Abstract: A method for guiding a saw blade (22) during preparation of a metatarsal (14) of a foot (10) for a procedure, such as to receive a metatarsal bone implant (20), includes positioning a housing (242) substantially adjacent to the metatarsal (14), coupling an aligner (38) to the housing (242), and aligning a saw guide (30) of the housing (242). The housing (242) includes the saw guide (30) for receiving and guiding the saw blade (22). The foot (10) includes one or more additional metatarsals (142), and the aligner (38) is used to align the saw guide (30) relative to the metatarsal (14) by aligning the aligner (38) to be substantially parallel to and positioned over a longitudinal axis (40) of one of the additional metatarsals (142).

Abstract: A cutting guide (12) for guiding a saw blade (22) during preparation of a metatarsal (14) of a foot (10) for a procedure, such as to receive a metatarsal implant (20), includes a housing (242) and an aligner (38). The housing (242) is adapted to be positioned substantially adjacent to the metatarsal (14). The housing (242) includes a saw guide (30) for receiving and guiding the saw blade (22). The aligner (38) is coupled to the housing (242). The foot (10) includes one or more additional metatarsals, and the aligner (38) is used to align the saw guide (30) relative to one of the additional metatarsals. The aligner (38) can extend substantially perpendicular to the saw guide (30). Additionally, the aligner (38) can be used to be substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis (40) of one of the additional metatarsals. The cutting guide (12) can further include a handle (244) that is secured to the housing (242).

Abstract: A metatarsal implant (212) for insertion into a stem aperture (25) in a metatarsal (14) bone of a foot and to form a joint with the proximal phalanx (16) of the great toe, includes a head (226) and a stem (228). The head (226) includes an articular joint engaging surface (232) and an opposed, bone engaging surface (230). The stem (228) cantilevers away from the bone engaging surface (230), and is adapted to be inserted into the stem aperture (25). The stem (228) can have a stem axis (228A) that is at an angle (234) of between approximately 45 and 75 degrees relative to the bone engaging surface (230). The stem axis (228A) can also be at an angle (266) of between approximately 40 and 80 degrees relative to a tangential reference line (234) drawn from the articular joint engaging surface (232). In one embodiment, the stem axis (228A) is at an angle (266) of between approximately 50 and 70 degrees relative to the tangential reference line (234) of the articular joint engaging surface (232).

Abstract: A toe implant (10) for a first metatarsal phalangeal joint (22) between a metatarsal (24) and a proximal phalanx (26) of a great toe (12) includes a proximal stem (16), a distal stem (18) and a hinge (20) and a strength rib (92). Importantly, the toe implant (10) is designed to accommodate an axis of motion in a unique location (82) and the distal stem (18) is naturally positioned lower than the proximal stem (16). Further, the toe implant (10) provides a relatively good available range of motion. With this design, the toe implant (10) maintains the proximal phalanx (26) in the correct anatomic position relative to the metatarsal (24) during bending and flexing. Additionally, the toe implant (10) allows the toe (12) to move in a fashion that simulates the natural motion of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (22). As a result thereof, the toe implant (10) that does not significantly increase the stress at the joint (22) or alter the normal flexing of the toe (12).