting tool including a cross section extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to form a mating profile; 18. The guide apparatus of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the internal passage slidably receives the cutting head along the longitudinal axis and rotationally engages the mating profile of the rotary cutting tool.

19. 1. A method of guiding a surgical tool within a guide device, comprising: receiving a cutting head of the surgical tool within an internal passageway formed through the sheath; guiding the elongate body of the sheath within an opening between parallel guide plates spaced apart a clearance distance along a guide plane; guiding the sheath between the parallel guide plates through a groove formed along a path between the parallel guide plates; synchronously rotating the cutting head and the sheath of the surgical tool within the opening between the parallel guide plates; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the synchronized rotation of the cutting head and the sheath within the internal passage defines a cutting path of the cutting head along the guide plane.

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