Implant template and implant template system

Abstract

The invention relates to an implant template (32), wherein: the implant template comprises a carrier element (34) having a front side (36) and a rear side (38); the carrier element is formed from a planar material; the carrier element carries or has at least one two-dimensional implant view (40) of an implant; and the carrier element has at least one see-through region (42, 44, 46, 48) which makes it possible to see through the carrier element. The invention also proposes an improved implant template system (78).

Description

[0001] Implant template and implant template system

[0002] The present invention relates to an implant template.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an implant template system comprising at least two implant templates.

[0004] Before implanting an implant into the body of a human or animal patient, it is known that, in order to determine the shape and / or size of the implant to be used, one or more trial implants are placed at the location on the body where the actual implant is to be placed. In particular, it is common practice to place the trial implant, which corresponds in shape and size to the final implant, exactly where the implant is to be ultimately positioned. Sizing is required for virtually all types of implants, whether implants attached to the spine to replace vertebral bodies or intervertebral discs, or for knee or hip joint prostheses.

[0005] To determine the optimal size and shape tailored to the patient's physiology as described above, trial implants in different shapes and / or sizes must be provided. These are complex and therefore costly to manufacture. Furthermore, they must be provided sterile for size and shape determination on the patient.

[0006] DE 10 2006 031 808 A1 discloses a method for determining and defining the drilling channel for a dental implant, as well as a drilling template for implementing the method. A simplified size measuring device is described in DE 60 2004 011 420 T2. A template system for the spine and a method for using the system are disclosed in US 2010 / 0152781 A1. Therefore, it is a particular object of the present invention to provide a template and a template system with which an implant suitable for the patient's treatment can be easily determined.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by an implant template which comprises a carrier element with a front side and a back side, wherein the carrier element is formed from a flat material, wherein the carrier element carries or has at least one two-dimensional implant view of an implant and wherein the carrier element has at least one see-through area which enables a view through the carrier element.

[0008] Using such an implant template, it is easy to determine what size and / or shape an implant must have to fulfill the desired function in a patient's body. Such an implant template can be positioned in the body exactly at or close to the implantation position where the implant is to be ultimately inserted. The two-dimensional implant view, for example a side view or a top view of the implant, can thus be directly compared with the patient's physiological situation. The at least one see-through area makes it possible in particular to keep the surgical site and thus the physiological situation in the patient's body clearly visible to a user, allowing them to decide whether the implant, the two-dimensional implant view of which is displayed on the carrier element, matches the patient's planned treatment in terms of shape and / or size and is therefore suitable for implantation.Such an implant template can be produced particularly easily and cost-effectively because a flat material is used as the carrier element. It is therefore not necessary to create a three-dimensional structure, for example in the form of known test implants, which completely corresponds to the final implant to be implanted. Rather, only a template with at least one, in particular only a single, two-dimensional view of the implant to be implanted is provided in order to determine the optimal size for the patient by comparing it with the implant view shown on the implant template. Therefore, in order to determine the size and / or shape of the implant to be implanted, it is not absolutely necessary to finally prepare the surgical site for implantation because the implant template does not have to be brought into the final implantation position.Rather, it can be easily brought closer to or applied to the patient's body structures, for example bone structures. A proposed implant template is also particularly easy to handle. In addition, by providing several such implant templates, on which implant views of implants of different sizes and / or shapes are shown, and by comparing the physiological situation in the patient's body with several such implant templates, the optimal size and / or shape of the implant to be implanted can be determined particularly easily. In addition, because it is made of a flat material, the implant template can be introduced into a patient's body particularly quickly and easily, through an opening that is typically smaller than that required for inserting the implant to be implanted.In one embodiment, the support element can be larger than the two-dimensional implant view. For example, one or more holding areas can be formed for handling the implant template.

[0009] The at least one see-through region can be formed in a simple manner if it is in the form of an opening or a translucent or transparent support element region of the support element. Both an opening and a transparent support element region enable direct visibility, in particular of body structures behind the implant template. For example, distances between adjacent vertebrae on a patient's spine can be viewed and measured through such see-through regions. A translucent support element region in this sense is partially translucent. In contrast to complete translucency, referred to as transparent in the context of this application, a translucent support element region is understood to be semi-transparent. The terms image-permeable or translucent or transparent are also used below as synonyms for transparent.Translucent elements commonly used in everyday life include frosted glass panes or frosted panes made of glass or plastic, which prevent direct vision but allow light to pass through them. Translucent support element areas also make it possible to identify structures behind them, particularly when such a support element area is brought close enough to the patient's body structure. In particular, the design of translucent support element areas can be used to specify for the use of the implant template that measuring or comparing the two-dimensional implant view on the support element with a physiological structure is only possible accurately and effectively when the implant template is brought close enough to the physiological structure, and in particular when it is in contact with it.This allows physiological structures to be measured with particularly high precision, as parallax errors are virtually eliminated. One or more openings in the support element can also be used, in particular, as holding or handling elements for holding or handling the implant template. This is particularly advantageous when a contour or width of the implant template corresponds to the width or contour of the two-dimensional implant view. With this configuration, there are no holding tabs or holding areas protruding from the support element beyond the implant view for handling the implant template. This can be the case, for example, with an implant in the form of a cervical plate.For example, a handling instrument with at least one handling element, for example a pair of tweezers with its two free ends, which thus form two handling elements, can be used to engage in suitable openings in the implant template and the implant template can be handled safely in this way - even without holding tabs.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the implant view is at least partially radiopaque. This enables a user, in particular, to recognize the implant view in relation to a patient's bone even under X-ray control, i.e., when the user does not have a direct view of the implant template. The implant view or markings defining it can, in particular, be designed so that they are visible when x-rayed. This can be achieved, for example, by using a metallic paint to apply the two-dimensional implant view or by forming the implant template from an X-ray-opaque or at least partially X-ray-opaque carrier element produced by etching or waterjet processing. In particular, the flat material from which the carrier element is formed can be radiopaque but provided with an X-ray-opaque coating.To display the two-dimensional implant view, the coating can then be removed accordingly, for example, by etching or machining with a water jet. Preferably, one or more implant perforations, such as screw holes on the implant shown, are made visible in the X-ray implant view, for example, by increasing or reducing the X-ray-opaque material from which the implant template is formed.

[0011] It is advantageous if the implant view defines an inner and / or outer contour and if the at least one see-through region is arranged or formed adjacent to the inner and / or outer contour. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to optimally determine the size and / or shape of the implant to be implanted by comparing the inner and / or outer contour with the physiological situation in the patient's body. It is advantageous if the implant view includes at least one implant opening in the implant. This does not necessarily mean that the support element must also have an opening in the region of the implant opening. Also, there does not have to be a see-through region in the region of the at least one implant opening. However, it is advantageous if an opening in the support element or another designed see-through region is formed or provided in the region of the implant opening.In particular, internal contours of the implant view can be used when measuring on the patient's body.

[0012] Preferably, the at least one implant perforation forms the at least one viewing area. This makes it possible, in particular, to observe and, if necessary, measure a physiological situation in the patient's body in the area of ​​the at least one implant perforation through the implant template.

[0013] Advantageously, the at least one implant opening comprises a screw hole or a fixation hole. The at least one implant opening, which is shown on the support element in the two-dimensional implant view, serves to accommodate a screw or other fastening element in the implant to be permanently or definitively implanted. This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to check whether the implant shown on the support element is suitable for attachment to the patient's body at all. In particular, it can be checked whether there is sufficient bone substance in the area of ​​the implant opening to anchor a fastening element.

[0014] The implant template can be formed simply and cost-effectively if the support element is plate- or disc-shaped. The support element formed from the flat material can, in principle, be formed in any desired shape, for example, round, oval, polygonal, in particular rectangular, or trapezoidal. The support element can, in particular, have a shape that corresponds to the two-dimensional implant view or is geometrically similar to it.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the support element can have a thickness defined by a distance between the front and the back, and the thickness can have a value of at most 3 mm. In particular, the thickness can have a value of at most 1 mm. Support elements with a thickness within the specified range can be provided in a dimensionally stable manner, so that the implant template does not deform in an undesirable manner when applied to a body structure of the patient, which would make measuring body structures more difficult.

[0016] Preferably, the thickness is at least 0.05 mm. In particular, it can be at least 0.5 mm. Thus, it is also possible to form a carrier element from a thin film. Dimensional stability of the carrier is not absolutely necessary.

[0017] To minimize the risk of rejection reactions in the patient's body, it is advantageous if the implant template is made of one or more biocompatible materials. For example, the carrier element can be made of a first biocompatible material. The two-dimensional implant view can be made of another biocompatible material, for example, a suitable biocompatible printing ink or a biocompatible coating material to apply the implant view to the carrier element. The two-dimensional implant view can also be formed from a metallic flat material and applied to the carrier element.

[0018] Advantageously, the carrier element is made of a biocompatible material. This prevents unwanted rejection reactions in the patient's body if the carrier element comes into contact with body tissue.

[0019] The implant template can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively if the carrier element is made of a plastic. In particular, it can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), and / or polypropylene (PP).

[0020] The carrier element is preferably made of a transparent or translucent carrier element material. This configuration has the particular advantage that a see-through area is automatically formed on the carrier element wherever no two-dimensional implant view is applied or arranged. The two-dimensional implant view can, in particular, be opaque, so that it is impermeable, in particular, to electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectral range and / or to X-rays. The two-dimensional implant view therefore conceals, in particular, an area of ​​the body's own structures when approaching them, which area corresponds exactly to the size and / or shape of the implant to be implanted in the illustrated two-dimensional implant view.

[0021] For optimal handling and measurement of the body's own structures to determine the size and / or shape of an implant to be implanted, it is advantageous if the implant view represents a top view of one side of the implant. Preferably, this exact implant view is shown on the implant template, which is visible after implantation.

[0022] The implant template can be formed in a simple and cost-effective manner if the implant view is printed or engraved on the support element, or by laser marking or by a thin metal stamping. For example, the implant view can be formed on the front side of the support element. Optionally, it can alternatively or additionally be formed on the back side of the support element. However, this is not mandatory. It is sufficient to provide the two-dimensional implant view on the front or back side.

[0023] It is advantageous if the back of the support element is translucently matt. This design gives the support element the translucent property already described above. If the implant template is not brought close enough to a body structure, a user of the implant template will not be able to see the body structure through the support element, or at best will only be able to see it very diffusely. The body structure only becomes sufficiently visible when the support element is brought close enough to the body structure, in particular when it is in contact with it. Before the back is mattified to make it translucent, the support element can, for example, first be made from a transparent support element material. This also makes it possible, in particular, to make only certain parts of the support element translucent. In this way, it is possible to create transparent see-through areas, but also translucent see-through areas.

[0024] To ensure the implant template can be applied to non-flat body structures, it is advantageous if the support element is designed to be flexible and deformable. This allows it to be optimally applied to one- or multi-dimensionally curved body structures for measurement purposes.

[0025] Preferably, the support element is curved, corresponding to the illustrated implant. Such a support element is then still made of a flat material. However, this is deformed according to the illustrated implant to enable optimal attachment to non-flat body structures.

[0026] In order to be able to individually adapt the implant template to non-planar body structures, it is advantageous if the support element is designed to be plastically deformable. This has the particular advantage that not only is the deformation of the support element possible, but that the support element also retains the shape assumed by deformation, in particular bending, especially until the task of the implant template, namely to measure a body structure, has been fulfilled.

[0027] For handling the implant template, it is particularly advantageous if it comprises at least one holding element for holding the same. In particular, the at least one holding element can be designed to be held with a holding instrument. For example, forceps or needle holders can be used as holding instruments. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the at least one holding element is arranged or designed outside the carrier element covered by the two-dimensional implant view. In this way, the implant template can be held without having a negative impact on the dimensions of a body structure of a patient with the implant template.

[0028] Advantageously, the at least one holding element is designed in the form of a support element region without a two-dimensional view of the implant. Thus, the implant template can be grasped and held on the support element region without a view of the implant in order to apply it to a patient's body structure. In particular, with a holding instrument, the view of the implant is not obscured.

[0029] For handling the implant template, it is advantageous if the at least one holding element is designed to protrude from the carrier element. In particular, it can be designed to protrude in a plane that is defined by the carrier element in a basic position, for example, before the implant template is deformed. In particular, this can be the plane defined by the undeformed flat material from which the carrier element is formed. Preferably, the at least one holding element is designed in one piece with the carrier element. In particular, it is formed from the flat material. For example, the carrier element with holding element can be cut or punched out of a flat material.

[0030] The implant template can be handled easily and safely if the at least one holding element is designed in the form of a tab protruding from the support element. Such a tab can, in principle, have any shape. In particular, it can be polygonal, for example, rectangular or square. It can also be semicircular or semi-oval.

[0031] To further improve handling of the implant template, it is advantageous if the at least one holding element is designed to be deformable, in particular bendable, relative to the carrier element. For example, the at least one holding element can be bent relative to the carrier element if it is formed integrally from a flat material. This enables a user, in particular, to easily and reliably hold the bent holding element, which forms a holding element plane transverse to the plane defined by the carrier element, using a suitable holding instrument. Such a holding element, for example in the form of a holding tab, can also be advantageous for assessing certain position points, for example screw holes on the displayed implant - including the screw angle - in a lateral X-ray view.For example, the holding element can be made of a metallic material and bent in the area of ​​the screw holes of the implant and at an angle that corresponds to a possible screw entry angle into the respective screw holes on the implant shown.

[0032] It is advantageous if the at least one holding element and the support element enclose a holding angle in a handling position, and if the holding angle lies in a range from 0° to approximately 120°. In particular, it can be approximately 90°. For example, a user can bend the holding element relative to the support element in such a way that they can guide the implant template toward a body structure, for example, one or more bones, in the desired manner with one hand or, for example, a holding instrument.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the support element has at least one bending region that allows deformation of the support element, and if the at least one retaining element is arranged or formed outside the bending region. In this way, it can be ensured, in particular, that the at least one retaining element cannot negatively influence a property of the support element for deformation, in particular for bending.

[0034] According to a further preferred embodiment, the carrier element can carry, have, or include at least one further piece of implant-specific information. This allows a user not only to recognize the two-dimensional implant view and use it for measurement purposes, but also, for example, information regarding size, implant type, or the like.

[0035] It is advantageous if the implant-specific information is or includes a size, a length, and / or an article number of the displayed implant. For example, once a user has identified the appropriate implant using the implant template, they can then immediately read all or at least part of the implant-specific information from the implant template. Thus, no additional brochures, product information, or the like are required to select the desired implant for implantation after using the implant template.

[0036] The support element advantageously carries or includes at least one measuring scale. This allows the implant template to directly measure or assess the relative distances between a patient's body structures. A measuring scale can also be used to assess or precisely determine the alignment of the implant within the body. For example, in the case of a spinal implant, the distances between the implant and an adjacent intervertebral disc can be checked and assessed accordingly, and in some cases even precisely measured.

[0037] It is advantageous if the measuring scale is in millimeter form. This allows a user to assess and, if necessary, measure the distance between a patient's own structures with sufficient accuracy.

[0038] It is advantageous if the at least one holding element is arranged or formed adjacent to the measuring scale or in the vicinity of it, in particular as an extension of the latter. In particular, the at least one holding element can thus be arranged in such a way that it cannot negatively influence a property of the carrier element, namely the property of being bent.

[0039] To prevent the introduction of germs into the patient's body during use, it is advantageous if the implant template is designed to be sterilizable. In particular, it can be sterilized by exposure to a gas, electromagnetic radiation, particle radiation, or hot steam. A sterilizable implant template can, in particular, be provided in a sterile package for use, for example, in a sterile package that can then be opened by a user in a sterile area, such as an operating room.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment, the implant template can have a protective layer, and the protective layer can completely cover information applied to the carrier element, in particular the at least one implant view and optional additional information. A protective layer can be used to protect, in particular, inscriptions, for example, printed information. The applied information can either be applied to the carrier element in a scratch-resistant manner or protected by such a protective layer to prevent abrasion of the information, for example, color particles from which the information is formed, from entering the patient's body.

[0041] The protective layer can be applied to the implant template in a simple and cost-effective manner by using a transparent or translucent adhesive strip. The adhesive strip can, for example, be single-sided adhesive.

[0042] For handling, it is advantageous if the support element is circular, oval, or polygonal, in particular triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal. The shape of the support element can thus deviate, in particular, from an outer contour of the two-dimensional implant view. Consequently, the support element can project beyond the two-dimensional implant view on one or more sides, so that the areas of the support element not covered by the two-dimensional implant view can be used as a viewing area or holding area.

[0043] In order to avoid injury to body tissue with the implant template, it is advantageous if the edges of the support element are rounded or have a chamfer.

[0044] In order to be able to determine the implant size as quickly as possible, it is advantageous if the carrier element has two different implant views. In particular, these can be implant views that depict top views of the implant to be implanted from different directions. This allows the implant template to be brought closer to a body structure, particularly from different directions, and also to determine the size and / or shape accordingly. Only a single implant template is required for this purpose. Therefore, a user does not have to bring two implant templates one after the other to the body structure, but can bring and hold a single implant template in different orientations to a body structure to measure it.In particular, the support element can be deformed such that the two different implant views define different planes, in particular planes running transversely to each other, for example perpendicularly.

[0045] Preferably, the two different implant views represent side views of the implant oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to each other. For example, in the case of intervertebral disc implants, intervertebral bodies, femoral components or the like, significantly different implant views can be depicted on a single implant template.

[0046] Implant templates can be provided for a wide variety of purposes. For this purpose, it is advantageous if at least one implant represented on the implant template is a spinal implant, a bone plate, a bone screw, an intervertebral disc implant, an intervertebral implant, a knee joint implant, a tibial plate of a knee joint implant, or a femoral component of a knee joint implant. In principle, however, all other implants not mentioned in this non-exhaustive list that are intended for use in a patient's body can also be applied as two-dimensional implant views to a carrier element to form an implant template.

[0047] The implant template is preferably designed as a disposable item. This eliminates the need for complex processing, particularly cleaning and sterilization, before it can be reused. For example, it can be made from a biodegradable carrier element material, so that the implant template can be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner after a single use. Furthermore, the object stated above is achieved according to the invention by an implant template system comprising at least two of the implant templates described above, wherein the at least two implant templates differ. In particular, this can be achieved by different information applied to the respective implant templates, for example, the two-dimensional implant view or other optional information.

[0048] Advantageously, the at least two implant templates differ from one another in the size and / or shape of the displayed implant view. For example, the support element of the implant templates can be the same size and shape. However, the two-dimensional implant views of the at least two implant templates differ in size and / or shape. This allows a user to apply the at least two implant templates one after the other to a patient's body structure and thus determine which size and / or shape best fits the body structure, and then select the suitable implant to be ultimately implanted. The at least two implant templates can be provided together in a sterile package.

[0049] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the at least two implant templates differ from one another in the size of the support element. In particular, identical two-dimensional implant views can be reproduced on support elements of different sizes.

[0050] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the at least two implant templates of the implant template system are formed as a single piece. This allows different views of an implant, or even implants of different sizes with identical implant views, to be displayed on the two implant templates of the implant template system. The single-piece design ensures, in particular, that all required implant sizes are actually provided to the user as corresponding implant views. For example, the user can separate the implant templates from each other during use, i.e., only in an operating room.

[0051] Preferably, the implant template system is designed to be cuttable and / or includes predetermined breaking lines for separating the at least two implant templates of the integrally formed implant template system from one another. This configuration enables a user, in particular, to easily and reliably disassemble the implant template system into the individual implant templates.

[0052] Furthermore, a method for determining an optimal implant size of an implant to be implanted in a human or animal patient is proposed, in which method one of the above-described implant template systems is provided, wherein an implant template is selected from the implant template system, wherein the selected implant template is applied to a bone of the patient such that the implant view of the implant on the implant template corresponds to the orientation of the implant to be implanted, wherein the size of the implant view shown on the implant template is compared with the physiological situation of the patient, and wherein a decision is then made as to whether or not the implant size shown on the implant template is suitable for the patient. If the determined implant size is suitable, a user can select the corresponding implant and implant it into the patient's body.If the implant size does not fit, he can select another implant template and compare it again with the body's own structure, for example a bone or the like.

[0053] Preferably, the procedure is repeated until the most suitable implant size is determined. This method, in particular, allows for the identification of optimally fitting implants without the need for prior preparation. Complex three-dimensional trial implants, which correspond in shape and size to the implants to be implanted, regardless of their material (e.g., metal or plastic), are also unnecessary. Rather, the simple and cost-effective implant templates described above allow for the simple and reliable determination of an optimally fitting implant.

[0054] Furthermore, the use of an implant template system described above for carrying out one of the methods described above is proposed.

[0055] The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves to explain it in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

[0056] Figure 1: a schematic perspective, partially broken view of an embodiment of an implant in the form of a bone plate which is attached to a spine with screws;

[0057] Figure 2: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an implant template showing a two-dimensional view of the implant shown in Figure 1;

[0058] Figure 3: a schematic view of the implant template from Figure 2 being measured on the patient’s body;

[0059] Figure 4: a schematic representation of an embodiment of an implant template system;

[0060] Figure 5: a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of an implant template; Figure 6: a schematic representation of a part of the embodiment of an implant template system shown in Figure 4;

[0061] Figure 7: a schematic representation of another embodiment of an implant template system;

[0062] Figure 8: a schematic representation of another embodiment of an implant template;

[0063] Figure 9: a view of the implant template from Figure 8 in the direction of the

[0064] Arrow A when bending it;

[0065] Figure 10: a view of the implant template from Figure 8 in the direction of arrow B when bending it;

[0066] Figure 11: a schematic representation of another embodiment of an implant template system;

[0067] Figure 12: a schematic representation of another embodiment of an implant template;

[0068] Figure 13: a view in the direction of arrow C of the implant template from Figure 12 with the holding element bent over;

[0069] Figure 14: a view similar to Figure 13, but with a deformed support element;

[0070] Figure 15: a view of the implant template from Figure 12 in the direction of arrow B in Figure 12 after bending thereof;

[0071] Figure 16: a side view of an embodiment of a knee joint endoprosthesis; Figure 17: a top view of a tibial component of the knee joint endoprosthesis shown in Figure 16;

[0072] Figure 18: a schematic representation of another embodiment of an implant template system;

[0073] Figure 19: a perspective view of a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis;

[0074] Figure 20: another embodiment of an implant template with two two-dimensional implant views;

[0075] Figure 21: a perspective view of an embodiment of a meniscus component of a knee joint endoprosthesis;

[0076] Figure 22: a schematic representation of a further embodiment of an implant template comprising two two-dimensional implant views;

[0077] Figure 23: a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an intervertebral disc implant;

[0078] Figure 24: a schematic representation of another embodiment of an implant template system;

[0079] Figure 25: a schematic representation of another embodiment of an implant template system; and

[0080] Figure 26: a purely schematic representation of an embodiment of an implant template system.

[0081] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a first embodiment of an implant 10. It is designed in the form of a bone plate 12, with which two adjacent vertebrae 14 and 16 of a spinal column 80, which are connected to each other via an intervertebral disc 18, are coupled to each other.

[0082] The bone plate 12 comprises a central opening 20 and four screw holes 22 and defines a longitudinal axis 24. It is also symmetrical to a plane of symmetry containing the longitudinal axis 24.

[0083] The screw holes 22 are shaped like elongated holes and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 24. The screw holes 22 are formed in the area of ​​the four corners of the essentially rectangular bone plate 12. The opening 20 is formed centrally on the bone plate 12 and has an essentially hexagonal contour. The outer corners of the bone plate 12 are rounded.

[0084] Located along the longitudinal axis 24, two fixation holes 26 are formed on the bone plate 12, which are also designed as perforations in the bone plate 12. They have a circular cross-section. The two fixation holes 26 are each formed in the area between two adjacent screw holes 22.

[0085] The bone plate 12 is anchored in the two vertebrae 14 and 16 with four bone screws 28. Before anchoring with the four bone screws 28, the bone plate 12 is pre-fixed to the two vertebrae 14 and 16 with two bone pins 30 passing through the fixation holes 26.

[0086] To determine the appropriate size of the implant 10, at least one implant template 32 is provided. Figures 2 and 3 show an embodiment of such an implant template 32.

[0087] The implant template 32 comprises a support element 34 with a front side 36 and a back side 38. The support element 34 is formed from a flat material. The support element 34 supports at least one two-dimensional implant view 40 of an implant 10 or has such a two-dimensional implant view 40.

[0088] Furthermore, the carrier element 34 has at least one see-through area 42, 44, 46, 48, which allows a view through the carrier element 34.

[0089] The support element 34 is plate- or disc-shaped. The embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 shows a support element 34 that is oval in shape.

[0090] Alternative, not shown embodiments of support elements 34 are circular or polygonal, in particular three, four, five or hexagonal.

[0091] The at least one see-through region 42, 44, 46 or 48 is designed in the form of an opening 52 or in the form of a translucent or transparent carrier element region 54, 56, 58.

[0092] The implant view 40 defines an outer contour 60 and at least one inner contour 62, 64, and 66. The see-through area 42 is formed adjacent to the outer contour 60. The see-through area 44 is formed adjacent to the inner contour 64. The see-through area 46 is formed adjacent to the inner contour 66. The see-through area 48 is formed adjacent to the inner contour 62.

[0093] The implant view 40 comprises at least one implant opening 20, 22, 26 of the implant 10. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of the implant template 32 shows four screw holes 22, two fixation holes 26, and a central opening 20. In order to establish the relationship between the implant openings 20, 22, 26 and the implant 10, which is schematically illustrated in Figure 1, the same reference numerals are used to designate the implant openings 20, 22, 26 in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 as in the implant 10 illustrated in Figure 1.

[0094] The implant openings 20, 22, 26, namely the four screw holes 22, the opening 20 and the two fixation holes 26, each form one of the viewing areas 44, 46 and 48.

[0095] The carrier element 34 has a thickness 68, which is defined by a distance between the front side 36 and the back side 38. The thickness 68 has a value of at most 3 mm. In particular, it is at most 1 mm.

[0096] Furthermore, the thickness is at least 0.05 mm. In preferred embodiments, the thickness 68 is at least 0.5 mm.

[0097] The implant template 32 is made of one or more biocompatible materials. The carrier element 34 is made of a biocompatible carrier element material.

[0098] The carrier element 34 is also made of a plastic. The embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). In alternative embodiments, the plastic is glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) and / or polypropylene (PP).

[0099] The carrier element 34 is optionally formed from a transparent and / or translucent carrier element material.

[0100] The implant view 40 is designed in the form of a top view of one side of the implant 10. In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, a top view of the bone plate shown in Figure 1 is depicted on the front side 36 of the support element 34.

[0101] The implant view 40 is printed on the carrier element 34. In alternative embodiments, the implant view 40 is engraved or formed by laser marking or by a thin metallic stamping.

[0102] In alternative embodiments, the implant view 40 is formed or applied on the back side 38 of the carrier element 34.

[0103] In some embodiments, the rear side 38 of the carrier element 34 is frosted translucently. In this way, the see-through areas 42, 44, 46, and 48 are also designed to be translucent. If, in certain embodiments, the frosting is not implemented in all areas of an otherwise transparent carrier element 34, individual see-through areas 42, 44, 46, and 48 can also be transparent if the carrier element 34 is not frosted translucently in this area.

[0104] In one embodiment, the carrier element 34 is designed to be flexibly deformable.

[0105] In a further embodiment, the carrier element 34 is curved in accordance with the illustrated implant 10.

[0106] In one embodiment, the support element 34 is designed to be plastically deformable. Thus, the support element 34 can be bent into a desired shape by a user. Due to the plastic deformability of the support element 34, it then retains the deformation specified by the user.

[0107] The embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 features an optional measuring scale 70. In this embodiment, it is implemented in the form of a millimeter scale. In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the measuring scale 70 extends from the narrow sides of the implant view 40 along a longitudinal axis 24, which forms an axis of symmetry of the implant template 32. The measuring scale 70 is optionally printed, engraved, laser-marked, or formed by a thin metallic stamping.

[0108] The implant template 32 is designed to be sterilizable. It can be sterilized by exposure to a gas and / or electromagnetic radiation and / or particle radiation and / or hot steam.

[0109] In the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, the carrier element 34 carries at least one further piece of implant-specific information. This implant-specific information is a size 72, which in the case of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 corresponds to a length indicated in Figures 2 and 3 as "28." Another piece of implant-specific information is an article number of the illustrated implant 10, indicated in the figures as "SC615T."

[0110] In order to protect the implant-specific information, thus in particular the implant view 40, from abrasion, the implant template 32 has a protective layer (not shown in the figures) which completely covers the information applied to the carrier element 34, thus in particular the at least one implant view 40 and optional further information as described.

[0111] In one embodiment, the protective layer is in the form of a transparent or translucent adhesive strip. In this way, a transparent or at least translucent property of the carrier element 34 is maintained or predetermined. A translucent adhesive strip can thus assume the function of a translucent matting. For example, a transparent carrier element 34 can be coated with a translucent adhesive strip, so that, in the event that the protective layer completely covers a front side 36 or a back side 38, areas of the implant template that are not covered by the implant view 40 or implant-specific information remain translucent.

[0112] Edges 76 of the carrier element 34, which can delimit an outer contour of the carrier element 34 and optionally openings thereof, are rounded in a manner not shown in detail or have a chamfer in order to avoid injury to body tissue when using the implant template, in particular when inserting it into a patient's body.

[0113] The implant template 32 is designed as a disposable item. This means that after a single use on a patient, it is not reprocessed and sterilized, but is disposed of immediately.

[0114] Figure 4 shows an example of an implant template system 78. It comprises at least two implant templates 32. The arrangement from Figures 2 and 3 is shown schematically in the upper section of Figure 4. The implant template 32, which is positioned close to the two vertebral bodies 14, 16, is shown in dashed lines as part of the implant template system 78.

[0115] The implant template system 78 of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 comprises a total of eight implant templates 32, all of which are designed differently. Thus, the at least two implant templates 32 differ from one another. In the exemplary embodiment of the implant template system 78 in Figure 4, the implant templates 32 differ from one another in the size of the illustrated implant view 40. This is particularly evident from the size of the implant view 40, as well as from the different specification of the size 72 and the respective different specification of the article number 74. The implant template system 78 therefore comprises eight implant templates 32, which show eight differently sized implants 10 in the form of bone plates 12. The length of each bone plate 12 varies in increments of 2 mm, from a minimum length of 20 mm to a maximum length of 34 mm.

[0116] The support elements 34 of the implant templates 32 of the implant template system 78 of Figure 4 are oval and all identical in size.

[0117] The implant template system 78 can be used to perform a method for determining an optimal implant size for an implant 10 to be implanted in a human or animal patient. For this purpose, an implant template system 78 is first provided.

[0118] To determine the size of the implant 10 that is ultimately to be implanted and is intended to remain permanently in the patient, one of the implant templates 32 of the implant template system 78 is selected and brought laterally close to the body structure (in Figures 2 to 4, the body structure is schematically represented by a section of a spine 80) such that a user sees the implant view 40 of the implant template 32 from the side from which the implant 10 is to be attached to the body structure. The implant template 32 is brought close to the body structure, for example the spine 80 of the patient, such that the implant view 40 of the implant 10 on the implant template 32 corresponds to the orientation of the implant to be implanted.

[0119] A user can now compare the size of the implant view 40 displayed on the implant template 32 with the patient's physiological situation, i.e., the body structure, and then decide whether the implant size displayed on the implant template 32 is suitable for the patient or not. If it is not suitable, the user sets the selected implant template 32 aside and selects one of the remaining implant templates 32 of the implant template system 78. The user then performs the procedure until the implant size that he or she considers to be the most suitable is determined. This information can then be obtained directly from the implant template 32, namely, in particular, from the specified size 72 or the specified article number 74.

[0120] Particularly in the case of bone plates 12, it can be determined in a simple and cost-effective manner, as described, whether bone screws 78 can be reliably anchored in the vertebrae 14 and 16, taking into account the position of the screw holes 22.

[0121] Once the implant template 32 has been determined with the implant 10 that best fits in terms of size and, if applicable, shape, a position of the fixation holes 26 on the vertebrae 14 and 16 can be marked, for example, using a medical instrument 82 in the form of a center punch. The instrument 82 has a tip 84 for this purpose, with which the vertebrae 14 and 16 can be center punched. The bone pins 30 described in connection with Figure 1 can be inserted at the marked positions, so that the implant 10 corresponding to the implant view 40 can then be pushed over the bone pins 30 and brought closer to the vertebrae 14 and 16. In a final step, the bone plate 12 can then be fixed to the vertebrae 14 and 16, for example, using the four bone screws 28 shown in Figure 1.

[0122] Further exemplary embodiments of implant templates 32 and implant template systems 78 are described schematically below in conjunction with Figures 5 to 26. The properties of the implant templates 32 of these exemplary embodiments correspond to those explained above in connection with the exemplary embodiments in Figures 2 to 4.

[0123] To designate identical or similar components or elements, the same reference numerals are used in the embodiment of Figure 5 as in the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4. This also applies accordingly to the other embodiments shown in Figures 6 to 26.

[0124] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of an implant template 32, which shows a bone plate 12 which is intended for connecting a total of three vertebrae 14 and 16 in order to stiffen two movement segments of a spinal column 80, which are formed by two intervertebral discs 18 between each two adjacent vertebrae 14 and 16.

[0125] Accordingly, the implant view 40 shows two viewing areas 48, each of which corresponds to an opening 20 on the implant 10.

[0126] The implant templates 32 of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 are designed such that the carrier element 34 projects beyond the implant view 40 on all sides on the outer contour 60. Thus, the implant template 32 comprises a carrier element region 86 without the implant view 40, which surrounds the implant view. The carrier element region 86 can serve, in particular, for handling the implant templates 32, specifically in the form of a holding element 88. Thus, the implant template 32 can be grasped by a user with two fingers or a correspondingly suitable holding instrument, for example a needle holder or forceps, and brought close to a body structure of the patient, for example the patient's spine 80, as schematically illustrated in Figures 2 to 5.

[0127] Figure 6 schematically shows an embodiment of an implant template system 78 comprising three implant templates 32. Their support elements 34 are identically shaped. In contrast, the depicted implant views 40 are of different sizes. This is evident both in the size of the implant view 40 and in the respective specified size 72 and the respective specified article number 74. Figure 7 shows another embodiment of an implant template system 78. In this implant template system 78, the support elements 34 are geometrically similar but of different sizes. Thus, the at least two implant templates 32 differ from one another in the size of the support element 34.

[0128] However, in the implant template system 78, the implant views 40 are also designed differently. They correspond to the three implant views 40 of the three implant templates 32 shown in Figure 6. Therefore, the implant templates 32 of the implant template system 78 also differ from one another in the size of the illustrated implant views 40.

[0129] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of an implant template 32 in a plan view. Side views of this implant template 32 are schematically shown in Figures 9 and 10. Figures 9 and 10 show, by way of example, how the carrier element 34 can be deformed, in particular bent. In particular, from a flat basic position, shown in dashed lines in Figures 9 and 10, the carrier element 34 can be bent, in particular with respect to semi-axes that extend parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 24 of the illustrated implant 10. Deformation can optionally be carried out in such a way that the carrier element 34 is concavely or convexly curved in the direction of a body structure.

[0130] A further embodiment of an implant template system 78 is shown schematically in Figure 11. Four of the eight implant templates, which have a total of eight differently sized implant views 40, are equipped with a holding element 88 for holding the implant template 32, in particular with a holding instrument not shown in the figures, in the form of a holding element 88 projecting from the carrier element 34. This holding element 88 is formed integrally with the carrier element 34, specifically from the flat material from which the carrier element 34 is formed, for example by cutting or punching. In the four implant templates 32 shown in the lower area in Figure 11, the holding element 88 is each designed in the form of a tab 90 projecting from the carrier element 34 in the direction of a short semi-axis of the oval carrier element 34.

[0131] The tab 90, and thus the holding element 88, is designed to be deformable, namely bendable, along a bending line shown in dashed lines in one embodiment of an implant template 32 in Figure 11. This makes it possible to transfer the holding element 88 and the carrier element 34 into a handling position such that they enclose a holding angle in a range between 0° and approximately 120°. In particular, the holding angle 94 can be 0°.

[0132] In addition, the support element 34 forms further holding elements through support element areas 86 without implant view 40. Thus, a user has several options for holding the implant template 32 and bringing it closer to a body structure of a patient.

[0133] Figures 12 to 14 show a further embodiment of an implant template 32. Figure 12 schematically illustrates the implant template 32 in a basic position, in which the carrier element 34 and the laterally projecting retaining element 88 lie in a plane. This plane is defined, in particular, by the flat material from which the carrier element 34 is formed.

[0134] Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of the implant template 32. Here, the tab 90 is bent around the retaining angle 94 along the bending line 92. The retaining angle 94 lies in a range between 0° and approximately 120°. In Figure 13, it is approximately 90°. Figure 13 schematically shows the support element 34 undeformed. Figure 14 shows the implant template 34 from Figure 13 with a support element 34 bent relative to a minor semi-axis of the oval support element 34. Figure 15, in turn, indicates a deformed support element 34 relative to a major semi-axis of the oval support element 34.

[0135] Figure 16 schematically shows a further embodiment of an implant 10 in the form of a knee joint endoprosthesis 96 comprising a femoral component 98 for securing to a patient's femur (not shown in the figures), a tibial component 100 for anchoring to a patient's tibia 102, and a meniscal component 104 arranged between the tibial component 100 and the femoral component 98.

[0136] Before implantation of the knee joint endoprosthesis 96, the tibia 102 is prepared and a flat tibial surface 106 is formed by a saw cut.

[0137] Figure 17 shows a schematic plan view of a tibial component 100 anchored to the tibia 102.

[0138] In order to determine the tibial component 100 that best fits a patient, an exemplary embodiment of an implant template system 78 is provided, as shown schematically in Figure 18. This implant template system 78 comprises three implant templates 32, each of which shows an implant view 40 of the tibial component 100, specifically a top view thereof. The support elements 34 are each larger than the implant view, so that a see-through area 42 is formed adjacent to the outer contour 60 of the implant view 40. This can simultaneously also form a support element area 86, which can be used as a holding element 88. Optional measuring scales 70 are also generally shown on these implant templates.

[0139] In this embodiment of the implant template system 78, the support elements 34 are identically sized, but the implant views 40 differ in size. This is apparent both visually and through the additional information provided, such as the size 72 and the article number 74 of the implant 10, whose implant view 40 is formed on the support element 34.

[0140] With the implant template system 78, the optimally fitting size of the implant 10, and thus of the tibial component 100, can be determined in the manner described above by comparing the body's own structure with the implant view 40 shown on the implant templates 32.

[0141] Figure 19 schematically shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a femoral component 98.

[0142] To determine the size of the femoral component to be implanted, implant templates 32 can be used, which are shown by way of example in Figure 22. Here, two different implant views 40 of the implant 10, which is formed by the femoral component 98, are schematically shown on the support element 34. These are two mutually perpendicular views: one of the femoral component 98 from the front, shown on the left of the support element 34 in Figure 20, and one view of the femoral component 98 from the side, shown in the right area of ​​the support element 34 in Figure 20.

[0143] Using the implant template 32, which is shown by way of example in Figure 20, the size of the femoral component 98 can be determined by bringing the left-hand area of ​​the implant template 32 with the implant view 40 up to the knee joint from the front. Furthermore, the side view of the femoral component 98 on the implant template 32 can be brought up to the knee joint from the side. A holding element 88 is defined by a support element area 86 without the implant view 40. This support element area 86 borders on the outer contours 60 of the implant views 40. In this exemplary embodiment, too, additional information specific to the implant 10 is optionally depicted, namely in particular a size 72 and an article number 74 of the implant 10, whose implant views 40 are shown on the support element 34.

[0144] Figure 21 schematically shows a meniscus component 104 forming an implant 10. Figure 21 also schematically illustrates an implant template 32. The implant template 32 essentially forms an implant template system 78 comprising two implant templates 32 with oval support elements 34, which are connected via a tab-shaped connecting element 108. A distance 110, which the connecting element 108 defines between the two support elements 34, corresponds to a height 112 of the meniscus component 104.

[0145] Connecting lines 114 between the connecting element 108 and the support elements 34 can be used as bending lines or as separating lines or predetermined breaking points. For example, the connecting lines 114 can be used as bending lines to align the two support elements 34 parallel to each other, as schematically shown in Figure 21, so that the two support elements 34 are each bent by 90° relative to the connecting element 108.

[0146] Alternatively, the two support elements 34 can also be separated from the connecting element 108 along the connecting lines 114, so that two separate implant templates 32 are formed, which together form an implant template system 78.

[0147] Therefore, the implant template system 78 is formed in one piece and comprises two implant templates 32.

[0148] The support elements 34 are each identically designed. In contrast, the implant views 40 differ in their shape. The size is identical, as can be seen from the implant-specific information size 72 and item number 74 on the implant templates 32. One of the implant templates 32 shows the implant 10, i.e., the meniscus component 104, in a plan view from below, namely in Figure 22 on the left, and in a plan view from above, in Figure 22 on the right.

[0149] Figure 23 schematically shows a spinal column 80 with an implant 10 in the form of an intervertebral disc implant 116 inserted into a space between two vertebrae 14 and 16. If the intervertebral disc implant 116 is designed with two contact plates 118 that are movable relative to one another, it can be used as an intervertebral disc implant 116. If the contact plates 118 are designed to be immobile relative to one another, the implant 10 forms an intervertebral implant, for example for stiffening a movement segment of the spinal column 80, which in this case is originally formed by an intervertebral disc 18 between the vertebrae 14 and 16. Once the intervertebral disc 18 has been removed, an intervertebral disc implant 116 or an intervertebral implant can be inserted into the cleared intervertebral disc space between the vertebrae 14 and 16.

[0150] Figure 24 schematically shows another embodiment of an implant template system 18. Three implant templates 32 are shown here as examples. The support elements 34 are circular and each carry an implant view 40 in the form of a lateral plan view of the intervertebral disc implant 116 from Figure 23.

[0151] The implant views 40 of the three implant templates 32 differ in size. This is immediately apparent from the implant views 40 themselves as well as from the implant-specific information provided on the implant templates 32, namely size 72 and article number 74.

[0152] Measuring scales 40 assist a user in determining the optimal size of the implant 10 to be implanted by selecting one of the implant templates 32, as already described, and bringing it up to the spine 80 from the side to determine a height of the intervertebral disc space, thus a distance between the two vertebrae 14 and 16. This distance ideally corresponds to a height 120 of the intervertebral disc implant, thus a distance between a top side 122 and a bottom side 124 of the implant 10 shown as implant view 40. The implant template system 78 thus makes it easy to determine a height of the intervertebral disc space and thus the appropriate implant 10.

[0153] As already explained in other embodiments, the implant templates 32 can be handled by hand or with holding instruments by gripping and handling them on a carrier element region 86 without implant view 40, which thus forms a holding element 88.

[0154] Another embodiment of an implant template system 78 is schematically illustrated in Figure 25. It comprises, by way of example, three implant templates 32, each of which comprises support elements 34 of identical size and oval shape. Each support element 34 has an implant view 40 of an implant 10, which is designed in the form of a bone screw configured as a pedicle screw.

[0155] The implant views 40 differ in their size, which is directly recognizable and indirectly readable from the optional implant-specific information, namely size 72 and article number 74.

[0156] For use, as usual, one of the implant templates 32 of the implant template system 78 is selected and brought close to a body structure of the patient, namely a pedicle of a vertebra, in order to determine a maximum possible length of the bone screw 126 to be inserted by comparison with the implant view 40 depicted on the implant template 32. Finally, Figure 26 shows schematically and in a maximally abstract manner an embodiment of an implant template system 78 with at least two implant templates 32. The support elements 34 of the implant templates 32 carry or have an implant view 40 of an implant 10 to be implanted in the body of a patient. The implant view 40 has a see-through area 42 adjacent to the outer contour 60 of the implant view 40 and a see-through area 44 adjacent to an inner contour 62 of the implant view 40.

[0157] The implant views 40 of the implant templates 32 differ in both size and shape. Furthermore, the support elements 34 also vary in size. Support element regions 86 without the implant view 40 form holding elements 88 for handling the implant templates 32 and guiding them toward a body structure of the patient that is to be completely or partially replaced by the implant 10, whose implant view 40 is depicted on the implant templates 32.

[0158] The carrier elements 34 optionally have the properties explained above in connection with the already described embodiments, such as elastic or plastic deformability of the carrier element 40. Not shown in Figure 26 are further implant-specific information such as size 72 or article number 74 or one or more measuring scales that can be used to determine the size and select the implant 10 to be finally and permanently implanted.

[0159] The implant view 40 of the implant template system 78 shown in Figure 26 can show any implant 10 in a plan view from any side. The implant 10 can be a spinal implant, a bone plate, a bone screw, an intervertebral disc implant, an intervertebral implant, a knee joint implant, a tibial plate of a knee joint implant, a femoral component of a knee joint implant, or a meniscus component of a knee joint implant. The implant templates 32 of the implant template system 78 can either be formed separately from one another or formed in one piece. In the latter case, they are optionally designed to be cuttable or include predetermined breaking lines for separating the at least two implant templates 32 from one another.

[0160] Furthermore, holding elements 88 in the form of tabs 90 can optionally also be formed on the support elements 34, as shown schematically in dashed lines on one of the implant templates 32 in Figure 26.

[0161] As explained above in connection with preferred embodiments, implant templates 32 allow a surgeon to determine, in particular, the shape and / or size of an implant to be ultimately implanted in a patient in a simple and cost-effective manner. The implant templates 32, which are preferably made of a plastic material, enable a direct comparison of the size of the implant view 40 depicted on the implant template 32 with a body structure.

[0162] If the support element 34 is designed to be completely or partially translucent in areas without an implant view 40, a user can also directly determine whether the implant template 32 is sufficiently close to the patient's own body structure, for example, a bone structure such as the spine 80. The structure present behind the support element 34 becomes more concrete and clearly visible the closer the implant template 32 is brought to the body structure. Optimal visibility is achieved when the implant template 32 rests directly against the body structure. Thus, a translucent support element 34 can also be used, in particular, qualitatively to determine a distance between the support template 32 and the body structure.

[0163] Unlike known three-dimensional trial implants, which are used to determine the implant size prior to implantation, this approach eliminates the need to create complex three-dimensional implant structures. Rather, the proposed implant templates 32 take advantage of the fact that a surgeon typically sees the body structure from (only) one direction, and an implant template 32 that shows the implant 10 in a plan view from precisely this direction, namely a corresponding implant view 40 on the support element 34, enables a direct size comparison.

[0164] Such a size comparison is particularly possible even when the body structures are not yet prepared for the insertion of the implant 10. For example, the size of the implant shown schematically in Figure 23 can be determined before the intervertebral disc 18 between the vertebrae 14 and 16 is removed.

[0165] The implant templates 32 can, in particular, be offered individually in sterile packaging. It is also possible to offer implant template systems 78 with two or more implant templates 32 in a single sterile package, so that after opening the package in a sterile area, for example, an operating room, all implant templates 32 of the implant template system 78 are available.

[0166] List of reference symbols

[0167] Implant bone plate vertebra

[0168] Vertebra Intervertebral disc Perforation Screw hole Longitudinal axis Fixation hole Bone screw Bone pin Implant template Support element Front Back Implant view See-through area See-through area See-through area See-through area Perforation Support element area Support element area Support element area Outer contour Inner contour Inner contour Inner contour Thickness

[0169] Measuring scale Size Item number

[0170] edge

[0171] Implant template system

[0172] spine

[0173] instrument

[0174] Great

[0175] Support element area

[0176] Holding element

[0177] tab

[0178] Bending line

[0179] Bracket

[0180] Knee joint endoprosthesis

[0181] Remote component

[0182] Tibial component

[0183] Tibia

[0184] Meniscus component

[0185] tibial surface

[0186] connecting element

[0187] Distance

[0188] Height

[0189] connecting line

[0190] Intervertebral disc implant

[0191] contact plate

[0192] Height

[0193] Top

[0194] bottom

[0195] bone screw

Claims

Patent claims 1. Implant template (32), characterized in that the implant template comprises a carrier element (34) with a front side (36) and a back side (38), that the carrier element (34) is formed from a flat material, that the carrier element (34) carries or has at least one two-dimensional implant view (40) of an implant (10) and that the carrier element (34) has at least one see-through area (42, 44, 46, 48) which enables a view through the carrier element (34).

2. Implant template according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one see-through region (42, 44, 46, 48) is designed in the form of an opening (52) or a translucent or transparent carrier element region (54, 56, 58) of the carrier element (34).

3. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implant view defines an inner and / or outer contour (60, 62, 64, 66) and that the at least one see-through region (42, 44, 46, 48) is arranged or formed adjacent to the inner and / or outer contour (60, 62, 64, 66).

4. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implant view (40) comprises at least one implant opening (20, 22, 26) of the implant (10), wherein in particular the at least one implant opening (20, 22, 26) a) forms the at least one see-through area (44, 46, 48) and / or b) comprises a screw hole (22) or a fixation hole (26).

5. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (34) is plate-shaped or disc-shaped.

6. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (34) has a thickness (68) which is defined by a distance between the front side (36) and the back side (38), and that the thickness (68) has a value of at most 3 mm, in particular at most 1 mm, wherein in particular the thickness (68) is at least 0.05 mm, in particular at least 0.5 mm.

7. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (34) a) is formed from a biocompatible carrier element material and / or b) is formed from a plastic, in particular from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) and / or polypropylene (PP), and / or c) is formed from a transparent and / or translucent carrier element material.

8. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implant view (40) represents a plan view of one side of the implant (10).

9. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear side (38) of the carrier element (34) is translucently matt.

10. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (34) a) is designed to be flexibly deformable and / or b) is designed to be curved in accordance with the implant (10) shown and / or c) is designed to be plastically deformable.

11. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implant template (32) comprises at least one holding element (88) for holding the implant template (32), in particular with a holding instrument, wherein in particular the at least one holding element (88) a) is designed in the form of a carrier element region (86) without a two-dimensional implant view (40) and / or b) is designed to protrude from the carrier element (34) and / or c) is designed in one piece with the carrier element (34), in particular from the flat material, and / or d) is designed in the form of a tab (90) protruding from the carrier element (34) and / or e) is designed to be deformable, in particular bendable, relative to the carrier element (34) and / or f) and the carrier element (34) enclose a holding angle (94) in a handling position and that the holding angle (94) lies in a range from 0° to approximately 120°, in particular approximately 90° amounts.

12. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (34) carries, has or comprises at least one further implant-specific information, wherein in particular the implant-specific information is a size (72), a length and / or an article number (74) of the represented implant (10).

13. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (34) carries or comprises at least one measuring scale (70), wherein in particular a) the measuring scale (70) is designed in the form of a millimeter scale and / or b) the at least one holding element (88) is arranged or designed adjacent to the measuring scale (70) or in the vicinity thereof, in particular in an extension thereof.

14. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the implant template (32) has a protective layer and that the protective layer completely covers information applied to the carrier element (34), in particular the at least one implant view (40) and optional further information, wherein in particular the protective layer is designed in the form of a transparent or translucent adhesive strip.

15. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (34) has two different implant views, wherein in particular the two different implant views (40) represent side views of the implant (10) oriented transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to one another.

16. Implant template according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one implant (10) shown on the implant template is a spinal implant, a bone plate (12), a bone screw (126), an intervertebral disc implant (116), an intervertebral implant, a knee joint implant (96), a tibial plate (100) of a knee joint implant (96) or a femoral component (98) of a knee joint implant (96).

17. Implant template system (78) comprising at least two implant templates according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two implant templates (32) differ, wherein in particular a) the at least two implant templates (32) differ from one another in the size and / or shape of the illustrated implant view (40) and / or b) the at least two implant templates (32) differ from one another in the size of the carrier element (34) and / or c) the at least two implant templates (32) of the implant template system (78) are formed in one piece, wherein in particular the implant template system (78) is formed so as to be cut to size and / or comprises predetermined breaking lines for separating the at least two implant templates (32) of the integrally formed implant template system (78) from one another.

Images