Plastic surgery instruments

Abstract

The orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a resection guide removably connectable to a patient's bone. The resection guide includes a pair of bores disposed on an upper portion of the resection guide and extending substantially through the upper portion of the resection guide, and an elongated opening disposed on the upper portion below the pair of bores. The elongated opening includes at least one scalloped opening therein. The resection guide also includes a pair of arms extending substantially downward from the upper portion of the resection guide. Each of the arms includes a cut slot that is open in at least one direction. The system also includes a drill guide configured to be inserted into and removed from each of the at least one scalloped opening relative to the resection guide.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 363600, entitled "Orthopedic Instruments," filed April 26, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to instruments and corresponding methods associated with orthopedic surgery. The present disclosure relates to podiatry and orthopedic implants and procedures associated with arthroplasty and / or other orthopedic procedures, including but not limited to foot / ankle joint arthrodesis, arthroeresis and / or osteotomies, and / or procedures involving the incorporation of surrounding bone / soft tissue. [Background technology]

[0003] Many of the currently available instruments, corresponding implant systems, and methods for addressing bone, soft tissue, and joint trauma (acute and chronic, e.g., defects, gradual deterioration, etc.) do not fully address the needs of patients. Furthermore, many of the currently available instruments, implant systems, and treatment methods for addressing chronic and acute joint diseases do not take into account the anatomical characteristics of the joint and the associated mechanical and kinematic movement patterns / capacities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure is directed to an orthopaedic surgical instrument system. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a resection guide removably coupleable to a bone of a patient. The resection guide includes a pair of bores disposed on a top portion of the resection guide and extending substantially through the top portion of the resection guide, and an elongated opening disposed on the top portion and below the pair of bores. The elongated opening includes at least one scalloped opening therein. The resection guide also includes a pair of arms extending substantially downwardly from a top portion of the resection guide, each of the arms including a cut slot that is open in at least one direction. The system also includes a drill guide configured to be inserted into and removed from each of the at least one scalloped opening relative to the resection guide.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an orthopaedic surgical instrument system. The system includes a resection guide removably coupleable to a bone of a patient. The resection guide includes a pair of apertures disposed on the resection guide and extending from a top surface to a bottom surface thereof, an elongated aperture disposed on the body and positioned below the pair of bores and including at least one scalloped aperture therein, and a pair of legs extending substantially downwardly from the body of the resection guide. Each of the legs includes a slot that is open in at least one direction. The system also includes a drill guide configured to be inserted into each of the at least one scalloped apertures and removed from each of the at least one scalloped apertures.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of legs are disposed obliquely with respect to each other.

[0007] According to one aspect of the disclosure, each of the openings includes a central axis, and the central axes of the openings are substantially parallel.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the system also includes a pair of second openings disposed within the body of the resection guide and extending from the top surface to the bottom surface thereof.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the pair of second openings includes a central axis, and the central axes of the pair of second openings converge or diverge.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated opening comprises a substantially arcuate shape.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the resection guide includes a pair of protrusions extending substantially upwardly from a body of the resection guide.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the openings is disposed within a respective projection.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apex of the elongated opening is disposed laterally within the body between each of a pair of projections.

[0014] A second aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a resection guide removably coupleable to a patient's bone. The resection guide includes a pair of projections extending upwardly from a body of the resection guide, each of the projections including an aperture disposed therein and extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the resection guide. The resection guide also includes an elongated opening disposed in the body and positioned below the pair of apertures, the apertures including at least one scalloped opening therein. The guide also includes a pair of legs extending substantially downwardly from the resection guide body, each of the legs including a slot open in at least one direction.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the guide includes a pair of second openings disposed within the body of the resection guide.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, each opening of the pair of second openings includes a central axis, the central axes being either convergent or divergent.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, each of the openings includes a central axis, the central axes being substantially parallel to one another.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one scalloped opening defines at least a portion of a substantially cylindrical shape that extends at least partially from the top surface to the bottom surface of the resection guide.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the pair of legs extend substantially obliquely from the body.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the elongated opening has a substantially curved shape.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the apex of the elongated opening is located laterally between the pair of protrusions.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the guide includes a second elongated opening located below the elongated opening.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a second elongated opening is defined laterally by each of the pair of legs.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the second elongated opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a cutting tool therein.

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. It is emphasized that, in accordance with standard industry practice, various features may or may not be drawn to scale. In fact, dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. The drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 5 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 5 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 5 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 9 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument system according to the present disclosure; [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 15] 15 is a front view of the instrument of FIG. 14 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 14 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 17] 15 is a rear view of the instrument of FIG. 14 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 18] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 19] 18 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 20] 18 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 13 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 21 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 23] FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 21 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 24] FIG. 22 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 21 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is a front view of components of an orthopaedic surgical instrument system according to the present disclosure; [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a front view of the components of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 25 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a front view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIGS. 25-26 according to the present disclosure; [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 27 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIGS. 25-26 according to the present disclosure; [Figure 29] FIG. 28 is an alternative front perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 27 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIGS. 25-26 according to the present disclosure; [Diagram 30] FIG. 27 is a front view of the component of the tool system of FIGS. 25-26 in a first position according to the present disclosure; [Diagram 31] FIG. 27 is a front view of the component of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIGS. 25-26 in a second position according to the present disclosure; [Diagram 32] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument system according to the present disclosure; [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 34] FIG. 34 is a front view of the instrument of FIG. 33 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 35] FIG. 34 is a rear perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 33 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 36] 34 is a rear view of the instrument of FIG. 33 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 37] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 38] FIG. 33 is a front view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 39]FIG. 33 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 39 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 41] FIG. 40 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 39 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 42] FIG. 33 is a front view of the components of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 32 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 43] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 43 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Diagram 45] FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 43 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 46] FIG. 44 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 43 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 47] FIG. 1 is a front view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a front perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 47 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 49] FIG. 48 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 47 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 50] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument system according to the present disclosure; [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a front view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. [Figure 52] FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 53] 53 is a front view of the instrument of FIG. 52 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 54] FIG. 53 is a rear perspective view of the instrument of FIG. 52 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 55] 53 is a rear view of the instrument of FIG. 52 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure. [Figure 56] FIG. 51 is a front view of an instrument of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 57] FIG. 57 is a front perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 56 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 58] FIG. 57 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 56 of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 59] FIG. 51 is a front perspective view of the components of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. 50 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 60] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 61] FIG. 61 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 60 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 62] FIG. 61 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 60 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 63] FIG. 61 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 60 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 64] FIG. 1 is a front view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 65] FIG. 65 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 64 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 66] FIG. 65 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 64 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 67] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 68] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument according to the present disclosure; [Figure 69] FIG. 69 is a front view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 68 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 70] FIG. 70 is a rear perspective view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 68 in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 71] FIG. 69 is a rear view of the orthopaedic surgical instrument of FIG. 68 in accordance with the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In this detailed description and in the claims that follow, the terms proximal, distal, anterior or plantar, posterior or dorsal, medial, lateral, superior, and inferior are defined by standard usage to designate particular portions or regions of a bone or implant, according to reference terms that indicate the relative placement or orientation of natural bone. For example, "proximal" refers to the portion of the device or implant closest to the torso, and "distal" refers to the portion of the device or implant furthest from the torso. As terms relating to directions, "anterior" means toward the front of the body, "posterior" means toward the back of the body, "medial" means toward the midline of the body, "lateral" means toward the side of the body or away from the midline of the body, "superior" means toward above another object or structure, and "inferior" means toward below another object or structure. Additionally, with respect to the foot specifically, the term "dorsal" refers to the top of the foot and the term "plantar" refers to the bottom of the foot.

[0028] Similarly, positions or orientations may be used herein with reference to anatomical structures or surfaces. For example, as current implants, devices, instrumentation, and methods are described herein with reference to use with the bones of the foot, the bones of the foot, ankle, and lower leg may be used to describe the surfaces, positions, directions, or orientations of the implants, devices, instrumentation, and methods. Additionally, the implants, devices, instrumentation, and methods disclosed herein, as well as aspects, components, features, etc. thereof, are described with respect to one side of the body for the sake of brevity. However, because the human body is relatively symmetrical or mirrored about a line of symmetry (the midline), it is expressly contemplated herein that the implants, devices, instrumentation, and methods described and / or illustrated herein, as well as their aspects, components, features, etc., may be changed, varied, modified, reconfigured, or otherwise altered for use with or in association with another side of the body for the same or similar purposes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, implants, devices, instrumentation, and methods described herein with respect to the right foot, as well as their aspects, components, features, etc., may be mirrored to function similarly on the left foot. Additionally, while the implants, devices, instrumentation, and methods disclosed herein, as well as their aspects, components, features, etc., are described with respect to the foot for brevity, it should be understood that the implants, devices, instrumentation, and methods may be used with other bones of the body having similar structures.

[0029] This application is related to continuation U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 659,411 (Attorney Docket No. 3645.155B), filed April 15, 2022 and entitled "Joint Replacement Alignment Guides, Systems, and Methods of Use and Assembly." This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 304,046 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,304,823), filed June 14, 2021 and entitled "Joint Replacement Alignment Guides, Systems, and Methods of Use and Assembly" (Attorney Docket No. 3645.155A). This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 899,703, filed on September 12, 2019 (Attorney Docket No. 3645.155P1), entitled “Joint Replacement Alignment Guide, System, and Method of Use and Assembly,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 899,655, filed on September 12, 2019 (Attorney Docket No. 3645.156P1), entitled “Alignment Instrument and Method in Total Ankle Arthroplasty ... This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / US2019 / 066408, entitled “Joint Replacement Alignment Guides, Systems, and Methods of Use and Assembly,” filed on December 13, 2019, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 899,740, filed on September 12, 2019 (Attorney Docket No. 3645.157P1), entitled “Joint Replacement Alignment Guides, Systems, and Methods of Use and Assembly,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 779,436, filed on December 13, 2018 (Attorney Docket No. 3645.138P), entitled “Joint Replacement Systems and Methods of Use and Assembly,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0030] 1-71, orthopaedic surgical instrument systems and components thereof are illustrated according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, one or more of the instruments of the components shown and described herein can be detachably coupled to one or more bones of a patient, such as the patient's tibia and / or talus. This detachable coupling may be implemented with one or more pins, stabilizing wires, or other components. For example, one or more pins or stabilizing wires may be inserted into one or more bores extending through a portion of the attached instrument and / or may at least partially pass through one or more bores. In some aspects, the instruments shown and described herein may include bores with parallel longitudinal axes and / or may include bores with converging and / or diverging longitudinal axes. Additionally, the various instruments shown in FIGS. 1-71 may also include other coupling features, such as, for example, detachable coupling components disposed on top of the resection and / or alignment guides. Further to the previous examples, the component may include a dovetail feature (e.g., a male dovetail feature as shown, but may include other coupling mechanisms) configured to interface with a corresponding complementary feature of an alignment system or other surgical instrument / component.

[0031] Some of the instruments shown in FIGS. 1-71 include portions configured to receive one or more drills one or more times during the course of performing a method corresponding to a portion of a surgical procedure. For example, the instruments shown and described herein may include an elongated opening extending along the top of the instrument from the front of the instrument to the rear of the instrument to provide fluid communication between the front and rear of the instrument. In some embodiments, the elongated opening (which may be substantially straight and / or may include curved portions) may include one or more scalloped openings (e.g., a shape partially defined within the elongated opening) that may include, for example, a partial circular shape (e.g., having a radius along a portion of the substantially circular shape but not along the entirety of the substantially circular shape). The elongated openings and / or scalloped openings may be configured to receive one or more instruments therein, such as, for example, a guide for guiding a drill used to drill a hole in a patient's bone. In some embodiments, an insert (or multiple inserts, sequentially) may be placed entirely within the elongated opening having multiple shapes to guide a drill. Additionally, in some embodiments, a single instrument as shown and described herein (e.g., a single barrel drill guide) can be placed into one or more scallops (e.g., scallop openings), a drill bit can be inserted into the barrel, a hole can be drilled into the patient's bone, the drill bit and guide can be removed, and the process can be repeated with another scallop opening. In some embodiments, this process can be repeated multiple times through the various scallop openings and over the length of the elongated opening.

[0032] The various instruments shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1-71 may also include one or more legs extending substantially downwardly from a top portion of the instrument (e.g., extending from a point below and / or beyond the lateral-most edges of the elongated opening, as such components have been previously described). In some embodiments, the legs may include one or more cut slots configured to receive at least a portion of a cutting instrument (e.g., various types of saws, etc.) common to orthopaedic surgical procedures. As shown in various embodiments of FIGS. 1-71, the cut slots disposed on the legs of the instrument may be open sided in at least one dimension (e.g., a substantially rectangular cut slot open on at least one of four sides, a hexagonal cut slot open on at least one of six sides, etc.). In some embodiments, the cut slots may extend to various portions of the instrument to allow for rotation of the saw to cut a desired portion of the patient's bone (e.g., the tibia). For example, a cut slot disposed in the leg of the device may extend partially through the depth of the device to the top of the device adjacent the elongated opening described above.

[0033] Various embodiments of the instruments shown and described herein may include various reference points or markers configured to aid the physician in positioning the instrument and / or other complementary instruments relative to the patient's anatomy during the course of a procedure. For example, the instrument may include a crossbar configured to indicate endothelial / external alignment of a resection guide or other component. Similarly, the instrument may include one or more pointers or markers (e.g., angled protrusions, etc.) configured to align with other instrument components of the instrument system and / or with anatomical reference points of the patient. In some embodiments, the instrument may include multiple reference points or markers, which have different shapes, sizes, etc. and are configured to aid in the alignment of various components (e.g., instruments, anatomical structures, etc.) in different directions (e.g., endothelial-external, superior-inferior, medial-lateral, anterior-posterior, distal-proximal, plantar-dorsal, etc.).

[0034] 1-71 also illustrate instruments configured to make cuts adjacent to those described with reference to cut slots disposed on the legs of the instruments herein above. For example, the instruments may include an upper portion configured to mate with a bone of a patient in the same and / or similar manner as previously described. Additionally, the instruments may be configured to mate with a first bone of a patient and extend to a location adjacent a second bone of the patient, where the instruments are configured to facilitate (e.g., guide, etc.) a resection cut on the second bone of the patient. In some embodiments, such instruments may include one or more reference points or markers disposed between the upper portion (e.g., the mateable portion) and a terminal end of an extension extending substantially downwardly from the upper portion. The terminal end may include an elongated component having one or more cut slots disposed at least partially thereon. In some embodiments, the one or more cut slots may be open in at least one dimension (e.g., "open" may be defined similarly as defined above in a similar context). Additionally, in some embodiments, such instruments may be reversible. For example, the instrument may be configured so that it is coupled to a patient's bone, a first cut is made, the guide is separated, and recoupled in an inverted configuration (e.g., with the open dimension of the slot facing in the opposite direction), and a second cut is made adjacent to and / or overlapping the first cut.

[0035] 1-4, a guide 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 100 is shown to include a body 102 and a pair of protrusions 104 extending upwardly from the body 102. As shown, the protrusions 104 extend upwardly from the body 102 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 104 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 104 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 104 is shown to include an opening 106 (e.g., a bore, etc.) that is centrally located relative to the protrusion 104 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide 100. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 106 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 104. As shown, each of the openings 106 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 104 and the body 102. However, in some aspects, the openings 106 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, each of the openings 106 is disposed within the projection 104, however, in some embodiments, one or more openings 106 may be disposed within the body 102 adjacent the base of the projection 104. In some embodiments, one or more pins can be placed within and / or through the openings 106 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 100 to the bone.

[0036] The body 102 is further shown to include an opening 108 and an opening 110 disposed in a central portion thereof. As shown, the opening 108 is configured as a substantially elongated rectangular shape / slot and is disposed above the opening 110. The opening 110 is shown to include a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed below the opening 108. As shown, the openings 108, 110 extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the guide 100. In some embodiments, the opening 108 may be configured to receive at least a portion of an elongated component therein, such as an angel wing or other alignment aid. Similarly, the opening 110 may be configured to receive, for example, a pin, drill guide, and drill bit, or other common surgical component having a shape complementary to the shape of the opening 110, therein and / or therethrough.

[0037] Guide 100 is further shown to include a pair of legs 112 extending downwardly (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of body 102. As shown, legs 112 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Moreover, each of legs 112 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at its termini) a maximum lateral dimension of guide 100 on either side thereof. Each of legs 112 is shown to include at least one protrusion 114 on its inner surface. As shown, protrusion 114 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between legs 112 and directed toward an opening defined laterally by legs 112.

[0038] 5-8, a guide 200 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 200 is shown to include a body 202 and a pair of protrusions 204 extending upwardly from the body 202. As shown, the protrusions 204 extend upwardly from the body 202 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 204 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 204 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 204 is shown to include at least one opening 206 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 206 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 204 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 206 may be offset toward a terminal end of the protrusions 204. In some aspects, a pair of second openings 206 may be disposed within the body 202 of the guide 200. As shown, the openings 206 disposed in the projection 204 may have parallel central axes, while a second pair of openings 206 (disposed in the body 202) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 206 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the projection 204 and the body 202. However, in some embodiments, the openings 206 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 206 are disposed in the projection 204, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 206 may be disposed in the body 202 adjacent the base of the projection 204. In some embodiments, one or more pins may be disposed in and / or through the openings 206 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 200 to the bone. In some embodiments, the guide 200 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 200 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 200 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0039] The body 202 is further shown to include an opening 208 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 208 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 204. The opening 208 is further shown to include a plurality of scallops disposed therein. The scallops extend from at least one of above, below, and to the sides of the opening 208. Each of the scallops defines at least a portion (but not necessarily the entirety) of a cylindrical shape (or other similar shape) that extends from a top surface of the guide 200 to at least partially to a bottom surface (e.g., through the depth of the opening 208). Thus, a drill guide (e.g., a cylindrical drill guide) having a complementary size and shape to the scallops (including but not limited to those described herein below) can be inserted within each of the scallops to guide a drill into and through the scallops to accomplish drilling into the bone to which the guide 200 is coupled. The opening 208 includes a substantially elongated rectangular shape and is disposed above a central window defined on all four sides by components of the guide 200. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (e.g., a joint) underlying the guide 200 when the guide 200 is coupled to a bone.

[0040] The guide 200 is further shown to include a pair of legs 212 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 202. As shown, the legs 212 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Additionally, each of the legs 212 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 200 on either side thereof. Each of the legs 212 is shown to include at least one protrusion 214 on its inner surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 214 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between the legs 212 and directed toward a central opening defined laterally by the legs 212. Each of the legs is shown to include a slot 216 disposed therein. The slot 216 is defined laterally by each of the legs 212 and vertically by the body 202 in an upward direction, but not vertically in a downward direction. As such, each of the slots 216 can be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of the bone to which the guide 200 is coupled. As shown, the slots 216 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the legs 212, although in some embodiments the slots 216 may include alternative shapes.

[0041] Guide 200 is further shown to include an opening 210 defined laterally by a pair of legs 212 and longitudinally by a pair of cross members, each of which is integral with the pair of legs 212. Opening 210 is configured to receive a surgical instrument therein, such as a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.), to guide a cut in a second bone adjacent to a bone to which prong 204 may be coupled. As shown, opening 210 is a substantially horizontal opening, disposed parallel to a plane tangent to the arc shape of opening 208, although in some embodiments opening 210 may have alternative shapes.

[0042] 9-12, a guide 300 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 300 is shown to include a body 302 and a pair of protrusions 304 extending upwardly from the body 302. As shown, the protrusions 304 extend upwardly from the body 302 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 304 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 304 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 304 is shown to include at least one opening 306 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 306 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 304 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 306 may be offset toward a terminal end of the protrusion 304. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 306 may be disposed within the body 302 of the guide 300, and / or may be partially disposed within the body 302 and partially disposed within the projection 304 of the guide 200. As shown, the openings 306 disposed within the projection 304 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 306 (disposed within the body 302) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 306 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the projection 304 and the body 302. However, in some embodiments, the openings 306 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 306 are disposed within the projection 304, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 306 may be disposed within the body 302 adjacent the base of the projection 304. In some embodiments, one or more pins may be disposed within and / or through the openings 306 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 300 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 300 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 300 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 300 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0043] The body 302 is further shown to include an opening 308 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 308 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 304. The opening 308 is further shown to include a plurality of scallops disposed therein. The scallops extend from at least one of above, below, and to the sides of the opening 308. Each of the scallops defines at least a portion (but not necessarily the entirety) of a cylindrical shape (or other similar shape) that extends from a top surface of the guide 300 to at least partially to a bottom surface (e.g., through the depth of the opening 308). As such, a drill guide (e.g., a cylindrical drill guide) having a complementary size and shape to the scallops (including but not limited to those described herein below) can be inserted within each of the scallops to guide a drill into and through the scallops to accomplish drilling into the bone to which the guide 300 is coupled. The opening 308 includes a substantially elongated rectangular shape and is disposed above a central window defined on all four sides by components of the guide 300. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (e.g., a joint) underlying the guide 300 when the guide 300 is coupled to a bone.

[0044] The guide 300 is further shown to include a pair of legs 312 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 302. As shown, the legs 312 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Additionally, each of the legs 312 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 300 on either side thereof. Each of the legs 312 is shown to include at least one protrusion 314 on its inner surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 314 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between the legs 312 and directed toward a central opening defined laterally by the legs 312. Each of the legs is shown to include a slot 316 disposed therein. The slot 316 is defined laterally by each of the legs 312 and vertically by the body 302 in an upward direction, but not vertically in a downward direction. As such, each of the slots 316 can be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of the bone to which the guide 300 is coupled. As shown, the slots 316 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the legs 312, although in some embodiments the slots 316 may include alternative shapes.

[0045] Guide 300 is further shown to include an opening 310 disposed within a cross member extending laterally between a pair of legs 312. The opening 310 is disposed entirely within the cross member, which is integral with the pair of legs 312. The opening 310 may be configured to receive a surgical instrument therein, for example an alignment instrument such as an angel wing, or other similar component. As shown, opening 310 is substantially horizontal and disposed parallel to a plane tangent to the arcuate shape of opening 308, although in some embodiments opening 310 may have alternative shapes.

[0046] 13-17, a guide 400 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 400 is shown to include a body 402 and a pair of protrusions 404 extending upwardly from the body 402. As shown, the protrusions 404 extend upwardly from the body 402 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 404 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 404 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 404 is shown to include at least one opening 406 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 406 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 404 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 406 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 404. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 406 may be disposed within the body 402 of the guide 400, and / or may be partially disposed within the body 402 and partially disposed within the protrusion 404 of the guide 400. As shown, the openings 406 disposed within the protrusion 404 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 406 (disposed within the body 402) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 406 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 404 and the body 402. However, in some embodiments, the openings 406 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 406 are disposed within the protrusion 404, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 406 may be disposed within the body 402 adjacent the base of the protrusion 404. In some embodiments, one or more pins may be disposed within and / or through the openings 406 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 400 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 400 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 400 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 400 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0047] The body 402 is further shown to include an opening 408 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 408 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 404. The opening 408 is further shown to include a plurality of scallops disposed therein. The scallops extend from at least one of above, below, and to the sides of the opening 408. Each of the scallops defines at least a portion (but not necessarily the entirety) of a cylindrical shape (or other similar shape) that extends from a top surface of the guide 400 to at least partially to a bottom surface (e.g., through the depth of the opening 408). Thus, a drill guide (e.g., a cylindrical drill guide) having a complementary size and shape to the scallops (including but not limited to those described herein below) can be inserted within each of the scallops to guide a drill into and through the scallops to accomplish drilling into the bone to which the guide 400 is coupled. The opening 408 includes a substantially elongated rectangular shape and is disposed above a central window defined on all four sides by components of the guide 400. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (e.g., a joint) underlying the guide 400 when the guide 400 is coupled to a bone.

[0048] The guide 400 is further shown to include a pair of legs 412 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 402. As shown, the legs 412 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Additionally, each of the legs 412 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 400 on either side thereof. Each of the legs 412 is shown to include at least one protrusion 414 on its inner surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 414 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between the legs 412 and directed toward a central opening defined laterally by the legs 412. Each of the legs is shown to include a slot 416 disposed therein. The slot 416 is defined laterally by each of the legs 412 and vertically by the body 402 in an upward direction, but not vertically in a downward direction. As such, each of the slots 416 can be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of the bone to which the guide 400 is coupled. As shown, the slots 416 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the legs 412, although in some embodiments the slots 416 may include alternative shapes.

[0049] 18-20, a guide 500 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 500 is shown to include a body 502 and a pair of protrusions 504 extending upwardly from the body 502. As shown, the protrusions 504 extend upwardly from the body 502 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 504 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 504 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 504 is shown to include at least one opening 506 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 506 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 504 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 506 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 504. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 506 may be disposed within the body 502 of the guide 500, and / or may be partially disposed within the body 502 and partially disposed within the projection 504 of the guide 500. As shown, the openings 506 disposed within the projection 504 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 506 (disposed within the body 502) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 506 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the projection 504 and the body 502. However, in some embodiments, the openings 506 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 506 are disposed within the projection 504, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 506 may be disposed within the body 502 adjacent the base of the projection 504. In some embodiments, one or more pins may be disposed within and / or through the openings 506 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 500 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 500 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 500 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 500 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0050] The guide 500 is further shown to include a shaft 508 extending downward from the body 502 to a frame 512 disposed substantially below the body 502. As shown, the body 502, shaft 508, and frame 512 are integral with one another. The shaft 508 extends from both the body 502 and the frame 512 at a substantially perpendicular angle from the surface of the respective components. The shaft 508 is shown to include at least one protrusion 514 on its outer surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 514 is substantially triangular in shape and faces outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from the surface of the shaft 508. The frame 512 is shown to include a pair of openings 510 on its lower portion. The openings are configured to facilitate coupling of the frame 512 to a second bone (e.g., the talus) of the patient. As shown, the openings 510 are disposed below a slot 516 disposed within the frame 512. The slot 516 is defined vertically (upper and lower) and laterally by the frame 512. Additionally, slot 516 may be undefined or open on one side (of a rectangular shape, as shown) to facilitate insertion and removal of a cutting instrument, such as a reciprocating saw or sagittal saw. In some embodiments, guide 500 may be reversible, such that guide 500 is placed over a pin received in openings 506, 510, a cut is made in slot 516, and then guide 500 may be removed and flipped 180 degrees and repositioned with the pin received in openings 506, 510 and the open side of slot 516 facing in the opposite direction from the initial position, to facilitate extension of the first cut or guiding of a second cut.

[0051] 21-24, a guide 600 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 600 is shown to include a body 602 and a pair of protrusions 604 extending upwardly from the body 602. As shown, the protrusions 604 extend upwardly from the body 602 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 604 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 604 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 604 is shown to include at least one opening 606 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 606 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 604 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 606 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 604. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 606 may be disposed within the body 602 of the guide 600, and / or may be partially disposed within the body 602 and partially disposed within the protrusion 604 of the guide 600. As shown, the openings 606 disposed within the protrusion 604 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 606 (disposed within the body 602) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 606 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 604 and the body 602. However, in some embodiments, the openings 606 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 606 are disposed within the protrusion 604, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 606 may be disposed within the body 602 adjacent the base of the protrusion 604. In some embodiments, one or more pins may be disposed within and / or through the openings 606 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 600 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 600 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 600 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 600 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0052] The body 602 is further shown to include an opening 608 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 608 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 604. The opening 608 may include a depth stop disposed partially between the top and bottom surfaces of the guide 600, such that an insert, e.g., the same and / or similar to those shown and subsequently described herein, may be disposed therein and held at a particular position / depth by the depth stop. Such an insert may include a number of openings, e.g., drill holes, through which the patient's bone may be drilled. The opening may also include one or more geometric features configured to accommodate such an insert having complementary geometric features. The geometric features are configured to facilitate retention or nesting and stability of the insert within the opening 608. The opening 608 includes a substantially elongated arcuate shape and is disposed above one or more central windows defined on all sides by components of the guide 600. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (eg, joint) underlying the guide 600 when the guide 600 is coupled to a bone.

[0053] Guide 600 is further shown to include a pair of legs 612 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusion) from opposite sides of body 602. As shown, legs 612 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Additionally, each of legs 612 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of guide 600 on either side thereof. Each of legs is shown to include a slot 616 disposed therein. Slot 616 is defined laterally by each of legs 612 and vertically by body 602 in a downward direction, but is not vertically defined (i.e., open) in an upward direction where each of the slots is in fluid communication with opening 608. Each of slots 616 can thus be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of a bone to which guide 600 is coupled. As shown, slots 616 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of legs 612, although in some embodiments slots 616 may include alternative shapes.

[0054] The guide 600 is further shown to include an aperture 610 disposed within the cross member extending laterally between a pair of legs 612. The aperture 610 is disposed entirely within the cross member, which is integrally connected to the pair of legs 612. The aperture 610 may be configured to receive a surgical instrument therein, such as an alignment instrument, such as an angel wing, or other similar component. As illustrated, the aperture 610 is a substantially horizontal aperture and is disposed parallel to a plane tangent to the arc shape of the aperture 608, although in some embodiments the aperture 610 may have an alternative shape. The guide 600 is further shown to include a pair of apertures 620 disposed below the aperture 610. The pair of apertures include substantially parallel central axes and are configured to receive a pin therein to facilitate attachment to a second bone (e.g., the talus) of the patient.

[0055] The guide 600 is shown to include a frame member disposed within a central opening of the guide 600. The central opening is defined laterally by legs 612, superiorly by body 602, and inferiorly by a lateral member defining an opening 610. The frame member is shown to define an opening 618 therein. The opening 618, as shown, is configured as a substantially elongated rectangular shape and may be configured to receive an alignment instrument therein (e.g., angel wings, etc.). The frame member is further shown to include at least one protrusion 614 on an outer surface thereof that extends into the central opening. As shown, the protrusion 614 is substantially triangular in shape and extends from the frame member adjacent opposite ends of the opening 618.

[0056] 25-31, a guide 700 and components with which the guide 700 may be implemented are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 700 is shown to include a body 702 and a pair of protrusions 704 extending upwardly from the body 702. As shown, the protrusions 704 extend upwardly from the body 702 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 704 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 704 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 704 is shown to include at least one opening 706 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 706 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 704 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 706 may be offset toward an end of the protrusions 704. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 706 may be disposed within the body 702 of the guide 700, and / or may be partially disposed within the body 702 and partially disposed within the protrusion 704 of the guide 700. As shown, the openings 706 disposed within the protrusion 704 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 706 (disposed within the body 702) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 706 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 704 and the body 702. However, in some embodiments, the openings 706 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 706 are disposed within the protrusion 704, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 706 may be disposed within the body 702 adjacent the base of the protrusion 704. In some embodiments, one or more pins may be disposed within and / or through the openings 706 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 700 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 700 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 700 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 700 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0057] The body 702 is further shown to include an opening 708 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 708 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 704. The opening 708 may include a depth stop disposed therein partially between the top and bottom surfaces of the guide 700, such that an insert, such as insert 750 (see FIGS. 27-29), may be disposed within the opening and held at a particular position / depth by the depth stop. The insert 750 includes a number of openings (shown as drill holes) and is shown in FIGS. 27-29 as allowing for drilling into the patient's bone through the openings. The opening 708 may also include one or more geometric features configured to accommodate the insert 750 having complementary geometric features. The geometric features are configured to facilitate retention / nesting and stability of the insert 750 within the opening 708. The opening 708 includes a substantially elongated arcuate shape and is disposed above one or more central windows defined on all sides by components of the guide 700. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structures (eg, joints) underlying the guide 700 when the guide 700 is coupled to a bone.

[0058] The guide 700 is further shown to include a pair of legs 712 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusion) from opposite sides of the body 702. As shown, the legs 712 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Additionally, each of the legs 712 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 700 on either side thereof. Each of the legs 712 is shown to include a slot 716 disposed therein. The slot 716 is defined laterally by each of the legs 712 and vertically by the body 702 in a downward direction, but is not vertically defined (i.e., open) in an upward direction where each of the slots 716 is in fluid communication with the opening 708. As such, each of the slots 716 can be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of the bone to which the guide 700 is attached. As shown, slots 716 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the pair of legs 712, although in some embodiments, slots 716 may include alternative shapes.

[0059] The guide 700 is further shown to include an aperture 710 disposed within a cross member extending laterally between a pair of legs 712. The aperture 710 is disposed entirely within the cross member, which is integrally attached to the pair of legs 712. The aperture 710 may be configured to receive a surgical instrument therein, such as an alignment instrument, such as an angel wing, or other similar component. As shown, the aperture 710 is a substantially horizontal aperture and is disposed parallel to a plane tangent to the arc shape of the aperture 708, although in some embodiments the aperture 710 may have an alternative shape. The guide 700 is further shown to include a pair of apertures 720 disposed below the aperture 710. The pair of apertures 720 include substantially parallel central axes and are configured to receive a pin therein to facilitate attachment to a second bone (e.g., the talus) of the patient.

[0060] The guide 700 is shown to include a frame member disposed within a central opening of the guide 700. The central opening 710 is defined laterally by legs 712, superiorly by the body 702, and inferiorly by the cross members. The frame member is shown to define an opening 718 therein. The opening, as shown, is configured as a substantially elongated rectangular shape and may be configured to receive an alignment instrument therein (e.g., angel wings, etc.). The frame member is further shown to include at least one protrusion 714 on its outer surface that extends into the central opening 710. As shown, the protrusion 714 is substantially triangular in shape and extends from the frame member adjacent opposite ends of the opening 718.

[0061] 32-38 and 42, a guide 800 and components that may be implemented with the guide 800 are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 800 is shown to include a body 802 and a pair of protrusions 804 extending upwardly from the body 802. As shown, the protrusions 804 extend upwardly from the body 802 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 804 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 804 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 804 is shown to include at least one opening 806 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 806 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 804 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 806 may be offset toward an end of the protrusions 804. In some embodiments, the pair of second openings 806 may be disposed within the body 802 of the guide 800, and / or may be partially disposed within the body 802 and partially disposed within the protrusion 804 of the guide 800. As shown, the openings 806 disposed within the protrusion 804 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 806 (disposed within the body 802) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 806 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 804 and the body 802. However, in some embodiments, the openings 806 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 806 are disposed within the protrusion 804, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 806 may be disposed within the body 802 adjacent the base of the protrusion 804. In some embodiments, one or more pins may be disposed within and / or through the openings 806 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 800 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 800 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 800 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 800 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0062] The body 802 is further shown to include an opening 808 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 808 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 804. The opening 808 is further shown to include a plurality of scallops disposed therein. The scallops extend from at least one of above, below, and to the sides of the opening 808. Each of the scallops defines at least a portion (but not necessarily the entirety) of a cylindrical shape (or other similar shape) that extends from a top surface of the guide 800 to at least partially to a bottom surface (e.g., through the depth of the opening 808). Thus, the drill guide 450 as shown in FIGS. 32 and 42 includes a handle 452 and a shaft 454 that can be manipulated to insert the shaft 454 at least partially into one or more scallops of the opening 808. As shown, the shaft 454 is configured to have a complementary size and shape (e.g., a cylindrical drill guide) to the scallop to facilitate placement of the shaft 454 within the scallop and thus guide a drill thereto for drilling into the bone to which the guide 800 is coupled. The opening 808 is disposed above at least one central window defined on all sides by components of the guide 800. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (e.g., a joint) underlying the guide 800 when the guide 800 is coupled to a bone.

[0063] The guide 800 is further shown to include a pair of legs 812 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 802. As shown, the legs 812 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Additionally, each of the legs 812 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 800 on either side thereof. Each of the legs 812 is shown to include at least one protrusion 814 on its inner surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 814 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between the legs 812 and directed toward a central opening defined laterally by the legs 812. Each of the legs is shown to include a slot 816 disposed therein. The slot 816 is defined laterally by each of the legs 812 and vertically by the body 802 in an upward direction, but not vertically defined (i.e., open) in a downward direction. As such, each of the slots 816 can be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of the bone to which the guide 800 is coupled. As shown, the slots 816 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the legs 812, although in some embodiments the slots 816 may include alternative shapes.

[0064] Guide 800 is further shown to include an opening 810 disposed within a cross member extending laterally between a pair of legs 812 and extending downwardly from body 802 at a point below opening 808. Opening 810 is disposed entirely within the cross member, which is integral with the pair of legs 812. Opening 810 may be configured to receive a surgical instrument therein, such as an alignment instrument 850 as shown in FIGS. 32, 37, and 42, or an angel wing or other similar component. As shown, opening 810 includes horizontal and vertical rectangular shapes that collectively form an inverted "T" shaped opening. The horizontal rectangular portions are disposed in a plane parallel to a plane tangent to the arc shape of opening 808, although in some embodiments opening 810 may have alternative shapes.

[0065] 39-41, a guide 900 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 900 is shown to include a body 902 and a pair of protrusions 904 extending upwardly from the body 902. As shown, the protrusions 904 extend upwardly from the body 902 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 904 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 904 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 904 is shown to include at least one opening 906 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 906 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 904 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 906 may be offset toward a terminal end of the protrusions 904. As shown, a pair of second openings 906 are disposed within the body 902 of the guide 900. As shown, the openings 906 disposed in the projection 904 may have parallel central axes, while a second pair of openings 906 (disposed in the body 902) is shown to have converging (but may alternatively diverge) central axes. As shown, each pair of openings 906 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the projection 904 and the body 902. However, in some embodiments, the openings 906 may include alternative and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 906 are disposed in the projection 904, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 906 may be disposed in the body 902 adjacent the base of the projection 904. In some embodiments, one or more pins can be disposed in and / or through the openings 906 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 900 to the bone. In some embodiments, the guide 900 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 900 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 900 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0066] The guide 900 is further shown to include a shaft 908 extending downward from the body 902 to a frame 912 disposed substantially below the body 902. As shown, the body 902, shaft 908, and frame 912 are integral with one another. The shaft 908 extends from both the body 902 and the frame 912 at a substantially perpendicular angle from the surface of the respective components. The shaft 908 is shown to include at least one protrusion 914 on its outer surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 914 is substantially triangular in shape and faces outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from the surface of the shaft 908. The frame 912 is shown to include a pair of openings 910 on its lower portion. The openings are configured to facilitate coupling of the frame 912 to a second bone (e.g., the talus) of the patient. As shown, the openings 910 are disposed below a slot 916 disposed within the frame 912. The slot is defined vertically (upper and lower) and laterally by the frame 912. Additionally, the slot 916 (as shown, of a rectangular shape) has one side undefined (i.e., open) which can facilitate insertion and removal of a cutting instrument, such as a reciprocating saw or sagittal saw. In some embodiments, the guide 900 can be reversible, such that the guide 900 is placed over a pin received in the openings 906, 910, a cut is made in the slot 916, and then the guide 900 can be removed, flipped 180 degrees, and repositioned with the pin received in the openings 906, 910 and the open side of the slot 916 facing in the opposite direction from the initial position, which can facilitate an extension of the first cut or guiding a second cut.

[0067] 43-46, a guide 1000 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 1000 is shown to include a body 1002 and a pair of protrusions 1004 extending upwardly from the body 1002. As shown, the protrusions 1004 extend upwardly from the body 1002 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 1004 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 1004 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 1004 is shown to include at least one opening 1006 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 1006 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 1004 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 1006 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 1004. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 1006 may be disposed within the body 1002 of the guide 1000, and / or may be disposed partially within the body 1002 and partially within the protrusion 1004 of the guide 1000. As shown, the openings 1006 disposed within the protrusion 1004 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 1006 (disposed within the body 1002) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 1006 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 1004 and the body 1002. However, in some embodiments, the openings 1006 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 1006 are disposed within the protrusion 1004, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 1006 may be disposed within the body 1002 adjacent the base of the protrusion 1004. In some embodiments, one or more pins can be placed in and / or through the openings 1006 into a bone (eg, the tibia) to couple the guide 1000 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 1000 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 1000 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 1000 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0068] The body 1002 is further shown to include an opening 1008 disposed in a central portion thereof. The opening 1008 includes a substantially elongated rectangular shape and is disposed above at least one central window defined on all sides by components of the guide 1000. The central window is configured to allow visualization of an anatomical structure (e.g., a joint) below the guide 1000 when the guide 1000 is coupled with a bone. The body 1002 is also shown to include a pair of openings 1009 located at opposite ends of and adjacent the opening 1008. As shown, the openings 1009 include a substantially cylindrical shape with central axes of the openings 1009 being substantially parallel to one another. Thus, a portion of the tibial resection (with the guide 1000 coupled to the patient's tibia) can be performed by drilling holes into the tibia through each of the openings 1009 and making cuts (with a reciprocating or sagittal saw) into the tibia through and along the openings 1008.

[0069] The guide 1000 is further shown to include a pair of legs 1012 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 1002. As shown, the pair of legs 1012 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another from a point directly below and adjacent the opening 1009. Additionally, each of the pair of legs 1012 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 1000 on either side thereof. Each of the pair of legs 1012 is shown to include at least one protrusion 1014 on its inner surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 1014 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between the legs 1012 and directed toward a central opening defined laterally by the pair of legs 1012. Each of the pair of legs is shown to include a slot 1016 disposed therein. The slots 1016 are defined laterally by each of the legs 1012 and vertically by the body 1002 in an upward direction, but are not vertically defined (i.e., open) in a downward direction. Each of the slots 1016 can thus be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of the bone to which the guide 1000 is coupled. As shown, the slots 1016 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the pair of legs 1012, although in some embodiments the slots 1016 may include alternative shapes.

[0070] The guide 1000 is further shown to include an opening 1010 disposed within a cross member extending laterally between a pair of legs 1012 and extending downwardly from the body 1002 at a point below the opening 1008. The opening 1010 is disposed entirely within the cross member. The cross member is integral with the pair of legs 1012. The opening 1010 may be configured to receive a surgical instrument therein, such as an alignment instrument 850 as shown in FIGS. 32, 37, and 42, or an angel wing or other similar component. As shown, the opening 1010 includes horizontal and vertical rectangular shapes that collectively form an inverted "T" shaped opening. The horizontal rectangular portions are disposed in a plane parallel to a plane tangent to the arc shape of the opening 1008, although in some embodiments the opening 1010 may have alternative shapes.

[0071] 47-49, a guide 1100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 1100 is shown to include a body 1102 and a pair of protrusions 1104 extending upwardly from the body 1102. As shown, the protrusions 1104 extend upwardly from the body 1102 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 1104 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 1104 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 1104 is shown to include at least one opening 1106 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 1106 is centrally located with respect to the protrusions 1104 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 1106 may be offset toward a terminal end of the protrusions 1104. As shown, a pair of second openings 1106 are disposed within the body 1102 of the guide 1100. As shown, the openings 1106 disposed in the projection 1104 may have parallel central axes, while a second pair of openings 1106 (disposed in the body 1102) is shown to have converging (but may alternatively diverge) central axes. As shown, each pair of openings 1106 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the projection 1104 and the body 1102. However, in some embodiments, the openings 1106 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 1106 are disposed in the projection 1104, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 1106 may be disposed in the body 1102 adjacent the base of the projection 1104. In some embodiments, one or more pins can be disposed in and / or through the openings 1106 into a bone (e.g., the tibia) to couple the guide 1100 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 1100 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 1100 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 1100 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0072] The guide 1100 is further shown to include a shaft 1108 extending downwardly from the body 1102 to a frame 1112 disposed substantially below the body 1102. As shown, the body 1102, shaft 1108, and frame 1112 are integral with one another. The shaft 1108 extends from both the body 1102 and the frame 1112 at a substantially perpendicular angle from the surface of the respective components. The shaft 1108 is shown to include at least one protrusion 1114 on its outer surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 1114 is substantially triangular in shape and faces outwardly in a substantially perpendicular direction from the surface of the shaft 1108. The frame 1112 is shown to include a pair of openings 1110 on its lower portion. The openings are configured to facilitate coupling of the frame 1112 to a second bone (e.g., the talus) of the patient. The openings 110 are shown to include a substantially converging (although may alternatively be diverging) central axis. As shown, the opening 1110 is disposed below a slot 1116 disposed in a frame 1112. The slot is vertically (upper and lower) and laterally defined by the frame 1112. Additionally, the slot 1116 is undefined (i.e., open) on one side (of a rectangular shape, as shown) to facilitate insertion and removal of a cutting instrument, such as a reciprocating saw or sagittal saw.

[0073] 50-58, a guide 1200 and components that may be implemented with the guide 1200 are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 1200 is shown to include a body 1202 and a pair of protrusions 1204 extending upwardly from the body 1202. As shown, the protrusions 1204 extend upwardly from the body 1202 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 1204 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 1204 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 1204 is shown to include at least one opening 1206 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 1206 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 1204 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 1206 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 1204. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 1206 may be disposed within the body 1202 of the guide 1200, and / or may be disposed partially within the body 1202 and partially within the protrusion 1204 of the guide 1200. As shown, the openings 1206 disposed within the protrusion 1204 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 1206 (disposed within the body 1202) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 1206 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 1204 and the body 1202. However, in some embodiments, the openings 1206 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 1206 are disposed within the protrusion 1204, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 1206 may be disposed within the body 1202 adjacent the base of the protrusion 1204. In some embodiments, one or more pins can be placed in and / or through opening 1206 into a bone (eg, the tibia) to couple guide 1200 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 1200 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 1200 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 1200 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0074] The body 1202 is further shown to include an opening 1208 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 1208 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 1204. The opening 1208 is further shown to include a plurality of scallops disposed therein. The scallops extend from at least one of the upper, lower, and lateral sides of the opening 1208. Each of the scallops defines at least a portion (but not necessarily the entirety) of a cylindrical shape (or other similar shape) that extends from a top surface of the guide 1200 to at least partially to a bottom surface (e.g., through the depth of the opening 1208). Thus, by manipulating the drill guide 450 as shown in FIGS. 32 and 42, the shaft 454 can be at least partially inserted into one or more scallops of the opening 1208. The opening 1208 is disposed above at least one central window having multiple sides defined by components of the guide 1200. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (eg, joint) beneath the guide 1200 when the guide 1200 is coupled to a bone.

[0075] The guide 1200 is further shown to include a pair of legs 1212 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 1202. As shown, the pair of legs 1212 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another from a point directly below and adjacent the opening 1009. Additionally, each of the pair of legs 1212 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 1200 on either side thereof. Each of the pair of legs 1212 is shown to include at least one protrusion 1214 on its inner surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 1214 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between the pair of legs 1212 and directed toward a central opening defined laterally by the legs 1212. Each of the pair of legs is shown to include a slot 1216 disposed therein. The slots 1216 are defined laterally by each of the legs 1212 and vertically by the body 1202 in an upward direction, but are not vertically defined (i.e., open) in a downward direction. Each of the slots 1216 can thus be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of a bone to which the guide 1200 is coupled. As shown, the slots 1216 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the pair of legs 1212, although in some embodiments the slots 1216 may include alternative shapes.

[0076] Guide 1200 is shown to be removably coupleable with instrument 1250 and / or to be removably coupled with one or more instruments, for example, at least instrument 1240 shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. Instrument 1250 is shown in FIGS. 56-58 as including a pair of projections 1254 extending substantially parallel to one another upwardly from body 1252. Each of projections 1254 is shown to include an extension 1256 extending substantially vertically from a bottom surface of projection 1254. Extension 1256 is shown to include a substantially cylindrical shape having dimensions configured to facilitate reception within at least two of openings 1206 of guide 1200. Instrument 1250 is further shown to include a shaft 1258 extending downwardly from body 1252 and including an opening 1260 therein. As shown, opening 1260 includes horizontal and vertical rectangular shapes that collectively form an inverted "T" shaped opening configured to receive at least a portion of an instrument, for example instrument 850, therein. Located on opposite sides of shaft 1258 and adjacent opening 1260 are a pair of protrusions 1264 extending laterally from shaft 1258. Shaft 1258 further includes an opening 1262 located below opening 1260, which as shown includes a cylindrical shape and is configured to releasably couple with instrument 1240, as shown in FIGS.

[0077] 59-67, a guide 1300 and components with which the guide 1300 may be implemented are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 1300 is shown to include a body 1302 and a pair of protrusions 1304 extending upwardly from the body 1302. As shown, the protrusions 1304 extend upwardly from the body 1302 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 1304 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 1304 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 1304 is shown to include at least one opening 1306 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 1306 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 1304 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 1306 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 1304. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 1306 may be disposed within the body 1302 of the guide 1300, and / or may be disposed partially within the body 1302 and partially within the protrusion 1304 of the guide 1300. As shown, the openings 1306 disposed within the protrusion 1304 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 1306 (disposed within the body 1302) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 1306 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 1304 and the body 1302. However, in some embodiments, the openings 1306 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 1306 are disposed within the protrusion 1304, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 1306 may be disposed within the body 1302 adjacent the base of the protrusion 1304. In some embodiments, one or more pins can be placed in and / or through the opening 1306 into a bone (eg, the tibia) to couple the guide 1300 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 1300 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 1300 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 1300 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0078] The body 1302 is further shown to include an opening 1308 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 1308 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 1304. The opening 1308 is further shown to include a plurality of scallops disposed therein. The scallops extend from at least one of above, below, and to the sides of the opening 1308. Each of the scallops defines at least a portion (but not necessarily the entirety) of a cylindrical shape (or other similar shape) that extends from a top surface of the guide 1300 to at least partially to a bottom surface (e.g., through the depth of the opening 1308). Thus, as shown in FIGS. 59 and 67, a drill guide 450 may be inserted within each of the scallops, having a size and shape complementary to the scallops, to guide a drill therein and therethrough to effect drilling into the bone to which the guide 1300 is coupled. The opening 1308 includes a substantially elongated rectangular shape and is disposed above a central window defined on all sides by the components of the guide 1300. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (e.g., a joint) below the guide 1300 when the guide 1300 is coupled to a bone.

[0079] The guide 1300 is further shown to include a pair of legs 1312 extending downward (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 1302. As shown, the pair of legs 1312 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Furthermore, each of the pair of legs 1312 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) the maximum lateral dimension of the guide 1300 on either side thereof. Each of the pair of legs 1312 is shown to include at least one protrusion 1314 on its inner surface that is integral with each of the pair of legs 1312 and located substantially below the lateral member that defines the opening 1310. As shown, the at least one protrusion 1314 is substantially triangular in shape, located between the pair of legs 1312, and directed toward the central opening defined laterally by the legs 1312. Each of the pair of legs is shown to include a slot 1316 disposed therein. The slots 1316 are defined laterally by each of the legs 1312 and vertically by the body 1302 in an upward direction, but are not vertically defined (i.e., open) in a downward direction. Each of the slots 1316 can thus be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of a bone to which the guide 1300 is coupled. As shown, the slots 1316 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the pair of legs 1312, although in some embodiments the slots 1316 may include alternative shapes.

[0080] Guide 1300 is shown to be releasably coupleable with instrument 1350 (see FIG. 64) and / or releasably coupleable with one or more other instruments, such as at least instrument 1240 shown in FIG. 51. As shown in FIGS. 64-66, instrument 1350 is shown to include a pair of projections 1354 extending substantially parallel to one another upwardly from a body 1352. Each of projections 1354 is shown to include an extension 1356 extending substantially perpendicularly from a bottom surface of projection 1354. As shown, extension 1356 includes a substantially cylindrical shape having dimensions configured to facilitate receipt within at least two of openings 1306 of guide 1300. Instrument 1350 is further shown to include a shaft 1358 extending downwardly from body 1352 and including an opening 1360 therein. As shown, opening 1360 includes horizontal and vertical rectangular shapes that collectively form an inverted "T" shaped opening configured to receive at least a portion of an instrument, such as instrument 850. Disposed on the bottom surface of shaft 1358 (and below opening 1360) and extending therefrom is a protrusion 1364 that extends downwardly from shaft 1358.

[0081] 68-71, a guide 1400 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The guide 1400 is shown to include a body 1402 and a pair of protrusions 1404 extending upwardly from the body 1402. As shown, the protrusions 1404 extend upwardly from the body 1402 substantially parallel to one another. As shown, the protrusions 1404 include substantially the same shape (although in some aspects, the protrusions 1404 may include alternative shapes from those shown and / or from one another). Each of the protrusions 1404 is shown to include at least one opening 1406 (e.g., a bore, etc.). The at least one opening 1406 is centrally located relative to the protrusions 1404 and extends from a top surface to a bottom surface of the guide. In some aspects, one or more of the openings 1406 may be offset toward an end of the protrusion 1404. In some embodiments, a pair of second openings 1406 may be disposed within the body 1402 of the guide 1400, and / or may be partially disposed within the body 1402 and partially disposed within the protrusion 1404 of the guide 1400. As shown, the openings 1406 disposed within the protrusion 1404 may have parallel central axes, while the pair of second openings 1406 (disposed within the body 1402) may have converging (or diverging) central axes. As shown, each of the openings 1406 includes substantially the same size and location relative to the protrusion 1404 and the body 1402. However, in some embodiments, the openings 1406 may include alternative sizes and / or locations. As shown, at least two of the openings 1406 are disposed within the protrusion 1404, but in some embodiments, one or more openings 1406 may be disposed within the body 1402 adjacent the base of the protrusion 1404. In some embodiments, one or more pins can be placed in and / or through the openings 1406 into a bone (eg, the tibia) to couple the guide 1400 to the bone.In some embodiments, the guide 1400 may include a coupling element (e.g., a male or female dovetail component, etc.) extending from a portion of the guide 1400 and configured to facilitate removable coupling of the guide 1400 to other instrumentation and components of a system, such as an ankle arthroplasty system.

[0082] The body 1402 is further shown to include an opening 1408 disposed at a central portion thereof. The opening 1408 is shown to have a substantially arcuate shape (e.g., curved, radiused, etc.) with an apex of the arcuate shape located laterally between the projections 1404. The opening 1408 is further shown to include a plurality of scallops disposed therein. The scallops extend from at least one of above, below, and to the sides of the opening 1408. Each of the scallops defines at least a portion (but not necessarily the entirety) of a cylindrical shape (or other similar shape) that extends from a top surface of the guide 1400 to at least partially to a bottom surface (e.g., through the depth of the opening 1408). Thus, a drill guide (see FIG. 67) having a size and shape complementary to the scallops may be inserted within each of the scallops to guide a drill therein and therethrough to effect drilling into the bone to which the guide 1400 is coupled. The opening 1408 includes a substantially elongated rectangular shape and is disposed above a central window defined on all four sides by components of the guide 1400. The central window is configured to allow visualization of the anatomical structure (e.g., a joint) underlying the guide 1400 when the guide 1400 is coupled to a bone.

[0083] The guide 1400 is further shown to include a pair of legs 1412 extending downwardly (e.g., in the opposite direction from the protrusions) from opposite sides of the body 1402. As shown, the pair of legs 1412 extend at a substantially oblique angle relative to one another. Additionally, each of the pair of legs 1412 defines (at a point along its length, e.g., at an end) a maximum lateral dimension of the guide 1400 on either side thereof. Each of the pair of legs 1412 is shown to include at least one protrusion 1414 on its inner surface. As shown, the at least one protrusion 1414 is substantially triangular in shape and is located between the pair of legs 1412 and directed toward a central opening defined laterally by the legs 1412. Additionally, the guide 1400 is shown to include a pair of protrusions extending downwardly from the body 1402 and at least partially defining an opening 1410 therebetween. Each of the pair of legs is shown to include a slot 1416 disposed therein. The slots 1416 are defined laterally by each of the legs 1412 and vertically by the body 1402 in an upward direction, but are not vertically defined (i.e., open) in a downward direction. Each of the slots 1416 can thus be configured to receive a cutting instrument (e.g., a reciprocating saw, a sagittal saw, etc.) therein to facilitate cutting / resection of the bone to which the guide 1400 is coupled. As shown, the slots 1416 are disposed substantially parallel to a central axis of each of the pair of legs 1412, although in some embodiments the slots 1416 may include alternative shapes.

[0084] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be further understood that the terms "comprise" (and any form of "comprise" such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of "have" such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of "include" such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of "contain" such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps or elements has those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more steps or elements. Similarly, a method step or apparatus element that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those features or features, but is not limited to having only those features or features. Further, an apparatus or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways not recited.

[0085] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are illustrative of several possible arrangements for providing the same general features, characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications and changes may occur to others upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description. It is intended that the present invention be construed as including all such modifications and changes.

Claims

1. 1. A resection guide removably connectable to a bone of a patient, comprising: a pair of openings disposed in the resection guide and extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the resection guide; an elongated opening disposed in the body of the resection guide below the pair of openings, the elongated opening having at least one scalloped opening therein; a pair of legs extending substantially downwardly from the body of the resection guide, each of the legs including a slot, the slot being open in at least one direction; a resection guide comprising: a drill guide inserted into and removed from the at least one scalloped opening; Equipped with Orthopedic instrumentation systems.

2. The pair of legs are disposed obliquely relative to each other. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 .

3. Each of the openings has a central axis; The central axes are substantially parallel. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 .

4. and a pair of second openings disposed within the body of the resection guide and extending from a top surface to a bottom surface thereof. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 3.

5. Each of the pair of second openings has a central axis; the central axes of the pair of second openings converge or diverge; The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 4.

6. The elongated opening has a substantially arcuate shape. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 .

7. and a pair of protrusions extending substantially upwardly from the body of the resection guide. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 6.

8. Each of the openings is disposed within a respective one of the pair of projections. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 7.

9. an apex of the elongated opening is located laterally within the body between each of the pair of projections; The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 8.

10. 1. A resection guide removably connectable to a bone of a patient, comprising: a pair of protrusions extending upwardly from a body of the resection guide, each of the pair of protrusions having an opening disposed therein and extending from a top surface to a bottom surface of the resection guide; a first elongated opening disposed in the body below the pair of openings, the first elongated opening including at least one scalloped opening therein; a pair of legs extending substantially downwardly from the body of the resection guide, each of the pair of legs including a slot, the slot being open in at least one direction; Equipped with Resection guide.

11. further comprising a pair of second openings disposed within the body of the resection guide. The resection guide of claim 10.

12. Each of the pair of second openings has a central axis; The central axis may be convergent or divergent. The resection guide of claim 11.

13. Each of the openings has a central axis; The central axes are substantially parallel to one another. The resection guide of claim 10.

14. the at least one scalloped opening defines at least a portion of a substantially cylindrical shape extending from a top surface of the resection guide at least partially to a bottom surface of the resection guide; The resection guide of claim 10.

15. The pair of legs extend from the body at a substantially oblique angle. The resection guide of claim 10.

16. the first elongated opening has a substantially curved shape; The resection guide of claim 10.

17. an apex of the first elongated opening is located laterally between the pair of protrusions; The resection guide of claim 16.

18. further comprising a second elongated opening located below the first elongated opening. The resection guide of claim 10.

19. the second elongated opening is defined laterally by each of the pair of legs; The resection guide of claim 18.

20. The second elongated opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a cutting tool therein. The resection guide of claim 19.

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