ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY INSTRUMENT SYSTEM HAVING AN ANTERIOR LOADING TIBIAL BEARING TRIAL AND ASSOCIATED SURGICAL METHOD USING SAME - Patent application

Abstract

To provide an orthopedic surgical instrument system with a tibial bearing trial.SOLUTION: An orthopedic surgical instrument system 10 includes a tibial base trial 12 and a tibial bearing trial 14. The tibial bearing trial includes a superior surface 64, a sidewall 72, and a channel. The tibial base trial includes a plate 20 and a post 48. The tibial bearing trial is introduced onto the tibial base trial from the anterior side of a patient's tibia during an orthopedic surgical procedure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to orthopaedic surgical instruments, and more particularly, to a tibial bearing trial for use in trialing an orthopaedic knee prosthesis. [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 a total knee arthroplasty surgical procedure, a patient's natural knee joint is partially or completely replaced with an artificial knee joint or knee prosthesis. In a revision knee arthroplasty procedure, a previously implanted knee prosthesis, sometimes referred to as a "primary knee prosthesis," is surgically removed and a replacement or revision knee prosthesis is implanted. A typical knee prosthesis includes a tibial tray, a femoral component, and a polymer bearing (also known as an "insert") positioned between the tibial tray and the femoral component. The tibial tray generally includes a plate having a distally extending stem, and the femoral component generally includes a pair of spaced apart condylar elements that include surfaces that articulate with corresponding surfaces of the polymer bearing. The stem of the tibial tray is configured to be implanted in a surgically prepared medullary canal of the patient's tibia, and the femoral component is configured to be coupled to a surgically prepared distal end of the patient's femur.

[0003] During arthroplasty, trial components can be used to size and select components of a knee prosthesis to replace the patient's natural joint. Trial components can include femoral trials, which can be used to size and select a prosthetic femoral component, tibial tray trials, which can be used to size and select a prosthetic tibial tray, and tibial bearing trials, which can be used to size and select a prosthetic tibial bearing. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a tibial bearing trial having a lower surface and an upper surface opposite the lower surface. A pair of curved bearing surfaces are formed in the upper surface. The tibial bearing trial also has a sidewall extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A channel is formed in the lower surface. A posterior end of the channel is defined by an opening formed in a posterior section of the sidewall. An anterior end of the channel is defined by the rounded sidewall to define a rounded cavity. Inner and outer sides of the channel are defined by a pair of deflectable flanges. The instrument system also includes a tibial base trial removably coupled to the trial insert trial. The tibial base trial is configured to be positioned in the surgically prepared proximal end of the patient's tibia. A post extends outwardly from the upper surface of the plate. The post is captured within the round cavity of the channel of the tibial bearing trial to allow the tibial bearing trial to rotate relative to the tibial base trial but prevent the tibial bearing trial from moving in an inferior-superior direction relative to the tibial base trial.

[0005] In one embodiment, the tibial bearing trial includes a spine positioned between a pair of curved bearing surfaces.

[0006] The tibial bearing trial may further include an elongated slot formed in its upper surface, the elongated slot having a common longitudinal axis with the channel and positioned above and opening into the channel. A post of the tibial base trial may have an annular flange extending outwardly therefrom, the flange of such post being captured in the slot.

[0007] In one embodiment, the rear end of the slot is defined by an opening formed in the rear section of the sidewall, the slot being wider than the diameter of the round cavity of the channel.

[0008] In one embodiment, a pair of deflectable flanges each have a cam lobe formed therein that extend inwardly into the channel toward one another.

[0009] The cam lobes may be separated from one another by a distance less than the diameter of the post of the tibial base trial.

[0010] In one embodiment, each of the deflectable flanges has an elongated cavity formed laterally adjacent thereto, and a lateral edge of each of the deflectable flanges is biased into a corresponding one of the elongated cavities when a post of the tibial base trial contacts the cam lobes to bias the cam lobes away from one another.

[0011] The tibial bearing trial may be constructed from a polymeric material.

[0012] In another aspect, an orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a tibial bearing trial. The tibial bearing trial includes a lower surface and an upper surface opposite the lower surface. The upper surface has a pair of curved bearing surfaces formed therein. A spine is positioned between the pair of curved bearing surfaces and a sidewall extends between the lower and upper surfaces. A channel is formed in the lower surface and a posterior end of the channel is defined by an opening formed in a posterior section of the sidewall. An anterior end of the channel is defined by a rounded sidewall to define a rounded cavity. Inner and outer sides of the channel are defined by a pair of deflectable flanges.

[0013] The tibial bearing trial may further include an elongated slot formed in its inferior surface, the elongated slot having a common longitudinal axis with the channel, the elongated slot being positioned above and opening into the channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the rear end of the slot is defined by an opening formed in the rear section of the sidewall, and the slot is wider than the diameter of the round cavity of the channel.

[0015] In one embodiment, a pair of deflectable flanges each have a cam lobe formed therein that extend inwardly into the channel toward one another.

[0016] Each of the deflectable flanges has an elongated cavity formed laterally adjacent thereto, and a lateral edge of each of the deflectable flanges is urged into a corresponding one of the elongated cavities when the cam lobe is contacted during introduction of the tibial bearing trial onto the tibial base trial.

[0017] The tibial bearing trial may be constructed from a polymeric material.

[0018] In another aspect, a method of trialing an orthopaedic prosthesis assembly includes aligning a tibial bearing trial with a tibial base trial positioned on a proximal end of a patient's tibia, and then advancing the tibial bearing trial in an anterior-to-posterior direction to move a post of a tibial base trial component into a posterior channel defined in the tibial bearing trial. The post of the tibial base trial is captured in the channel between a pair of deflectable flanges to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial to allow the tibial bearing trial to rotate relative to the tibial base trial. The patient's joint is then moved through a range of motion, including extension and flexion, to evaluate the configuration of the orthopaedic prosthesis assembly corresponding to the tibial base trial and the tibial bearing trial.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tibial bearing trial may be advanced in a posterior-to-anterior direction to pull the tibial bearing trial away from the tibial base trial. A second tibial bearing trial having a different size than the tibial bearing trial is then selected. The second tibial bearing trial is then advanced in an anterior-to-posterior direction to move a post of the tibial base trial component into a posterior channel defined in the second tibial bearing trial. The post of the tibial base trial is then captured between a pair of deflectable flanges of the second tibial base trial to snap lock the second tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial to allow the second tibial bearing trial to rotate relative to the tibial base trial. The patient's joint is then moved through a range of motion, including extension and flexion, to evaluate the configuration of the orthopaedic prosthetic assembly corresponding to the tibial base trial and the tibial bearing trial.

[0020] In one embodiment, a cam lobe on each of the deflectable flanges is moved into contact with a post of the tibial base trial to urge the deflectable flanges outwardly during advancement of the tibial bearing trial, and a cam lobe on each of the deflectable flanges is moved out of contact with the post of the tibial base trial to retract the deflectable flanges medially when the bearing trial snaps into the base trial.

[0021] In one embodiment, the tibial base trial has a substantially planar upper surface and the tibial bearing trial has a substantially planar lower surface, with the posterior-most edge of the lower surface of the tibial bearing trial remaining in contact with the upper surface of the tibial base trial throughout the entire time the tibial bearing trial is advanced in an anterior-to-posterior direction to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] The detailed description makes specific reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an orthopaedic surgical instrument system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the tibial bearing triar of the orthopaedic surgical instrument system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the tibial bearing trial of FIG. 2 . [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows. [Diagram 5] 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the post of the tibial base trial captured within the channel of the tibial bearing trial; note that for clarity, the post is shown cut away from the tibial base trial in FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of the tibial bearing trial showing the post captured within its channel to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial; note that the post is shown cut out of the tibial base trial in FIGS. 6-8 for clarity of illustration. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of the tibial bearing trial showing the post captured within its channel to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial; note that the post is shown cut out of the tibial base trial in FIGS. 6-8 for clarity of illustration. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of the tibial bearing trial showing the post captured within its channel to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial; note that the post is shown cut out of the tibial base trial in FIGS. 6-8 for clarity of illustration. [Figure 9] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tibial base trial positioned on the surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia with a tibial bearing trial installed; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail, It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0024] Anatomical reference terms such as anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior, inferior, etc. may be used throughout this specification with respect to the orthopedic implants or prostheses and surgical instruments described herein, as well as with reference to the patient's biological anatomy. Such terms have well-understood meanings both in the study of anatomy and in the field of orthopedic surgery. Use of such anatomical reference terms in the written description and claims is intended to be consistent with their well-understood meanings, unless otherwise specified.

[0025] 1, an orthopaedic surgical instrument system 10 includes a tibial base trial 12 and a tibial bearing trial 14 configured to be selectively coupled to the tibial base trial 12. The tibial base trial 12 and the tibial bearing trial 14 may be utilized in conjunction with a femoral component (see FIG. 9) to size and select a tibial prosthesis for implantation into a patient's surgically prepared tibia. In an exemplary embodiment, the femoral component may be a femoral trial component or a primary femoral component from a previous arthroplasty. It should be appreciated that the instrument system 10 may include several trial components 12, 14 of different sizes to accommodate a range of patient anatomies.

[0026] As described in more detail below, the tibial bearing trial 14 is configured to be removably fastened to the tibial base trial 12. During a surgical procedure, a surgeon can evaluate the range of motion of the patient's leg, particularly the range of motion and stability of the knee, with the tibial bearing trial 14 positioned within the knee joint. The tibial bearing trial 14 is configured to be removed from the tibial base trial 12 during a surgical procedure and replaced with a different sized tibial bearing trial to allow the surgeon to evaluate a range of possible implant sizes and select a size that provides the desired performance.

[0027] It should be understood that the tibial bearing component 14 is embodied as a "mobile tibial bearing trial." As used herein, such term refers to a tibial bearing trial 14 that is capable of rotating relative to the tibial base trial 12 when attached to the tibial base trial component 14. In other words, the mobile tibial bearing trial is configured to rotate relative to the tibial base trial 12 in the anterior-posterior and / or medial-lateral directions. In the exemplary embodiment described herein, the mobile bearing trial 14 is embodied as a revision trial.

[0028] The tibial base trial 12 is configured to be positioned on the surgically prepared proximal end of the patient's tibia. In an exemplary embodiment, the base trial 12 includes a plate 20 shaped to be positioned on the proximal end of the patient's tibia. The plate 20 has a substantially planar upper surface 22, a lower surface 24, and an outer sidewall 26 extending between surfaces 22, 24. The outer sidewall 26 has an anterior section 30 and a posterior section 32 shaped to fit the resected proximal end of the tibia. In an exemplary embodiment, the anterior section 30 of the sidewall 26 is convexly curved and the posterior section 32 is concavely curved. It should be appreciated that the tibial base trial 12 can be formed in a number of different sizes to fit various sizes of tibias.

[0029] The tibial base trial 12 includes a clamping bolt 40 extending in an up-down direction. The clamping bolt 40 has a threaded end 42 extending downwardly from the lower surface 24 of the plate 20. The threaded end 42 is sized to be received within a threaded bore (not shown) of a surgical instrument, such as, for example, an elongated broach or stem trial component configured to be inserted into the medullary canal of the patient's tibia. The opposite end of the clamping bolt 40 has a socket 44 formed therein. The socket 44 is configured to receive a hex driver (not shown). Rotation of the socket 44 by the hex driver causes rotation of the clamping bolt's threaded end 42, thereby allowing the bolt 40, and therefore the tibial base trial 12, to be fastened to (and removed from) an elongated broach, stem trial, or other surgical instrument. The plate 20 also includes a number of fastener guides 46 configured to receive fasteners, such as fixation pins (not shown), that can be utilized to fasten the tibial base trial 12 to the surgically prepared proximal end of the patient's tibia.

[0030] The tibial base trial 12 includes a post 48 extending outwardly in an upward direction from the upper surface 22 of the plate 20 along a longitudinal axis 50. As described in more detail below, the post 48 is configured to fasten the tibial bearing trial 14 to the tibial base trial 12. The post 48 includes a stem 52 extending upwardly from the upper surface 22 of the plate 20. An annular flange 54 extends outwardly from a distal end of the post 48. Thus, the post flange 54 has a larger diameter than its stem 52. An upper surface 56 of the flange 54 faces the upper surface 22 of the plate 20. A groove 58 is defined between the lower surface 56 of the flange 54 and the upper surface 22 of the plate 20. As described below, the locking feature of the tibial bearing trial 14 is configured to engage the stem 52 of the post 48 within the groove 58.

[0031] As mentioned above, the tibial bearing trial 14 is configured to be selectively and removably coupled to the tibial base trial 12. As described in more detail below, the tibial bearing trial 14 may be introduced anteriorly onto and removed from the tibial base trial 12 by simply moving it in an anterior-posterior direction without the need to urge the tibial bearing trial 14 upward during either its introduction or distraction / removal. As shown in FIG. 1 , the tibial bearing trial 14 includes a body 60 having a substantially planar lower surface 62 and an opposing upper surface 64. The lower surface 62 of the tibial bearing trial 14 is configured to abut the upper surface 22 of the plate 20 of the tibial base trial 12. The upper surface 64 of the tibial bearing trial 14 includes a pair of curved bearing surfaces 66 configured to correspond to the condylar surfaces of the femoral component (see FIG. 9 ). A spine 70 is positioned between the curved bearing surfaces 66 and extends upwardly from the upper surface 64 of the tibial bearing trial 14 .

[0032] The tibial bearing trial 14 includes an outer sidewall 72 having an anterior section 74 shaped to fit within the anterior section 30 of the tibial base trial 12 and a posterior section 76 shaped to fit within the posterior section 32 of the tibial base trial 12. With reference to FIGS. 2-4, a channel 80 is formed in the lower surface 62 of the tibial base trial 14. The posterior end of the channel 80 is defined by an opening 82 formed in the posterior section 76 of the outer sidewall 72 of the bearing trial. The anterior end of the channel 80 is defined by a rounded sidewall 84. In this manner, the anterior end of the channel 80 defines a circular cavity 86. As seen in FIG. 2, the lower surface 62 of the tibial bearing trial 14 has a pair of deflectable flanges 88 formed therein. The inner and outer sides of the channel 80 are defined by inner edges 90 of the deflectable flanges 88. 2, the channel 80 extends in an anterior / posterior direction along a longitudinal axis 92. Thus, the longitudinal axis 92 of the channel is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 50 of the post 48 of the tibial base trial.

[0033] As seen in FIGS. 2-4 , the lower surface 62 of the tibial bearing trial 14 also has an elongated slot 94 formed therein. Similar to the channel 80, the posterior end of the slot 94 is defined by an opening 96 formed in the posterior section 76 of the bearing trial's outer sidewall 72. The slot 94 shares a common longitudinal axis with the channel 80 and thus extends anteriorly away from the opening 96 in an anterior / posterior direction along the longitudinal axis 92. The slot 94 is positioned above the channel 80 and is open along its length. As seen in FIGS. 2-4 , the slot 94 is wider than the channel 80, including the rounded cavity 86 defined at the anterior end of the channel. Thus, the slot 94 is configured to receive the annular flange 54 of the post 48 when the stem 52 of the post is received in the channel 80 during installation of the tibial bearing trial 14 onto the tibial base trial 12, as will be described in more detail below. As will be described in more detail below in connection with Figures 6-8, the diameter of the annular flange 54 is greater than the width of the channel 80. Thus, when the tibial bearing trial 14 is introduced into the tibial base trial 12, the tibial bearing trial 14 is prevented from lifting off the tibial base trial 12 (i.e., lifting off from the tibial base trial 12).

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner edge 90 of each of the deflectable flanges 88 has a cam lobe 100 defined therein. The cam lobes 100 extend inwardly (i.e., medially) into the channel 80 toward one another. The tips 102 of the cam lobes 100 are separated from one another by a distance that is less than the diameter of the stem 52 of the post 48 of the tibial base trial 12. As such, during installation or distraction / removal of the tibial bearing trial 14, the stem 52 contacts the cam lobes 100 to deflect or otherwise urge the deflectable flanges 88 outwardly and away from one another. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 2, a pair of elongated cavities 104 are formed in the lower surface 62 of the tibial bearing trial 14. The cavities 104 are positioned laterally adjacent to the inner edges 106 of the deflectable flanges 88. In such a configuration, an inner edge 106 of the deflectable flange 88 defines an outer side of the cavity 104 adjacent thereto.

[0035] 5-8 , during installation of the tibial bearing trial 14 onto the tibial base trial 12, the stem 52 of the base trial post 48 is advanced into the channel 80 through the opening 82 formed in the posterior section 76 of the bearing trial outer sidewall 72, while the annular flange 54 of the base trial post 48 enters the slot 94 through the opening 96 formed in the posterior section 76 of the bearing trial outer sidewall 72. As the tibial bearing trial 14 continues to move in the anterior-to-posterior direction, the outer surface of the stem 52 of the base trial post 48 advances into contact with the posterior cam surface 108 of the cam lobe 100, thereby deflecting or otherwise urging the deflectable flanges 88 laterally away from one another. The deflectable flanges 88 continue to deflect as the stem 52 rides up against the posterior cam surface 108. As the stems 52 pass the tips 102 of the cam lobes 100, the stems 52 begin to ride down onto the anterior cam surfaces 110 of the cam lobes 100, thereby allowing the deflectable flanges 88 to move inwardly toward one another again. As the stems 52 move off the anterior cam surfaces 110, the deflectable flanges 88 are retracted / returned to their original positions, thereby capturing the stems 52 of the base trial posts 48 within the round cavities 86 of the channels 80 to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial 14 to the tibial base trial 12.

[0036] To pull the tibial bearing trial 14 away from the tibial base trial 12, the bearing trial 14 is pulled or otherwise advanced in a posterior-to-anterior direction relative to the base trial 12. In doing so, the outer surfaces of the stems 52 of the posts 48 of the base trial advance into contact with the anterior cam surfaces 110 of the cam lobes 100, thereby deflecting or otherwise urging the deflectable flanges 88 laterally away from one another. The deflectable flanges 88 continue to deflect as the stems 52 ride up the anterior cam surfaces 110. As the stems 52 clear the tips 102 of the cam lobes 100, the stems 52 begin to ride down the posterior cam surfaces 108 of the cam lobes 100, thereby allowing the deflectable flanges 88 to move inwardly toward one another again. As the stems 52 move away from the posterior cam surface 108, the deflectable flanges 88 are retracted / returned to their original positions, thereby allowing the stems 52 of the posts 48 of the base trial to advance out of the channel 80 through the openings 82 formed in the posterior section 76 of the outer sidewall 72 of the bearing trial, while the annular flanges 54 of the posts 48 of the base trial exit the slots 94 through the openings 96 formed in the posterior section 76 of the outer sidewall 72 of the bearing trial to pull the tibial bearing trial 14 away from the tibial base trial 12.

[0037] The illustrated tibial bearing trial 14 is one of multiple tibial bearing trials in a multi-piece assembly configured to aid the surgeon in selecting the size and configuration of the tibial bearing component to be implanted. Thus, the surgeon can assemble a size and configuration of the tibial bearing trial 14, evaluate the performance of the tibial bearing trial 14, and then replace the tibial bearing trial 14 as needed to intraoperatively determine the type and configuration of the tibial bearing component to be implanted.

[0038] The femoral base trial 12 is illustratively formed from a metallic material such as cobalt chrome or titanium, but may be formed from other materials such as ceramic, polymeric, bioengineered, etc. The tibial bearing trial 14 is illustratively formed from a polymeric material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), but may be formed from other materials such as ceramic, metallic, bioengineered, etc.

[0039] 9, a surgeon may use the orthopaedic surgical instrument system 10 during the trialing process of a surgical procedure to implant a knee joint prosthesis. To do this, the surgeon first resects or otherwise surgically prepares the patient's tibia 120 to form a smooth flat surface 122 on the proximal end 124 of the tibia 120. The surgeon then introduces the tibial base trial 12 onto the resected flat surface 122 of the patient's tibia 120. If desired, the surgeon may also perform a resection of the distal end 134 of the patient's femur 130 to surgically prepare the femur to receive a femoral trial 136 for use in the trial reduction procedure. In embodiments where a primary femoral component (not shown) from a previous arthroplasty has not been replaced, the surgeon may trial the tibial bearing trial 14 along with the primary femoral component.

[0040] Once the tibial base trial 12 is introduced onto the resected flat surface 122 of the patient's tibia 120, the surgeon introduces the tibial bearing trial 14 into the base trial 12 from the anterior side of the patient's tibia 120. To do this, the tibial bearing trial 14 is first aligned with the tibial base trial 12 such that the posterior-most edge of the lower surface 62 of the bearing trial 14 is positioned on the upper surface 22 on the anterior portion of the base trial plate 20. The tibial bearing trial 14 is then advanced onto the tibial base trial 12 in an anterior-to-posterior direction such that the stem 52 of the post 48 of the base trial is advanced into the channel 80 through the opening 82 formed in the posterior section 76 of the bearing trial's outer sidewall 72, while the annular flange 54 of the post 48 of the base trial enters the slot 94 through the opening 96 formed in the posterior section 76 of the bearing trial's outer sidewall 72. As the tibial bearing trial 14 continues to be moved in the anterior-posterior direction, the stem 52 of the base trial post 48 advances into contact with the cam lobe 100 of the deflectable flange 88 of the bearing trial, causing the deflectable flange 88 to first deflect through the stem 52 and then retract back to its original position, thereby capturing the stem 52 of the base trial post 48 within the round cavity 86 of the channel 80 so as to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial 14 to the tibial base trial 12.

[0041] It should be appreciated that during such introduction of the tibial bearing trial 14, the bearing trial 14 is advanced only in an anterior-to-posterior direction without needing to be biased upwardly to any extent. Specifically, the posterior-most edge of the lower surface 62 of the bearing trial remains in contact with the upper surface 22 of the base trial plate 20 throughout the introduction of the tibial bearing trial 14.

[0042] It should be appreciated that when introduced onto the tibial base trial 12, the stem 52 and annular flange 54 of the base trial post are positioned in the rounded anterior ends of the channel 80 and slot 94 of the bearing trial, respectively. Thus, when the tibial bearing trial 14 is snapped onto the tibial base trial 12, it is free to rotate relative thereto. However, because the diameter of the annular flange 54 of the base trial post 48 is greater than the width of the channel 80, the deflectable flange 88 of the tibial bearing trial 14 is captured within the groove 58 defined between the lower surface 56 of the flange 54 and the upper surface 22 of the plate 20. Thus, although the tibial bearing trial 14 is free to rotate relative to the tibial base trial 12, it is prevented from lifting off the base trial 12. That is, when the tibial bearing trial 14 is snapped onto the tibial base trial 12, it is prevented from moving in an inferior-superior direction.

[0043] Once the tibial bearing trial 14 is snapped onto the tibial base trial 12, the surgeon may perform an initial trial reduction using the instrumentation system 10. In doing so, the surgeon uses the instrumentation system 10 to assess the stability and motion of the patient's femur 130 and tibia 120. To do so, the surgeon moves the patient's tibia 120 relative to the patient's femur 130 between full flexion and full extension. During such motion of the patient's knee, the surgeon assesses the articulation between the femoral trial 136 (or, if not replaced, the primary femoral component (not shown) from the previous arthroplasty) and the tibial bearing trial 14 to determine, among other things, the desired contact points, range of motion, and cam / spine engagement between the two trials.

[0044] If the surgeon desires to try a different size or configuration of tibial bearing trial 14, the surgeon separates the installed bearing trial 14 by pulling or otherwise advancing the bearing trial 14 in a posterior-to-anterior direction relative to the base trial 12. In doing so, the stem 52 of the base trial post 48 is advanced into contact with the cam lobe 100, which causes the deflectable flange 88 to first deflect through the stem 52 and then retract back to its original position, which allows the stem 52 of the base trial post 48 to advance out of the channel 80 through the opening 82 formed in the posterior section 76 of the bearing trial outer sidewall 72, while the annular flange 54 of the base trial post 48 exits the slot 94 through the opening 96 formed in the posterior section 76 of the bearing trial outer sidewall 72 to separate the tibial bearing trial 14 from the tibial base trial 12.

[0045] The surgeon may then install a different tibial bearing trial 14 onto the tibial base trial 12 in the manner described above. Once the second tibial bearing trial 14 has been installed, the surgeon may then perform subsequent trial reductions in the manner described above.

[0046] Once the desired size and configuration of the tibial base trial 12 and the tibial bearing trial 14 have been determined by the surgeon, the trials 12 , 14 are removed from the patient's tibia 12 and the corresponding implant components are implanted within the patient's tibia 12 .

[0047] 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.

[0048] The present disclosure has multiple advantages based on various features of the methods, devices, and systems described herein. It is noted that alternative embodiments of the methods, devices, and systems of the present disclosure do 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 can easily implement their own methods, devices, and systems that incorporate one or more of the features of the present invention and are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0049] [Embodiment] (1) An orthopaedic surgical instrument system, comprising: a tibial bearing trial including: (i) a lower surface; (ii) an upper surface opposite the lower surface and having a pair of curved bearing surfaces formed therein; (iii) a sidewall extending between the lower surface and the upper surface; and (iv) a channel formed in the lower surface, wherein: (a) a posterior end of the channel is defined by an opening formed in a posterior section of the sidewall; (b) an anterior end of the channel is defined by a rounded sidewall to define a rounded cavity; and (c) inner and outer sides of the channel are defined by a pair of deflectable flanges. a tibial base trial removably coupled to the trial insert trial, the tibial base trial including: (i) a plate configured to be positioned on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia; and (ii) a post extending outwardly from an upper surface of the plate, the post being captured within the round cavity of the channel of the tibial bearing trial to permit the tibial bearing trial to rotate relative to the tibial base trial but prevent the tibial bearing trial from moving in an inferior-superior direction relative to the tibial base trial; 1. An orthopaedic surgical instrument system comprising: (2) An orthopaedic surgical instrument system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the tibial bearing trial includes a spine positioned between the pair of curved bearing surfaces. (3) the tibial bearing trial further includes an elongated slot formed therein, the elongated slot having a common longitudinal axis with the channel; the elongated slot is positioned above the channel and opens into the channel; the post of the tibial base trial has an annular flange extending outwardly therefrom; 2. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1, wherein the flange of the post is captured within the slot. (4) an aft end of the slot is defined by the opening formed in the aft section of the side wall; An orthopaedic surgical instrument system as described in embodiment 3, wherein the slot is wider than a diameter of the round cavity of the channel. (5) each of the pair of deflectable flanges having a cam lobe formed therein; 2. An orthopaedic surgical instrument system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the cam lobes extend inwardly into the channel toward each other.

[0050] (6) An orthopaedic surgical instrument system as described in embodiment 5, wherein the cam lobes are separated from each other by a distance that is less than a diameter of the post of the tibial base trial. (7) each of the deflectable flanges has an elongated cavity formed laterally adjacent thereto; 2. An orthopaedic surgical instrument system as described in claim 1, wherein each lateral edge of the deflectable flange is biased into a corresponding one of the elongated cavities when the post of the tibial base trial contacts the cam lobes to bias the cam lobes away from each other. (8) An orthopaedic surgical instrument system as described in embodiment 1, wherein the tibial bearing trial is constructed from a polymeric material. (9) An orthopedic surgical instrument, 1. A tibial bearing trial comprising: A lower surface; an upper surface opposite said lower surface and having a pair of curved bearing surfaces formed therein; a spine positioned between the pair of curved bearing surfaces; a sidewall extending between the lower surface and the upper surface; 1. An orthopaedic surgical instrument comprising: a tibial bearing trial comprising: a channel formed in the inferior surface, (i) a posterior end of the channel defined by an opening formed in a posterior section of the sidewall, (ii) an anterior end of the channel defined by a rounded sidewall to define a rounded cavity, and (iii) inner and outer sides of the channel defined by a pair of deflectable flanges. (10) The tibial bearing trial further includes an elongated slot formed therein, the elongated slot having a common longitudinal axis with the channel; 10. An orthopedic surgical instrument as described in embodiment 9, wherein the elongated slot is positioned above the channel and opens into the channel.

[0051] (11) a rear end of the slot is defined by the opening formed in the rear section of the side wall; 11. An orthopedic surgical instrument as described in claim 10, wherein the slot is wider than a diameter of the round cavity of the channel. (12) Each of the pair of deflectable flanges has a cam lobe formed therein; 10. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the cam lobes extend inwardly into the channel toward one another. (13) Each of the deflectable flanges has an elongated cavity formed laterally adjacent thereto; 13. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 12, wherein each lateral edge of the deflectable flange is urged into a corresponding one of the elongated cavities when the cam lobe is contacted during introduction of the tibial bearing trial onto the tibial base trial. (14) The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 9, wherein the tibial bearing trial is constructed from a polymeric material. (15) A method of trialing an orthopaedic prosthesis assembly, comprising: Aligning the tibial bearing trial with a tibial base trial positioned on the proximal end of the patient's tibia; advancing the tibial bearing trial in the anterior-to-posterior direction to move a post of the tibial base trial component into a posterior channel defined in the tibial bearing trial; capturing the post of the tibial base trial within the channel between a pair of deflectable flanges to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial to allow the tibial bearing trial to rotate relative to the tibial base trial; and moving the patient's joint through a range of motion, including extension and flexion, to evaluate a configuration of the orthopaedic prosthesis assembly corresponding to the tibial base trial and the tibial bearing trial.

[0052] (16) advancing the tibial bearing trial in the posterior-to-anterior direction to pull the tibial bearing trial away from the tibial base trial; selecting a second tibial bearing trial having a different size than the tibial bearing trial; advancing the second tibial bearing trial in the anterior-to-posterior direction to move the post of the tibial base trial component into a posterior channel defined in the second tibial bearing trial; capturing the post of the tibial base trial between a pair of deflectable flanges of the second tibial base trial to snap-lock the second tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial to allow the second tibial bearing trial to rotate relative to the tibial base trial; 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the patient's joint through a range of motion, including extension and flexion, to evaluate a configuration of the orthopaedic prosthesis assembly corresponding to the tibial base trial and the tibial bearing trial. (17) Advancing the tibial bearing trial includes moving cam lobes on each of the deflectable flanges into contact with the posts of the tibial base trial to urge the deflectable flanges outwardly; 16. The method of claim 15, wherein capturing the posts of the tibial base trial includes moving the cam lobes on each of the deflectable flanges out of contact with the posts of the tibial base trial to allow the deflectable flanges to be retracted inwardly. (18) The tibial base trial has a substantially planar upper surface, the tibial bearing trial has a substantially planar inferior surface; 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the posterior-most edge of the lower surface of the tibial bearing trial remains in contact with the upper surface of the tibial base trial throughout the entire time the tibial bearing trial is advanced in the anterior-to-posterior direction to snap-lock the tibial bearing trial to the tibial base trial.

Claims

1. 1. An orthopaedic surgical instrument system comprising: a tibial bearing trial comprising a body having (i) a lower surface and (ii) an upper surface opposite the lower surface and having a pair of curved bearing surfaces formed therein, (iii) a sidewall extending between the lower surface and the upper surface, and (iv) a channel defined by the body and formed in the lower surface, wherein (a) a posterior end of the channel is defined by an opening formed in a posterior section of the sidewall, (b) an anterior end of the channel is defined by a rounded sidewall to define a rounded cavity, and (c) inner and outer sides of the channel are defined by a pair of deflectable flanges; a tibial base trial removably coupled to the tibial bearing trial, the tibial base trial including: (i) a plate configured to be positioned on a surgically prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia; and (ii) a post extending outwardly from an upper surface of the plate, the post being captured within the round cavity of the channel of the tibial bearing trial to permit the tibial bearing trial to rotate relative to the tibial base trial but prevent the tibial bearing trial from moving in an inferior-superior direction relative to the tibial base trial; Including, each of the pair of deflectable flanges having a cam lobe formed therein; The cam lobes extend inwardly into the channel toward one another.

2. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 , wherein the tibial bearing trial includes a spine positioned between the pair of curved bearing surfaces.

3. The tibial bearing trial further includes an elongated slot formed therein, the elongated slot having a common longitudinal axis with the channel; the elongated slot is positioned above the channel and opens into the channel; the post of the tibial base trial has an annular flange extending outwardly therefrom; The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 , wherein the annular flange of the post is captured within the elongated slot.

4. an aft end of the elongated slot is defined by the opening formed in the aft section of the sidewall; The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 3 , wherein the elongated slot is wider than a diameter of the round cavity of the channel.

5. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 , wherein the cam lobes are separated from one another by a distance less than a diameter of the post of the tibial base trial.

6. Each of the pair of deflectable flanges has an elongated cavity formed laterally adjacent thereto; 2. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1, wherein a lateral edge of each of the pair of deflectable flanges is biased into a corresponding one of the elongated cavities when the post of the tibial base trial contacts the cam lobes to bias the cam lobes away from one another.

7. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 6 , wherein the elongated cavity has a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end of the elongated cavity being spaced from the sidewall.

8. A pair of elongated cavities are formed in the inferior surface of the tibial bearing trial; a first of the pair of elongated cavities positioned laterally adjacent one of the pair of deflectable flanges; a second of the pair of elongated cavities positioned laterally adjacent the other of the pair of deflectable flanges; a forward end of the first elongated cavity and a forward end of the second elongated cavity are curved toward each other; The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 , wherein a trailing end of the first elongated cavity and a trailing end of the second elongated cavity are curved away from each other.

9. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 , wherein the inferior surface is a single surface and configured to abut the superior surface of the plate of the tibial base trial.

10. The orthopaedic surgical instrument system of claim 1 , wherein the tibial bearing trial is constructed from a polymeric material.

11. 1. An orthopaedic surgical instrument comprising:

1. A tibial bearing trial comprising: a body having a lower surface and an upper surface opposite the lower surface and having a pair of curved bearing surfaces formed therein; a spine positioned between the pair of curved bearing surfaces; a sidewall extending between the lower surface and the upper surface; a channel defined by the body and formed in the inferior surface, (i) a posterior end of the channel defined by an opening formed in a posterior section of the sidewall, (ii) an anterior end of the channel defined by a rounded sidewall to define a rounded cavity, and (iii) inner and outer sides of the channel defined by a pair of deflectable flanges, each of the pair of deflectable flanges having a cam lobe formed therein; The cam lobes extend inwardly into the channel toward one another.

12. The tibial bearing trial further includes an elongated slot formed therein, the elongated slot having a common longitudinal axis with the channel; The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 11 , wherein the elongated slot is positioned above and opens into the channel.

13. the opening formed in the rear section of the sidewall defines a rear end of the elongated slot; The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 12 , wherein the elongated slot is wider than a diameter of the round cavity of the channel.

14. Each of the pair of deflectable flanges has an elongated cavity formed laterally adjacent thereto; 12. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein a lateral edge of each of the pair of deflectable flanges is biased into a corresponding one of the elongated cavities upon contact of the cam lobes when the tibial bearing trial is introduced into a tibial base trial.

15. The orthopaedic surgical instrument of claim 11 , wherein the tibial bearing trial is constructed from a polymeric material.

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