REMOVABLE ANGLED GUIDE FOR IMPLANT INSERTION TOOL AND ASSOCIATED SURGICAL METHODS - Patent application

Abstract

A bevel guide (10) for use with an implant insertion tool during a surgical procedure includes a one-piece body having a clip (12) configured to be coupled to a mounting surface of the implant insertion tool, an elongated riser (14) extending from the clip, and an elongated indicator (16) extending from the elongated riser to a distal end (40). Such a design allows for an inexpensive, lightweight bevel guide that can be easily and quickly adjusted after assembly.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to orthopaedic surgical instruments and, more particularly, to surgical instruments used in trialing and installation of acetabular cup components. [Background technology]

[0002] Arthroplasty is a well-known surgical procedure in which a diseased and / or damaged natural joint is replaced with an artificial joint. For example, in hip arthroplasty, the socket joint of a patient's natural hip joint is partially or completely replaced with an artificial hip joint. A typical artificial hip joint includes an acetabular cup component and a femoral head component. The acetabular cup component generally includes an outer shell configured to engage the patient's acetabulum and an inner bearing or liner coupled to the shell and configured to engage the femoral head. The femoral head component and the inner liner of the acetabular component form a socket joint that approximates that of a natural hip joint.

[0003] To facilitate replacement of the natural joint with the hip prosthesis, an orthopaedic surgeon may use a variety of orthopaedic surgical instruments, such as, for example, reamers, drill guides, drills, positioners, insertion tools, and / or other surgical instruments. The acetabular component is typically inserted into the patient's acetabulum using an acetabular prosthetic component inserter. Poor alignment of the acetabular prosthetic component with respect to the patient's bony anatomy may result in loosening and / or dislocation of the component over time and with use of the hip prosthesis. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect, an angled guide for use with an implant insertion tool during a surgical procedure includes a one-piece body having a clip configured to be coupled to a mounting surface of an implant insertion tool, an elongated riser extending from the clip to a first articulation, and an elongated indicator extending from the first articulation to a distal end of the elongated riser. The clip defines an interior volume and a virtual tool axis extending through the interior volume. The elongated riser extends from the clip to the first end in a direction away from the virtual tool axis. The elongated indicator and the virtual tool axis define an indication angle.

[0005] In one embodiment, the unitary body is a molded polymer body. The unitary body may be formed from polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). In another embodiment, the unitary body may be formed from a metallic material.

[0006] In one embodiment, the clip comprises a first curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a first end and a second curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a second end. The first curved arm and the second curved arm cooperate to define an interior volume. The first end and the second end cooperate to define a slot providing access to the interior volume.

[0007] In one embodiment, a first rounded ledge is included on a first end of a first curved arm and a second rounded ledge is included on a second end of a second curved arm, each of the first rounded ledge and the second rounded ledge being curved away from the slot.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first end of the first curved arm and the second end of the second curved arm each have a chamfered edge configured to engage an implant insertion tool and to pry open the slot when engaged with the implant insertion tool.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first curved arm and the second curved arm can define a planar concave inner surface configured to engage a cylindrical mounting surface of an implant insertion tool. In another embodiment, the first curved arm and the second curved arm can define a tapered concave inner surface configured to engage a frusto-conical mounting surface of an implant insertion tool.

[0010] In one embodiment, the clip comprises an inner surface that faces the mounting surface of the implant insertion tool while the clip is coupled to the mounting surface, the inner surface including three contact points, each of the three contact points configured to engage the mounting surface of the implant insertion tool.

[0011] In one embodiment, the clip comprises first and second teeth extending inwardly into the interior volume from an inner surface of the clip toward the virtual tool axis. The first and second teeth are configured to engage respective grooves in the mounting surface. The mounting surface can comprise a plurality of ridges parallel to the virtual tool axis. Each pair of ridges is separated by a groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the clip comprises a first curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a first end and a second curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a second end. The first curved arm and the second curved arm cooperate to define an interior volume. The first end and the second end cooperate to define a slot providing access to the interior volume. A first tooth is at the first end of the first curved arm and a second tooth is at the second end of the second curved arm.

[0013] According to another aspect, a method of performing an orthopaedic surgical procedure on a surgically-prepared acetabulum of a patient's hip joint includes attaching an oblique guide, separate from the implant insertion tool, to the implant insertion tool by passing a portion of the implant insertion tool through a slot in a clip of the oblique guide; inserting a distal end of the implant insertion tool into the surgically-prepared acetabulum of the patient's hip joint in response to attaching the oblique guide; and measuring an oblique angle of the implant insertion tool using an elongated indicator of the oblique guide while the distal end of the implant insertion tool is inserted into the surgically-prepared acetabulum.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method may further include, following attachment of the angle guide, rotating the angle guide about a tool axis defined by the body of the implant insertion tool. Following rotation of the angle guide, the angle can be measured.

[0015] In one embodiment, attaching the angled guide includes engaging a tooth of the clip with a first groove of a mounting surface of the implant insertion tool, and rotating the angled guide includes moving the tooth of the clip from the first groove to a second groove of the mounting surface. The mounting surface comprises a plurality of ridges parallel to the tool axis, each pair of ridges being separated by a groove.

[0016] In another embodiment, the method further includes, subsequent to attaching the angled guide, sliding the angled guide in a direction along a tool axis of the implant insertion tool, such that an inner surface of the clip engages with a frusto-conical mounting surface of the implant insertion tool.

[0017] In one embodiment, attaching the angled guide includes compressing a pair of rounded ledges on each end of the clip.

[0018] In one embodiment, following measuring the bevel angle, the method further includes removing the bevel guide by passing a portion of an implant insertion tool out of a slot in the clip. Removing the bevel guide may include pulling on a pair of rounded ledges on each end of the clip. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] The detailed description makes specific reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alignment guide for use with an implant insertion tool. [Diagram 2] 2 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIG. 1 , showing the alignment guide positioned near the implant insertion tool and in the process of being attached to the implant insertion tool. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIGS. 1-2, showing the alignment guide clipped or attached to the implant insertion tool. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIGS. 1-3 illustrating rotation of the alignment guide about the axis of the implant insertion tool. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIGS. 1-4, showing the alignment guide locked onto the implant insertion tool. [Figure 6] 13A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an alignment guide for use with an implant insertion tool. [Figure 7] 7 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIG. 6, showing the alignment guide positioned near the implant insertion tool and in the process of being attached to the implant insertion tool. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIGS. 6-7, showing the alignment guide locked onto the implant insertion tool. [Figure 9] 13A is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an alignment guide for an implant insertion tool. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIG. 9, showing the alignment guide positioned near the implant insertion tool and in the process of being attached to the implant insertion tool. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIGS. 9-10, showing the alignment guide locked onto the implant insertion tool. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIGS. 9-11, illustrating rotation of the alignment guide about the axis of the implant insertion tool. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating installation of an acetabular cup component into the acetabulum of a patient's hip joint using the alignment guide and implant insertion tool of FIGS. 1-12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail, It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0021] Terms designating anatomical structure references, such as anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior, inferior, etc., may be used throughout this disclosure to refer to both the orthopedic implants described herein and the patient's natural anatomy. Such terms have meanings that are well understood in both the study of anatomy and the field of orthopedic surgery. Use of such anatomical reference terms in this specification and claims is intended to be consistent with their broadly understood meanings, unless otherwise indicated.

[0022] 1-5, an alignment guide 10 is shown for use with an implant insertion tool 44 for inserting an acetabular cup component into a patient's acetabulum during an orthopaedic surgical procedure. As described in more detail below, the alignment guide 10 is configured to be assembled with the implant insertion tool 44, and the radial angle of the alignment guide 10 can be adjusted as desired by an orthopaedic surgeon or caregiver after assembly. As described further below, the alignment guide 10 can be used with a variety of different types of insertion tools, including straight and curved implant insertion tools. Thus, the alignment guide 10 can improve ease of use and reduce surgical time while being adaptable to the surgeon's preferences. Additionally, in some embodiments, the alignment guide 10 can be constructed from lightweight materials at low cost. Although the concepts of the present disclosure are described herein with respect to an implant insertion tool for use in orthopaedic hip surgery, it should be understood that the concepts of the present disclosure can be utilized in the design of other types of alignment guides, particularly in other surgeries where lateral alignment is required.

[0023] The exemplary alignment guide 10 has a unitary body formed from a single molded polymer piece. For example, the alignment guide 10 may be formed from a sulfone polymer, such as polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the alignment guide 10 may be formed from any resilient polymer material. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the alignment guide 10 may be formed from a metallic material.

[0024] Alignment guide 10 includes a clip 12, a riser 14, and an elongated indicator 16. Clip 12 includes a pair of curved arms 18, 20 that define an interior volume 22, as well as an imaginary axis 24 that extends through interior volume 22. Arms 18, 20 include an interior surface 26 that extends from a distal end 28 of arm 18 to a distal end 30 of arm 20. Ends 28, 30 define a slot 32 therebetween through which interior volume 22 is accessible.

[0025] As will be further described below, when the alignment guide 10 is coupled to an implant insertion tool 44, a portion of the implant insertion tool 44 passes through the slot 32 into the interior volume 22 and the inner surfaces 26 of the arms 18, 20 contact or engage corresponding mounting surfaces of the implant insertion tool 44. Each end 28, 30 of the corresponding arms 18, 20 includes a corresponding chamfered edge 34, 36. Because the slot 32 is smaller in size compared to the body of the insertion tool 44, when the chamfered edges 34, 36 engage the body of the implant insertion tool 44, the arms 18, 20 are biased apart, thereby widening the slot 32 and allowing the implant insertion tool 44 to pass into the interior volume 22, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0026] The riser 14 of the alignment guide 10 extends away from the clip 12 perpendicular to the axis 24 toward a dogleg articulation 38. Although the exemplary riser 14 is embodied as a post extending perpendicularly from the clip 12, it should be understood that the riser 14 may have other shapes and / or may extend at other angles away from the axis 24 in other embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the riser 14 may be adapted to provide a grasping surface for the surgeon, for example, by including protrusions, serrations, or other gripping enhancing features.

[0027] The indicator 16 extends from the dogleg articulation 38 of the riser 14 to a distal end 40. The exemplary indicator 16 is embodied as a post, however, similar to the riser 14, in other embodiments, the indicator 16 may be other shapes. The indicator 16 and the axis 24 define an index angle 42. The exemplary index angle 42 is defined as 35 degrees, however, in other embodiments, the index angle 42 may be 40 degrees or another angle. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the index angle 42 may be molded into the clip 12 or otherwise visually indicated on the alignment guide 10 via a label or text. As will be further described below, the surgeon may use the indicator 16 to visually measure and confirm the inclination angle of the acetabular cup when placing the acetabular cup in the patient's hip joint. The surgeon may select from among a plurality of alignment guides 10 based on the desired index angle 42.

[0028] The particular indication angle 42 may be selected based on the desired surgical approach, the desired final inclination angle of the acetabular cup, the alignment of the patient's hip joint in relation to the operating table, and / or other factors. For example, in some embodiments, the angle of the patient's hip joint, the desired final inclination angle of the acetabular cup, and the indication angle 42 may add up to 90 degrees (i.e., perpendicular to the operating room). As an example, for a posterior surgical approach, the patient's alignment angle may be 10 degrees, the desired final inclination angle of the acetabular cup may be 45 degrees, and the indication angle 42 may be 35 degrees, so that when the acetabular cup is properly aligned at 45 degrees, the indicator 16 is substantially perpendicular to the operating room. As another example, for an anterior surgical approach, the patient's alignment angle may be 5 degrees, the desired final inclination angle of the acetabular cup may be 45 degrees, and the indication angle 42 may be 40 degrees. Of course, other angles may be used.

[0029] 2-5, during use, the alignment guide 10 can be attached to an implant insertion tool 44 as described above. The exemplary implant insertion tool 44 has an elongated metallic body 46 having an impact head 48 at its proximal end and an attachment mechanism 50 at its distal end. The body 46 defines an imaginary tool axis 52 that extends from the attachment mechanism 50 to the impact head 48. The implant insertion tool 44 may have a straight body 46, or, similar to the tool shown in FIGS. 10-12, in some embodiments the body 46 may be curved, for example to avoid the patient's anatomy.

[0030] The impact head 48 of the implant insertion tool 44 is illustratively embodied as a metallic striking plate formed on the body 46. It should be understood, however, that the striking plate may be embodied as a separate component welded or otherwise secured to the body 46. In use, the surgeon holds the assembled implant insertion tool 44 via the body 46 and strikes the impact head 48 with a surgical mallet, hammer, or other impact tool to drive the acetabular cup component 70 into the patient's surgically-prepared acetabular surface 74 (see FIG. 13 ).

[0031] The body 46 includes a mounting surface 54 formed on a portion of the body 46. The exemplary mounting surface 54 is embodied as a frustum of a cone. However, in other embodiments, the mounting surface 54 may be cylindrical or have another shape. The body 46 further includes an attachment portion 56 adjacent the mounting surface 54. In the exemplary embodiment, the attachment portion 56 is narrower than the mounting surface 54 in at least one dimension. For example, the exemplary mounting portion 56 includes flat sides 58, 60 that face each other and reduce the width of the mounting portion 56.

[0032] In use, the alignment guide 10 can be used by a surgeon with an implant insertion tool 44 to implant the acetabular cup component 70 into a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum 84 (see FIG. 13 ). As shown in FIG. 3 , the alignment guide 10 can be coupled, attached, or otherwise clipped to the implant insertion tool 44 at the attachment portion 56. To do so, a surgeon or other user brings the clip 12 of the alignment guide 10 into contact with the attachment portion 56 and then presses the alignment guide 10 in a downward direction 62 toward the implant insertion tool 44. Illustratively, when the alignment guide 10 contacts the implant insertion tool 44, the chamfered edges 34, 36 engage the flat sides 58, 60 of the attachment portion 56, prying open the slot 32 so that the attachment portion 56 can enter the interior volume 22. The surgeon can slide the alignment guide 10 in the direction 62 onto the implant insertion tool 44 until the inner surface 26 contacts the implant insertion tool 44. After contacting the implant insertion tool 44 , the clip 12 encircles the tool axis 52 .

[0033] 4, a surgeon or other user may rotate alignment guide 10 about tool axis 52. Because mounting surface 54 and inner surface 26 are relatively smooth, alignment guide 10 is free to rotate to any angle 64 about tool axis 52. A surgeon may select the angle based on individual preference, to accommodate the patient's anatomy, or for other reasons.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, after selecting the appropriate rotation angle, the surgeon or other user presses or slides the alignment guide 10 in a direction 66 toward the mounting surface 54. As the alignment guide 10 moves over the mounting surface 54, the tapered inner surface 26 of the alignment guide 10 engages against the frusto-conical mounting surface 54 of the implant insertion tool 44. In the illustrative embodiment, the inner surface 26 is configured to contact the mounting surface 54 at three contact points 68 on the inner surface 26. The contact points 68 may be formed, for example, by protrusions, tabs, ridges, or other features protruding from the inner surface 26. Of course, in other embodiments, additional contact points 68 may be used.

[0035] Upon engagement, the alignment guide 10 establishes a friction lock in place on the mounting surface 54. Once locked in place, the alignment guide 10 remains at the rotation angle 64 selected by the surgeon due to frictional forces between the alignment guide 10 and the implant insertion tool 44. The surgeon may unlock the alignment guide 10 by moving the alignment guide 10 in a direction opposite to direction 66, which allows the surgeon to adjust the rotation angle of the alignment guide 10. Although shown in FIGS. 2-5 establishing a tapered fit, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the alignment guide 10 may be clipped onto the implant insertion tool 44 using any suitable interference fit. For example, an exemplary embodiment of the alignment guide 10 that attaches to the implant insertion tool 44 using an interference fit is shown below in connection with FIGS. 6-12.

[0036] 6-8, an alignment guide 100 is shown for use with an implant insertion tool for inserting an acetabular cup component into a patient's acetabulum during an orthopaedic surgical procedure. Similar to alignment guide 10, the exemplary alignment guide 100 has a unitary body formed from a single molded polymeric piece. For example, alignment guide 100 may be formed from a sulfone polymer, such as polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, alignment guide 100 may be formed from any resilient polymeric material. Alternatively, in another embodiment, alignment guide 100 may be formed from a metallic material.

[0037] Also similar to alignment guide 10, alignment guide 100 includes a clip 12, a riser 14, and an elongated indicator 16. Clip 12 includes a pair of curved arms 18, 20 that define an interior volume 22, as well as an imaginary axis 24 that extends through interior volume 22. Arms 18, 20 include an interior surface 26 that extends from a distal end 28 of arm 18 to a distal end 30 of arm 20. Ends 28, 30 define a slot 32 therebetween that is accessible to interior volume 22. Interior surface 26 forms a plano-concave curve that engages a cylindrical mounting surface 154 of an insertion tool 144, as will be described further below.

[0038] As will be further described below, when the alignment guide 100 is coupled to the implant insertion tool 144, the mounting surface 154 of the implant insertion tool 144 passes through the slot 32 into the interior volume 22 and the inner surfaces 26 of the arms 18, 20 contact or engage the mounting surface 154. The exemplary arms 18, 20 further include rounded ledges 102, 104 at their respective ends 28, 30. The ledges 102, 104 are curved away from the slot 32 and may facilitate installation or removal of the alignment guide 100, similar to the chamfered edges 34, 36 of the alignment guide 10. For example, when the rounded ledges 102, 104 engage the body of the implant insertion tool 144, the arms 18, 20 are biased apart, which widens the slot 32 and allows the implant insertion tool 144 to pass into the interior volume 22, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Additionally, the surgeon can push or pull on the ledges 102, 104 to facilitate installation or removal, respectively, of the alignment guide 100. The exemplary clip 12 includes a relief opening 106 between the arms 18 and 20 that allows the arms 18, 20 to separate.

[0039] The riser 14 of the alignment guide 100 extends away from the clip 12 and the axis 24 toward the dogleg articulation 38. The exemplary riser 14 includes a group of projections or ridges 108 formed on a surface of the riser 14 to provide a gripping surface for the surgeon. The exemplary riser 14 is formed hollow. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the riser 14 may be solid or of other shape. For example, in some embodiments, the riser 14 may be embodied as a rod extending from the clip 12 to the dogleg articulation 38, similar to the riser 14 of the alignment guide 10.

[0040] The indicator 16 extends from the dogleg articulation 38 of the riser 14 to a distal end 40. The exemplary indicator 16 is formed hollow, however, similar to the riser 14, in other embodiments, the indicator 16 may be formed solid or other shapes. The indicator 16 and the axis 24 define an indication angle 42. Although the exemplary indication angle 42 is defined as 35 degrees, in other embodiments, the indication angle 42 may be 40 degrees or another angle. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the indication angle 42 may be molded into the clip 12 or otherwise visually indicated on the alignment guide 100 via a label or text. As will be further described below, the surgeon may use the indicator 16 to visually measure and confirm the inclination angle of the acetabular cup when placing the acetabular cup in the patient's hip joint. The surgeon may select from among a plurality of alignment guides 10 based on the desired indication angle 42. The surgeon may select a particular indication angle 42 as described above in connection with the alignment guide 10.

[0041] 7-8, during use, the alignment guide 100 can be attached to an implant insertion tool 144 as described above. Similar to the implant insertion tool of FIGS. 2-5, the exemplary implant insertion tool 144 has an elongated metallic body 146 having an impact head 148 at its proximal end and an attachment mechanism 150 at its distal end. The body 146 defines an imaginary tool axis 152 that extends from the attachment mechanism 150 to the impact head 148. The implant insertion tool 144 may have a straight body 146, or similar to the tool shown in FIGS. 10-12, in some embodiments the body 146 may be curved, for example to avoid the patient's anatomy. The body 146 includes a mounting surface 154 formed on a portion of the body 146. The exemplary mounting surface 154 is cylindrical.

[0042] The impact head 148 of the implant insertion tool 144 is illustratively embodied as a metallic striking plate formed on the body 146. It should be understood, however, that the striking plate may be embodied as a separate component welded or otherwise secured to the body 146. In use, the surgeon holds the assembled implant insertion tool 144 via the body 146 and strikes the impact head 148 with a surgical mallet, hammer, or other striking tool to drive the acetabular cup component 70 into the patient's surgically-prepared acetabular surface 74 (see FIG. 13 ).

[0043] In use, the alignment guide 100 can be used by a surgeon with an implant insertion tool 144 to implant the acetabular cup component 70 into a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum 84 (see FIG. 13 ). As shown in FIG. 8 , the alignment guide 100 can be coupled, attached, or otherwise clipped to the implant insertion tool 144 at the mounting surface 154. To do so, a surgeon or other user brings the clip 12 of the alignment guide 100 into contact with the mounting surface 154 and then presses the alignment guide 100 in a downward direction 62 toward the implant insertion tool 144. Illustratively, when the alignment guide 100 contacts the implant insertion tool 144, the rounded ledges 102, 104 engage the cylindrical mounting surface 154 and pry open the slot 32 to allow the mounting surface 154 to enter the interior volume 22. The surgeon may slide alignment guide 100 over implant insertion tool 144 in direction 62 until inner surface 26 contacts implant insertion tool 144. After inner surface 26 contacts implant insertion tool 144, clip 12 encircles tool axis 152. When attached to mounting surface 154, alignment guide 100 establishes an interference fit locking in place on mounting surface 154.

[0044] Similar to the alignment guide 10 shown in FIG. 4, after the alignment guide 100 is attached to the implant insertion tool 144, in some embodiments, the surgeon may rotate the alignment guide 100 about the tool axis 152. Because the mounting surface 154 and the inner surface 26 are relatively smooth, the alignment guide 100 may be freely rotated to any angle 64 about the tool axis 52. The surgeon may select the angle based on individual preference, to accommodate the patient's anatomy, or for other reasons. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the surgeon may remove the alignment guide 100, reposition the alignment guide 100 about the tool axis 52 to the desired angle 64, and then reinstall the alignment guide 100 at the desired angle 64 as described above.

[0045] 9-12, another embodiment of an alignment guide 200 for use with an implant insertion tool for inserting an acetabular cup component into a patient's acetabulum during an orthopaedic surgical procedure is shown. Similar to the alignment guides 10, 100, the exemplary alignment guide 200 has a unitary body formed from a single molded polymeric piece. For example, the alignment guide 200 may be formed from a sulfone polymer, such as polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the alignment guide 200 may be formed from any resilient polymeric material. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the alignment guide 200 may be formed from a metallic material.

[0046] Also similar to alignment guides 10, 100, alignment guide 200 includes clip 12, riser 14, and elongated indicator 16. Clip 12 includes a pair of curved arms 18, 20 that define an interior volume 22, as well as an imaginary axis 24 that extends through interior volume 22. Arms 18, 20 include an interior surface 26 that extends from a distal end 28 of arm 18 to a distal end 30 of arm 20. Ends 28, 30 define a slot 32 therebetween that is accessible to interior volume 22. Interior surface 26 includes a pair of teeth or other protrusions 202, 204 that protrude into interior volume 22. Each tooth 202, 204 is located at a respective end 28, 30 of a corresponding arm 18, 20.

[0047] 10-12, during use, the alignment guide 200 can be attached to an implant insertion tool 244. Similar to the insertion tool 44, 144, the exemplary implant insertion tool 244 has an elongated metallic body 246 having an impact head 248 at its proximal end and an attachment mechanism 250 at its distal end. The body 246 defines an imaginary tool axis 252 that extends from the attachment mechanism 250 to the impact head 248. Illustratively, the insertion tool 244 has a curved body 246 that can be used to avoid soft tissue or other patient anatomy. However, in other embodiments, the insertion tool 244 can have a straight body 246, similar to the insertion tools of FIGS. 2-5 and 7-8.

[0048] The body 246 of the insertion tool 244 includes a mounting surface 254 formed on a portion of the body 246. As best seen in FIG. 10, the mounting surface 254 is generally cylindrical. The mounting surface 254 includes a plurality of ridges or steps 206 that extend parallel to the tool axis 252. Each pair of ridges 206 is separated by a groove or valley 208.

[0049] In use, as shown in FIG. 11 , the alignment guide 200 can be coupled, attached, or otherwise clipped to the implant insertion tool 244 at the mounting surface 254. To do so, the surgeon or other user brings the clip 12 of the alignment guide 200 into contact with the mounting surface 254 and then presses the alignment guide 200 in a downward direction 62 toward the implant insertion tool 244. The surgeon can slide the alignment guide 200 in the direction 62 onto the implant insertion tool 244 until the inner surface 26 contacts the implant insertion tool 244. Upon contact with the implant insertion tool 244, the teeth 202, 204 engage with respective grooves 208 in the mounting surface 254. The teeth 202, 204 and contact points 210 (shown in FIG. 9 ) on the top of the inner surface 26 lock the alignment guide 200 into the insertion tool 244 with an interference fit. After contacting the implant insertion tool 244, the axis 24 defined by the alignment guide 200 is parallel to the tool axis 252, as shown in FIG.

[0050] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12 , the surgeon can rotate the alignment guide 200 about the axis 24 after the alignment guide 200 is attached to the insertion tool 244. As the surgeon rotates the alignment guide 200, the teeth 202, 204 engage with the respective ridges 206 and grooves 208 in the mounting surface 254. The grooves 208 and the ridges 206 cooperate to rest the teeth 202, 204 in engagement with the respective grooves 208 and act as detents to index the rotation of the alignment guide 200. Thus, the alignment guide 200 can be rotated by the surgeon to any of a number of predetermined angles 212 about the axis 24 based on the arrangement of the ridges 206 and grooves 208 on the mounting surface 254. The surgeon can select the angle 212 based on individual preference, to accommodate the patient's anatomy, or for other reasons. After rotation, the alignment guide 200 remains positively locked to the insertion tool 244 by the teeth 202, 204.

[0051] 13, there is shown an acetabular cup component being installed into the acetabulum of a patient's hip joint using an exemplary alignment guide 10 and implant insertion tool 44. However, it should be understood that the respective alignment guides 100, 200 and insertion tools 144, 244 may also be used in place of the alignment guide 10 and insertion tool 44. Once the alignment guide 10 and implant insertion tool 44 are assembled as described above, the surgeon secures the acetabular cup component 70 to the insertion tool 44. For example, in some embodiments, the acetabular cup component 70 may be threaded into the threaded tip of the attachment mechanism 50.

[0052] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 13, the surgeon uses the implant insertion tool 44 to position the acetabular cup component 70 so that its generally hemispherical bone-engaging surface 72 is inserted into the patient's surgically-prepared acetabular surface 74 in a desired orientation. The surgeon can use the indicator 16 of the alignment guide 10 to measure and adjust the inclination of the acetabular cup component 70. Specifically, the surgeon can adjust the angle of the insertion tool 44 until the indicator 16 is parallel to a vertical reference line 76 (i.e., pointing straight up). The vertical reference line 76 may be visually determined by the surgeon in relation to the floor, operating table, or other external reference. Positioning the indicator 16 so that it is parallel to the vertical reference line 76 ensures that the acetabular cup component 70 is positioned at a predetermined inclination angle (based on the particular index angle 42 of the alignment guide 10 as described above). As shown, the riser 14 positions the indicator 16 away from the tool 44, which may improve the visibility of the indicator 16, for example, by positioning the indicator 16 away from the surgeon's hands, the patient's anatomy, or other objects that may obscure the visibility of the indicator 16.

[0053] After positioning the acetabular cup component 70 in such manner, the surgeon strikes the impact head 48 of the implant insertion tool 44 with a surgical mallet, hammer, or other impact tool to impact the acetabular cup component 70 into the bone tissue until the acetabular cup component 70 is fully seated within the patient's surgically-prepared acetabular surface 74.

[0054] The surgeon then releases the acetabular cup component 70 from the implant insertion tool 44. For example, the surgeon may rotate the implant insertion tool 44 in a direction to loosen (i.e., unscrew) the threads of the tool 44 from the corresponding threaded hole in the acetabular cup component 70.

[0055] After releasing the acetabular cup component 70, the surgeon removes the alignment guide 10 from the insertion tool 44. The surgeon pulls the alignment guide 10 away from the insertion tool 44 (i.e., opposite direction 62 in FIG. 3 ) and the insertion tool 44 exits the interior volume 22 through the slot 32. When removing the alignment guide 10, the surgeon can grasp the riser 14 and pull the alignment guide 10 away from the insertion tool 44. Additionally or alternatively, if available, the surgeon can pull on one or more of the rounded ledges 102, 104 to aid in the removal of the alignment guide 10. In this manner, the surgeon can use one hand to remove the alignment guide 10.

[0056] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, it is understood that such illustration and description is merely illustrative in nature and should not be regarded as restrictive, and that merely illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0057] There are several advantages of the present disclosure that derive from the various features of the devices, systems, and methods described herein. It should be noted that alternative embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described, but still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those skilled in the art may readily devise their own implementations of the devices, systems, and methods that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] [Embodiment] (1) An angle guide for use with an implant insertion tool during a surgical procedure, the angle guide including a one-piece body, the one-piece body comprising: a clip configured to be coupled to a mounting surface of the implant insertion tool, the clip defining an interior volume and a virtual tool axis extending through the interior volume; an elongated riser extending from the clip to a first articulation in a direction away from the virtual tool axis; an elongated indicator extending from the first articulation to a distal end of the elongated riser, the elongated indicator defining an index angle between the elongated indicator and the virtual tool axis. (2) The inclined guide of embodiment 1, wherein the one-piece body comprises a molded polymer body. (3) The inclined guide of embodiment 2, wherein the one-piece body is formed of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU). (4) The inclined guide of embodiment 1, wherein the one-piece body is formed of a metal material. (5) The inclined guide of embodiment 1, wherein the clip comprises a first curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a first end and a second curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a second end, the first curved arm and the second curved arm cooperating to define the interior volume, and the first end and the second end cooperating to define a slot providing access to the interior volume.

[0059] (6) The inclined guide of embodiment 5, further comprising a first rounded ledge at the first end of the first curved arm and a second rounded ledge at the second end of the second curved arm, each of the first rounded ledge and the second rounded ledge being curved in a direction away from the slot. (7) The inclined guide of embodiment 5, wherein each of the first end of the first curved arm and the second end of the second curved arm has a chamfered edge, the chamfered edge being configured to engage with the implant insertion tool and to pry open the slot when engaged with the implant insertion tool. (8) The inclined guide of embodiment 5, wherein the first curved arm and the second curved arm define a flat-concave inner surface configured to engage a cylindrical mounting surface of the implant insertion tool. (9) The inclined guide of embodiment 5, wherein the first curved arm and the second curved arm define a tapered, concave inner surface configured to engage a frusto-conical mounting surface of the implant insertion tool. (10) The inclined guide of embodiment 1, wherein the clip has an inner surface that faces the mounting surface of the implant insertion tool while the clip is coupled to the mounting surface, the inner surface including three contact points, each of the three contact points configured to engage the mounting surface of the implant insertion tool.

[0060] (11) The inclined guide of embodiment 1, wherein the clip has first and second teeth extending inwardly into the internal volume from an inner surface of the clip toward the virtual tool axis, the first and second teeth being configured to engage respective grooves in the mounting surface. (12) The inclined guide of claim 11, wherein the mounting surface comprises a plurality of ridges parallel to the virtual tool axis, each pair of ridges being separated by a groove. (13) The inclined guide of embodiment 11, wherein the clip comprises a first curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a first end and a second curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a second end, the first curved arm and the second curved arm cooperating to define the interior volume, the first end and the second end cooperating to define a slot providing access to the interior volume, the first tooth being at the first end of the first curved arm and the second tooth being at the second end of the second curved arm.

Claims

1. 1. An angle guide for use with an implant insertion tool during a surgical procedure, the angle guide comprising a one-piece body, the one-piece body comprising: a clip configured to be coupled to a mounting surface of the implant insertion tool, the clip defining an interior volume and a virtual tool axis extending through the interior volume; an elongated riser extending from the clip to a first articulation in a direction away from the virtual tool axis; an elongated indicator extending from the first joint portion to a distal end of the elongated riser, the elongated indicator extending along a longitudinal axis inclined relative to the virtual tool axis, the elongated indicator defining an indication angle between the elongated indicator and the virtual tool axis.

2. The tilt guide of claim 1 , wherein the unitary body comprises a molded polymer body.

3. The tilt guide of claim 2 , wherein the unitary body is formed from polyphenylsulfone (PPSU).

4. The tilt guide of claim 1 , wherein the unitary body is formed from a metallic material.

5. 2. The tilt guide of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises a first curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a first end and a second curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a second end, the first curved arm and the second curved arm cooperating to define the interior volume, and the first end and the second end cooperating to define a slot providing access to the interior volume.

6. 6. The tilt guide of claim 5, further comprising a first rounded ledge at the first end of the first curved arm and a second rounded ledge at the second end of the second curved arm, each of the first rounded ledge and the second rounded ledge curving away from the slot.

7. 6. The angled guide of claim 5, wherein the first end of the first curved arm and the second end of the second curved arm each have a chamfered edge configured to engage with the implant insertion tool and to pry open the slot when engaged with the implant insertion tool.

8. The angled guide of claim 5 , wherein the first curved arm and the second curved arm define a plano-concave inner surface configured to engage a cylindrical mounting surface of the implant insertion tool.

9. The angled guide of claim 5 , wherein the first curved arm and the second curved arm define a tapered, concave inner surface configured to engage a frusto-conical mounting surface of the implant insertion tool.

10. 2. The angled guide of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises an inner surface that faces the mounting surface of the implant insertion tool while the clip is coupled to the mounting surface, the inner surface including three contact points, each of the three contact points configured to engage the mounting surface of the implant insertion tool.

11. 2. The tilt guide of claim 1, wherein the clip comprises first and second teeth extending inwardly into the interior volume from an inner surface of the clip toward the virtual tool axis, the first and second teeth configured to engage respective grooves in the mounting surface.

12. The tilt guide of claim 11 , wherein the mounting surface comprises a plurality of ridges parallel to the imaginary tool axis, each pair of the ridges being separated by a groove.

13. 12. The inclined guide of claim 11, wherein the clip comprises a first curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a first end and a second curved arm extending away from the elongated riser to a second end, the first curved arm and the second curved arm cooperating to define the interior volume, the first end and the second end cooperating to define a slot providing access to the interior volume, the first tooth on the first end of the first curved arm and the second tooth on the second end of the second curved arm.

14. An inclined guide as described in claim 1, wherein a proximal end of the elongated indicator is coupled to the first joint portion.

15. The inclined guide of claim 14, wherein the distal end of the elongated indicator is a free end.

16. The inclined guide of claim 1, wherein the elongated indicator is solid.

17. The inclined guide of claim 1, wherein the elongated indicator is a hollow tube.

18. An inclination guide as described in claim 1, wherein the indication angle is predetermined and fixed.

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