Abstract: An apparatus and method for tibial alignment which allows the independent establishment of two separate geometric planes to be used as a reference for the cutting of the tibial plateau during total knee arthroplasty. Two separate frame assemblies with extending rods are coupled to the tibia with a fixed relative angle between them, thereby allowing alignment with the mechanical axis of the bone. A cutting block is mounted on one of the assembly frames and is positioned against the tibia. Stabilizing pins are then placed in the cutting block, allowing the proper tibial plateau resection plane to be created.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 29, 1999
Date of Patent:
July 18, 2000
Assignee:
Stryker Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
Inventors:
Shigeo Matsuno, Carlos Esteban Collazo, Stuart L. Axelson, Jr., Michael Eric Gertner