A method and
system for performing a total
joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of
bone surface locations using the CT image data. A
mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the
bone surface coordinates at the selected bone spice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected
bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a
cutting jig and an
implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated
processing. At this point, the patient is
cut open (once), the
cutting jig and a
cutting instrument are used to remove a selected portion of the bone and to provide an exposed planar surface, the
implant device is optionally secured to and aligned with the remainder of the bone, and the patient's incision is promptly repaired.