Surgical cutting guide

Abstract

1. A surgical cutting guide. 2.1 A surgical cutting guide is known, comprising a body having at least one first cutting slot formed between a first cutting guide surface and a second cutting guide surface opposite said first cutting guide surface, said first cutting slot extending longitudinally between a first end stop surface and a second end stop surface opposite said first end stop surface. 2.2 According to the invention, said first end stop surface comprises a first convex surface contour and / or said second end stop surface comprises a second convex surface contour. 2.3 Use in a surgical procedure such as a total knee arthroplasty.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a surgical cutting guide having a body with at least one first cutting slot formed between a first cutting guide surface and a second cutting guide surface facing the first cutting guide surface, the first cutting slot extending longitudinally between a first end stop surface and a second end stop surface facing the first end stop surface.

[0002] Such a surgical cutting guide is used in orthopedic surgery to assist the surgeon in performing appropriate bone cuts. For example, a surgeon performing a total knee arthroplasty may make one or more cuts at the distal end of the femur to properly attach the femoral component of the artificial knee joint. The surgical cutting guide enables more accurate cuts by guiding the surgical cutting instrument used.

Background Art

[0003] US Patent Application Publication U2013 / 0325017A1 discloses a surgical cutting guide including a body having a cutting slot configured to receive a surgical cutting instrument. The cutting slot is formed between two opposing cutting guide surfaces and extends longitudinally between a first end stop surface and a second end stop surface facing the first end stop surface. The opposing end stop surfaces each have a flat surface profile.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a surgical cutting guide that can better guide a surgical cutting instrument.

[0005] This object is achieved by providing a surgical cutting guide as defined in claim 1.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, the first end stop surface has a first convex surface contour, and / or the second end stop surface has a second convex surface contour. The inventors have found that by providing a convex surface contour on at least one of the two end stop surfaces, friction and frictional wear between the surgical cutting instrument and the first cutting slot can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing a convex surface contour on at least one of the end stop surfaces, the longitudinal inclination angle of the surgical cutting instrument within the first cutting slot can be increased compared to a cutting slot of the same length but with a flat end stop surface. These advantages allow for better guidance of the cutting instrument.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the first convex surface contour and / or the second convex surface contour are curved perpendicular to the first cutting slot. In other words, in a preferred embodiment, the first end stop surface and / or the second end stop surface protrude into the first cutting slot, thereby causing the longitudinal extension of the first cutting slot to change along the perpendicular direction of the first cutting slot. The surgical cutting guide is used during surgical procedures. At least one of the first cutting slots is configured to receive a surgical cutting instrument. The first cutting guide surface and the second cutting guide surface can each be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to accommodate the surgical cutting instrument placed against them. Preferably, the first cutting guide surface and the second cutting guide surface each have a flat surface contour. The first cutting guide surface and the second cutting guide surface face each other in the lateral direction of the first cutting slot. Preferably, the first cutting guide surface and the second cutting guide surface are parallel to each other. The first end stop surface and the second end stop surface face each other along the longitudinal direction of the first cutting slot. The first and second end stop surfaces each form a closure of the first cutting slot that prevents the cutting tool from exiting the first cutting slot longitudinally. Preferably, the first and second end stop surfaces extend longitudinally and transversely of the first cutting slot. In a preferred embodiment, the body is formed integrally, i.e., from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the body may consist of a plurality of separate body parts, which are joined fixedly or releasably. The body may be manufactured from a metal and / or plastic material.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first convex surface contour and / or the second convex surface contour are curved in the longitudinal direction of the first cutting slot. Preferably, the first convex surface contour and / or the second convex surface contour are flat and / or not curved in the transverse direction of the first cutting slot.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first end stop surface and / or the second end stop surface protrude into the first cutting slot, thereby causing the longitudinal extension of the first cutting slot to vary along the vertical direction of the first cutting slot. In other words, due to the inwardly curved first and second convex surface contours, the length of the first cutting slot varies along its height direction. Preferably, in at least some area of ​​the first and second end stop surfaces, the width of the first cutting slot does not vary over its length.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first end stop surface and / or the second end stop surface extend vertically across the entire vertical height of the first cutting slot in the area of ​​the end stop surface. Thus, the cutting slot is completely closed across its vertical height in the area of ​​its opposing end, i.e., the area of ​​the end stop surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first convex surface contour and / or the second convex surface contour are formed by at least one radius, which is between 10 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm, and particularly preferably 18 mm. The inventors have found that radii between 10 mm and 30 mm have the advantage of producing low friction and low friction-induced wear for many different common types and / or sizes of surgical cutting instruments. In this regard, radii between 15 mm and 25 mm have been found to be particularly advantageous for surgical cutting instruments used during total knee arthroplasty. In one embodiment, the first convex surface contour and the second convex surface contour have the same radius. In other embodiments, the first convex surface contour is formed by a first radius, and the second convex surface contour is formed by a different second radius.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first convex surface contour and / or the second convex surface contour are defined by a plurality of tangential radii. This allows for a more optimal adaptation of the first convex surface contour and / or the second convex surface contour to the specific cutting procedure and / or surgical cutting instrument used. Preferably, the radii are set within the intervals described in the embodiments described above.

[0013] In one embodiment, a first cutting guide surface is formed on the inner surface of a first wall portion included in or joined to the main body, and a second cutting guide surface is formed on the opposing inner surface of a second wall portion included in or joined to the main body. The inner surfaces of the first wall portion and the inner surfaces of the second wall portion face each other in the lateral direction of the first cutting slot. In one embodiment, the first wall portion and the second wall portion form an integrated main body segment of the main body. In other embodiments, the first wall portion and the second wall portion are formed as separate parts that are fixedly or releasably joined.

[0014] In one embodiment, a first end stop surface is formed on the inner surface of a third wall portion included in or coupled to the main body, and a second end stop surface is formed on the inner surface of a fourth wall portion included in or coupled to the main body. The third and fourth walls each extend laterally across the first cutting slot between the first and second walls. The inner surfaces of the third and fourth walls face each other in the longitudinal direction of the first cutting slot. In one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth walls form an integrated main body segment of the main body. In other embodiments, at least one of the walls is formed as a separate main body member and is fixedly or removably coupled to at least one other portion of the wall.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first wall portion has at least one first reduction recess extending between the inner surface of the first wall portion and the outer surface facing the inner surface of the first wall portion, and / or, the second wall portion has at least one second reduction recess extending between the inner surface of the second wall portion and the outer surface facing the inner surface of the second wall portion. The first reduction recess reduces the first cutting guide surface. The second reduction recess reduces the second cutting guide surface. Reducing the first cutting guide surface and / or the second cutting guide surface allows for further reduction of friction and friction-induced wear between the surgical cutting instrument and the first cutting slot. The first reduction recess extends into the interior of the first wall portion along the lateral direction of the first cutting slot. In one embodiment, the first reduction recess is formed as a recessed pocket in the inner surface of the first wall portion. In another embodiment, the first reduction recess is formed as an opening in the first wall portion. The same applies to the second reduction recess.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first reduction recess forms a first opening, and / or the second reduction recess forms a second opening. The first opening extends from the inner surface to the outer surface of the first wall in the lateral direction of the first cutting slot. The second opening extends from the inner surface to the outer surface of the second wall in the lateral direction of the first cutting slot. In this embodiment, cleaning and sterilization can be simplified. Furthermore, the first opening and / or the second opening can improve the visibility of surgical cutting instruments in the first cutting slot. In addition, a reduction in the amount of material used, and consequently a reduction in weight, can be achieved.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first wall portion has a plurality of reduction recesses defining a first recess pattern, and the second wall portion has a plurality of second reduction recesses defining a different second recess pattern. These different recess patterns ensure that the surgical cutting instrument is guided in contact with at least one of the first cutting guide surface or the second cutting guide surface. In contrast, if their recess patterns are identical, areas on opposite sides of the surgical cutting instrument may not be in contact simultaneously. This can be a disadvantage under certain circumstances. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second recess patterns is formed as an opening pattern having a plurality of reduction openings.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall form an integrated first cutting slot body segment in the main body. The first cutting slot body segment forms a single member. In one embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. The inventors have found that this enables a particularly simple and cost-effective design, especially when the first and second walls have reduction recesses and / or openings. In one embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment is integrally formed with the remaining segments of the main body. In other embodiments, the first cutting slot body segment is formed as a separate body portion and is fixedly or removably coupled with the other segments and / or portions of the main body.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment has an outer contour having a flat lower contour portion and a convex upper contour portion in a viewing direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the first wall. The flat lower contour portion allows the first cutting slot body segment to be positioned flat and stably on the bone to be cut. The inventors have found that the convex upper contour portion improves the handling of the surgical cutting guide by the surgeon performing the operation. Furthermore, material can be saved, thereby reducing weight. This makes it even easier to handle. Due to the convex upper contour portion, the height of the segment of the first cutting slot body varies along the longitudinal direction of the first cutting slot. In the regions of the third and fourth walls (and accordingly at both ends of the first cutting slot), the height of the first cutting slot body segment is relatively low. In the longitudinal center of the first cutting slot, the height is relatively high.

[0020] In one embodiment, the main body comprises a bone-engaging main body segment having a lower bone-engaging surface, and the bone-engaging main body segment and the first cutting slot main body segment are spaced apart from each other to form at least one bone-visibility opening. At least one bone-visibility opening improves the visibility of the target bone located below the surgical cutting guide. This improved visibility helps the surgeon performing the operation to align and position the surgical cutting guide over the bone to be cut. Furthermore, at least one bone-visibility opening allows for further material reduction, resulting in reduced weight. This leads to further reductions in manufacturing costs and improved handling. The lower bone-engaging surface is configured to engage with the bone to be cut. In one embodiment, the bone-engaging main body segment comprises at least one through-hole configured to receive a fixing element for fixing the bone-engaging main body segment to the bone to be cut. In one embodiment, the bone-engaging main body segment and the first cutting slot main body segment integrally constitute part of the main body. In other embodiments, the bone-engaging main body segment and the first cutting slot main body segment constitute part of the main body as separate members. In this case, the bone-engaging body segment and the first cutting slot body segment can be fixedly or releasably coupled. The bone-engaging body segment and the first cutting slot body segment are spaced apart from each other laterally in the first cutting slot. In one embodiment, the bone-engaging body segment has a block-like shape, and the first cutting slot body has a protruding shape. Preferably, the bone-engaging body segment comprises further cutting slots, in particular third and fourth cutting slots having a convex end stop surface contour. Preferably, these further cutting slots are chamfered slots configured to guide the chamfered cut of the distal femur.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment and the bone engagement body segment are connected by a support body segment comprising at least a first support and a second support, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first cutting slot, thereby forming at least one bone-viewing opening. The first and second support are each elongated in the lateral direction of the first cutting slot. The first end of the first support is connected to the bone engagement body segment, and the second end of the first support is connected to the first cutting body segment. The same applies to the second support. This embodiment helps to further reduce the weight of the body and can achieve a relatively large bone-viewing opening. In one embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment, the bone engagement body segment, and the support body segment integrally constitute a part of the body. In other embodiments, at least one of the above-described body segments is formed as a separate body portion and is fixedly or removably connected to at least one of the other body segments.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment and / or bone engagement body segment and / or support body segment are integrally formed by an additive manufacturing process. In a preferred embodiment, the entire body and / or surgical cutting guide is integrally formed by the additive manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the additive manufacturing process uses 3D printing technology for metal and / or plastic materials.

[0023] In one embodiment, the main body, particularly the second cutting slot main body segment of the main body, comprises a second cutting slot having an end stop surface with a convex surface contour. For further features of the second cutting slot and its end stop surface, see the disclosure relating to the first cutting slot. The disclosure relating to the first cutting slot also applies mutatis mutandis to the second cutting slot. Preferably, the second cutting slot extends parallel to the first cutting slot. Preferably, the second cutting slot main segment faces the first cutting slot main segment laterally. Preferably, the second cutting slot main segment is positioned on the side facing the bone engagement main segment. Preferably, the first cutting slot is configured to guide anterior resection of the distal femur, and the second cutting slot is configured to guide posterior resection of the distal femur, or vice versa.

[0024] In one embodiment, the main body, particularly the bone-engaging main body segment of the main body, comprises a third cutting slot and a fourth cutting slot, each having an end stop surface with a convex surface contour. For further features of the third cutting slot and its end stop surface, and the fourth cutting slot and its end stop surface, see the disclosure relating to the first cutting slot. The disclosure relating to the first cutting slot also applies mutatis mutandis to the third and fourth cutting slots. Preferably, the third and fourth cutting slots extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the third and fourth cutting slots extend parallel to the first cutting slot. Preferably, the bone-engaging main body segment connects the first cutting slot main segment and the second cutting slot main segment. Preferably, the third and fourth cutting slots are configured to guide a wedge resection, i.e., a chamfered cut, in the distal femur.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. The drawings schematically show the following.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a surgical cutting guide. [Figure 2] It is a detailed perspective view of the surgical cutting guide of FIG. 1 in the region of the first cutting slot. [Figure 3] It is a schematic top view of the surgical cutting guide according to FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] It is a further top view of the surgical cutting guide, showing the surgical cutting guide disposed at the distal end of the femur to be cut. [Figure 5] It is the surgical cutting guide in a cross-sectional view taken along the section line V-V of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the advantages of the design of the surgical cutting guide. [Figure 7] It is an outer contour of a surgical cutting guide known from the prior art and a top view of the surgical cutting guide. [Figure 8] It is a top view of a prior art surgical cutting guide.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] According to FIG. 1, a surgical cutting guide 1 for use in surgery is provided. The surgical cutting guide 1 can be used to prepare the distal end of the femur B (FIG. 4) for total knee arthroplasty. A surgeon performing such a total knee arthroplasty can make several cuts at the distal end of the femur B to properly fit the artificial femoral component. The surgical cutting guide 1 is configured to guide a surgical cutting instrument such as a saw. By guiding the surgical cutting instrument with the surgical cutting guide 1, the accuracy of the intended cut can be improved.

[0028] The surgical cutting guide 1 consists of a main body 2 having at least one first cutting slot 3. The first cutting slot 3 is formed between a first cutting guide surface 4 and a second cutting guide surface 5 facing it (Figure 3). The first cutting guide surface 4 and the second cutting guide surface 5 face each other in the lateral direction Y of the first cutting slot 3. The first cutting slot 3 extends longitudinally between a first end stop surface 6 and a second end stop surface 7 facing it. The first end stop surface 6 and the second end stop surface 7 face each other in the longitudinal direction X of the first cutting slot 3.

[0029] The first cutting slot 3 is configured to receive the surgical cutting instrument vertically. When the surgical cutting instrument is inserted into the first cutting slot 3, it fits snugly in the lateral direction Y between the first cutting guide surface 4 and the second cutting guide surface 5. The first cutting guide surface 4 and the second cutting guide surface 5 guide the surgical cutting instrument along the longitudinal direction X and the perpendicular direction, and the first end stop surface 6 and the second end stop surface 7 prevent the surgical cutting instrument from coming out of the first cutting slot 3. To cut the target bone (in this case, the distal femur B), the surgical cutting instrument moves relative to the first and second cutting guide surfaces 4 and 5 and the first and second end stop surfaces 6 and 7. This relative movement causes not only friction but also frictional wear.

[0030] The inventors have found that friction and friction-induced wear are reduced by providing a convex surface contour on at least one of the end stop surfaces 6 and 7. In the illustrated embodiment, both end stop surfaces 6 and 7 have a convex surface contour. Thus, the first end stop surface 6 has a first convex surface contour 61, and the second end stop surface 7 has a second convex surface contour 71. Due to their convex shape, the first end stop surface 6 and the second end stop surface 7 are each curved along the direction perpendicular to the first cutting slot 3. In other words, the first end stop surface 6 and the second end stop surface 7 are each curved inward from the first cutting slot 3 with respect to the longitudinal direction X.

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates further advantages of the first and second convex surface contours 61 and 71. In Figure 6, the two exemplary configurations are schematically superimposed.

[0032] In the first configuration, an exemplary surgical cutting instrument C is inserted into the first cutting slot 3 and is inclined along the longitudinal direction X. Due to the inclination, opposing edges of the surgical cutting instrument C contact the first convex surface contour 61 and the second convex surface contour 72, respectively.

[0033] In the second configuration, superimposed on the illustration, the surgical cutting instrument is inserted into a cutting slot 3a having opposing flat end stop surfaces 6a, 7a. In the second configuration, the surgical cutting instrument is referred to as Ca. Comparing the first and second configurations, it can be seen that forming a convex surface contour on the end stop surfaces allows for a greater inclination angle compared to a cutting slot of the same length with flat end stop surfaces. Furthermore, the convex surface contour allows for a reduction of approximately 10% in the length of the cutting slot compared to a flat end stop surface. The inventors have further found that the convex surface contours 61, 71 help stabilize the surgical cutting instrument C when cutting in an inclined direction. In addition, the convex surface contours 61, 71 help reduce the contact load on the opposing edge portions of the surgical cutting instrument C. The reduction in contact load leads to a reduction in friction and friction-induced wear as described above. In contrast, inclining the surgical cutting instrument Ca between flat end stop surfaces 6a, 7a can form sharp point contacts, potentially increasing friction and wear.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the first convex surface contour 61 is formed with a radius R, which is 18 mm. In other embodiments, the radius may be between 10 mm and 30 mm. The same may apply to the second convex surface contour 71. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the second convex surface contour 71 is defined by a plurality of tangent radii R1, R2, and R3, which range from 10 mm to 30 mm. In other embodiments, the first convex surface contour 61 and the second convex surface contour 71 are formed by a single, identical radius.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the first cutting guide surface 4 is formed on the inner surface 81 of the first wall portion 8. This is shown in detail in Figure 3. The second cutting guide surface 5 is formed on the opposing inner surface 91 of the second wall portion 9. The first wall portion 8 and the second wall portion 9 face each other in the lateral direction Y of the first cutting slot 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner surface 81 of the first wall portion 8 and the inner surface 91 of the second wall portion 9 are parallel to each other. The same can be said for the first cutting guide surface 4 and the second cutting guide surface 5. The first wall portion 8 and the second wall portion 9 can each be included in the main body 2 or connected to the main body 2, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, the first end stop surface 6 is formed on the inner surface 101 of the third wall portion 10. The second end stop surface 7 is formed on the inner surface 111 of the fourth wall portion 11. The third wall portion 10 and the fourth wall portion 11 face each other in the longitudinal direction X of the first cutting slot 3. The third wall portion 10 and the fourth wall portion 11 each extend in the lateral direction Y of the first cutting slot 3 between the first wall portion 8 and the second wall portion 9. Both the third wall portion 10 and the fourth wall portion 11 may be included in the main body 2 or connected to the main body 2, which will be described in more detail below.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 8 has a plurality of reduction-of-surface openings 83, 84, 85, 86 defining a first opening pattern within the first wall 8. These surface openings, or recesses 83, 84, 85, 86, can also be described as windows, breakthroughs, etc. As shown in more detail in Figure 5, the second wall 9 has a plurality of reduction-of-surface openings 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 defining a second opening pattern. The openings 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 form windows and / or breakthroughs within the second wall 9. In other embodiments, only one of the first and second wall sections 8, 9 may have one or more openings.

[0038] The openings 83, 84, 85, and 86 within the first wall 8 serve to reduce the amount of contact between the surgical cutting instrument and the first cutting guide surface 4. In other words, the openings 83, 84, 85, and 86 reduce the amount of contact between the first cutting guide surface 4 compared to embodiments in which no openings are formed in the first wall. The same can be said for the openings 93, 94, 95, 96, and 97 in the second wall 9 and their effect on the second cutting guide surface 5. Furthermore, by providing these openings 83-86 and 93-97 within the first wall 8 and the second wall 9, respectively, the visibility of the surgical cutting instrument C within the first cutting slot 3 is improved. As a further advantage, by providing the openings 83-86 and 93-97, the overall weight of the surgical cutting guide 1 can be reduced, improving its handling during surgical procedures.

[0039] Figure 3 shows yet another embodiment in which a recess is provided instead of an opening. For illustrative purposes, Figure 3 shows a first recess 83' within the first wall 8. The first recess 83' extends between the inner surface 81 and the opposing outer surface 82 of the first wall 8. The first recess 83' is recessed in the inner surface 81 in the lateral direction Y of the first cutting slot 3. Similarly, the second wall 9 may have a second recess 96' extending between the inner surface 91 of the second wall and the opposing outer surface 92. The second recess 96' is recessed in the inner surface 91 in the lateral direction Y of the first cutting slot.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall portion 8, the second wall portion 9, the third wall portion 10, and the fourth wall portion 11 integrally form the first cutting slot body segment 21 of the main body 2 (Figure 4). The first cutting slot body segment 21 constitutes a single and / or unitized member.

[0041] Referring further to Figure 4, the main body 2, in the illustrated embodiment, includes a bone-engaging main body segment 22 configured to engage with the bone to be cut (in this case, the distal femur B). The bone-engaging main body segment 22 has a lower bone-engaging surface 221 (see Figure 1) facing an upper surface 222. The lower bone-engaging surface 221 and the upper surface 222 face each other perpendicular to the first cutting slot 3. The lower bone-engaging surface 221 may include a post, bolt, or other fixing element for releasably fixing the surgical cutting guide 1 to the target bone. In the illustrated embodiment, the bone-engaging main body segment 22 includes a plurality of through holes 223 extending between the upper surface 222 and the lower bone-engaging surface 221. The through holes 223 are configured to receive fixing elements, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the bone-engaging main body segment 22 is formed as a single and / or unitized member.

[0042] The first cutting slot body segment 21 and the bone engagement body segment 22 are spaced apart from each other to form at least one bone-viewing opening 24, 25. In the illustrated embodiment, two bone-viewing openings 24, 25 are formed, which can be referred to as the first bone-viewing opening 24 and the second bone-viewing opening 25. To form these bone-viewing openings 24, 25, the bone engagement body segment 22 and the first cutting slot body segment 21 are spaced apart along the lateral direction Y of the first cutting slot 3. As shown in Figure 4, the bone-viewing openings 24, 25 improve the visibility of the target bone and improve the positioning and alignment of the surgical cutting guide 1. Furthermore, by providing the bone-viewing openings 24, 25, the overall weight of the surgical cutting guide 1 can be further reduced.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment 21 and the bone engagement body segment 22 are connected by a support segment 23 of the body 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the support segment 23 comprises a first support 231, a second support 232, and a third support 233, which are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X of the first cutting slot 3. In other embodiments, the support segment 23 consists of only one support, two supports, or three or more supports.

[0044] The first support 231, the second support 232, and the third support 233 each have an elongated shape and / or an elongated shape. The first support element 231, the second support element 232, and the third support element 233 each extend in the lateral direction Y of the first cutting slot 3. Here, the first end of each support is connected to the bone engagement body segment 22, and the second end of each support is connected to the first cutting slot body segment 21.

[0045] The first bone-viewing opening 24 extends vertically X between the first support column 231 and the second support column 232, and horizontally Y across the first cutting slot 3 between the first cutting slot body segment 21 and the bone engagement body segment 22. The second bone-viewing opening 25 extends longitudinally X between the second support column 232 and the third support column 233, and horizontally Y across the first cutting slot 3 between the first cutting slot body segment 21 and the second bone engagement body segment 23.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment 21 has an outer contour 211, 212, 213, 214 (see Figure 5) consisting of a convex upper contour portion 211, a flat lower contour portion 213, and opposing outer end contour portions 212, 214. The convex upper contour portion 211 and the flat lower contour portion 213 face each other in the vertical direction of the first cutting slot 3. The outer end contour portions 212, 214 face each other in the longitudinal direction X of the first cutting slot 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer end contour portions 212, 214 each have a convex shape. The flat lower contour portion 213 can improve the alignment and positioning of the surgical cutting guide 1 on the target bone. The convex upper contour portion 211 helps to reduce the bulk of the body. Furthermore, the convex shape of the upper contour portion 211 and the convex shapes of the outer contour portions 212 and 214 cause less damage and / or injury to living tissue during surgical procedures compared to a flat contour shape.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 2 includes a second cutting slot body segment 21'. In other embodiments, there is only one cutting slot body segment, or two or more cutting slot body segments.

[0048] The second cutting slot body segment 21' faces the first cutting slot body segment 21 in the lateral direction Y and is located on the opposite side of the bone engagement body segment 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cutting slot body segment 21' is slightly longer than the first cutting slot body segment 21. Except for this, the second cutting slot body segment 21' is identical. Therefore, the matters disclosed with respect to the first cutting slot body segment 21 also apply mutatis mutandis to the second cutting slot body segment 21'. Accordingly, no further explanation of the second cutting slot body segment 21' is necessary.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the first cutting slot body segment 21, the bone engagement body segment 22, the support body segment 23, and the second cutting slot body segment 21' are integrally formed by an additive manufacturing process. Thus, the body 2 forms an integrated single and / or unitized member. In the illustrated embodiment, a 3D printing process is used for the additive manufacturing of the integrated body 2. The body 2, and by extension its body segments 21, 22, 23, and 21', are made from a metal material and, more specifically, 3D printed. In other embodiments, synthetic materials such as plastic materials are used.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, the second cutting slot body segment 21' comprises a second cutting slot 3' having end stop surfaces 6', 7' with convex surface contours 61', 71'. The second cutting slot 3' extends parallel to the first cutting slot 3. For the shape, form, function, and / or additional features of the second cutting slot 3', particularly its end stop surfaces 6', 7', see the description of the first cutting slot 3, which applies mutatis mutandis. In the illustrated embodiment, the first cutting slot 3 is configured to guide anterior cutting of the distal femur, and the second cutting slot 3' is configured to guide posterior cutting of the distal femur, or vice versa.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the bone-engaging body segment 22 includes a third cutting slot 3'' with end stop surfaces 6'', 7'' having convex surface contours 61'', 71'', and a fourth cutting slot 3''' with end stop surfaces 6'''', 7'''' having convex surface contours 61'''', 71''''. The third and fourth cutting slots 3'', 3'''' extend parallel to the first and second cutting slots 3, 3'. The third and fourth cutting slots 3'', 3'''' are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the vertical. For further shapes, forms, functions, and / or additional features of the third and fourth cutting slots 3'', 3'''', in particular with respect to their end stop surfaces 6'', 7'', 6'''', 7'''', please refer to the description of the first cutting slot 3, which shall apply mutatis mutandis. In the illustrated embodiment, the third and fourth cutting slots 3'', 3''' are configured to guide the chamfered cut of the distal femur.

[0052] Figure 8 shows a surgical cutting guide 500 known from the prior art. Clearly, the surgical cutting guide 500 has a relatively bulky shape S'. This is quite heavy and therefore may result in high material costs and poor handling during surgical procedures.

[0053] In contrast, the surgical cutting guide 1 has a reduced bulk, which allows for weight reduction, lower material costs, improved handling, and improved visibility of the bone during surgical procedures.

Claims

1. A surgical cutting guide (1) comprising a body (2) having at least one first cutting slot (3), the first cutting slot (3) having a longitudinal direction (X), a transverse direction (Y), and a vertical direction, the first cutting slot (3) extending in the transverse direction (Y) between a first cutting guide surface (4) and a second cutting guide surface (5) facing the first cutting guide surface (4), the first cutting slot (3) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) between a first end stop surface (6) and a second end stop surface (7) facing the first end stop surface (6), The first end stop surface (6) is provided with a first convex surface contour (61), and / or the second end stop surface (7) is provided with a second convex surface contour (71). A surgical cutting guide (1) characterized in that the first convex surface contour (61) and / or the second convex surface contour (71) are curved along the vertical direction of the first cutting slot (3).

2. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end stop surface (6) and / or the second end stop surface (7) extend from the upper contour portion (211) of the main body (2) to the lower contour portion (213) of the main body (2).

3. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end stop surface (6) and / or the second end stop surface (7) protrude into the first cutting slot (3), thereby changing the longitudinal (X) extension of the first cutting slot (3) along the vertical direction of the first cutting slot (3).

4. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end stop surface (6) and / or the second end stop surface (7) extend over the entire vertical height of the first cutting slot (3).

5. The first convex surface contour (61) and / or the second convex surface contour (71) are formed by at least one radius (R), The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the radius (R) is 10 mm to 30 mm.

6. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first convex surface contour (61) and / or the second convex surface contour (71) are defined by a plurality of tangential radii (R1, R2, R3).

7. The first cutting guide surface (4) is formed on the inner surface (81) of the first wall portion (8) which is included in or connected to the main body (2), The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second cutting guide surface (5) is formed on the opposing inner surface (91) of the second wall portion (9) which is included in or connected to the main body (2).

8. The first end stop surface (6) is formed on the inner surface (101) of the third wall portion (10) which is included in or connected to the main body (2). The second end stop surface (7) is formed on the inner surface (111) of the fourth wall portion (11) which is included in or connected to the main body (2). The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the third wall portion (10) and the fourth wall portion (11) each extend in the lateral direction (Y) of the first cutting slot (3) between the first wall portion (8) and the second wall portion (9).

9. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first wall portion (8) has at least one first reduction recess (83') extending between the inner surface (81) of the first wall portion and the outer surface (82) of the first wall portion facing the inner surface (81), and / or the second wall portion (9) has at least one second reduction recess (96') extending between the inner surface (91) of the second wall portion (9) and the outer surface (92) facing the inner surface (91).

10. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first reduction recess (83') forms a first opening (83), and / or the second reduction recess (96') forms a second opening (96).

11. The first wall portion (8) has a plurality of surface reduction recesses (83, 84, 85, 86) that define the first recess pattern, The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the second wall portion (9) has a plurality of second reduction recesses (93, 94, 95, 96, 97) defining different second recess patterns.

12. The first wall portion (8), the second wall portion (9), the third wall portion (10), and the fourth wall portion (11) form an integrated first cutting slot body segment (21) of the main body (2). The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first cutting slot body segment (21) of the main body (2) has an outer contour (211, 212, 213, 214) having a flat lower contour portion (213) and a convex upper contour portion (211) in a viewing direction perpendicular to the outer surface (82) of the first wall portion (8).

13. The main body (2) is equipped with a bone-engaging main body segment (22) having a lower bone-engaging surface (221), The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the bone engagement body segment (22) and the first cutting slot body segment (21) are spaced apart from each other to form at least one bone-visualizing opening (24, 25).

14. The first cutting slot body segment (21) and the bone engagement body segment (22) are connected by a support body segment (23). The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the support column segment (23) is spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction (X) of the first cutting slot (3) and comprises at least a first support column (231) and a second support column (232) that form at least one bone-visualizing opening (24, 25).

15. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first cutting slot body segment (21) and / or bone engagement body segment (22) and / or support body segment (23) are integrally formed by an additive manufacturing process.

16. The surgical cutting guide (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second cutting slot body segment (21') of the main body (2) is provided with a second cutting slot (3') having end stop surfaces (6', 7') having a convex surface contour (61', 71').

17. The bone-engaging body segment (22) of the main body (2) has a third cutting slot (3'') and a fourth cutting slot (3''), The surgical cutting guide (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that each of the third cutting slot (3'') and the fourth cutting slot (3''') is provided with end stop surfaces (6'', 7'', 6'''', 7''') having a convex surface contour (61'', 71'', 61'''', 71'''').

Images