Abstract: Improved bone-cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. A body having an outer surface and an inner surface configured to be positioned against a bone surface to be modified includes one or more openings enabling a bone-cutting tool to be used though the body so as to perform resections beneath the inner surface. To stabilize the bone-cutting tool during the execution of a particular resection, the invention preferably further includes one of more guides which may be temporarily positioned relative to the upper surface of the body. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the body may be shaped to co-act in a joint as part of a trial reduction. For example, the outer surface may be shaped according to a natural proximal tibia, enabling a knee joint reduction to be performed prior to resection.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.