Abstract: A method of utilizing a distractor in a joint replacement procedure is provided. The method includes releasably engaging a datum to a datum securement of the distractor and gripping a handle of the distractor in an insertion position. The handle includes a first handle portion and a second handle portion. The method includes disposing a paddle of a tissue engaging portion of the distractor against a tissue surface and adjusting the handle from the insertion position to the distraction position to thereby independently move the paddle with respect to both the second handle portion and the first handle portion such that the paddle remains at a generally constant angle against the tissue surface as the tissue surface is distracted. The paddle is attached directly and exclusively to a distal tip of the second handle portion such that the paddle pivots about an axis transverse to a length of the handle.

Abstract: A trial implant is provided. The implant includes a central portion. The central portion includes a top articulating surface extending between a first end and a second end and having a convex shape, a bottom surface configured to at least partially contact a first resected surface of a bone, and a first side surface extending between the top articulating surface and the bottom surface. The first side surface is sloped such that a width of the top articulating surface is greater than a width of the bottom surface. The implant further includes a first outer portion extending laterally from the central portion. The first side surface and the first outer portion are separated by a first opening shaped such that up to four resected surfaces of the bone are visible when the trial implant is seated on the bone.

Abstract: A trial implant is provided. The implant includes a central portion. The central portion includes a top articulating surface extending between a first end and a second end and having a convex shape, a bottom surface configured to at least partially contact a first resected surface of a bone, and a first side surface extending between the top articulating surface and the bottom surface. The first side surface is sloped such that a width of the top articulating surface is greater than a width of the bottom surface. The implant further includes a first outer portion extending laterally from the central portion. The first side surface and the first outer portion are separated by a first opening shaped such that up to four resected surfaces of the bone are visible when the trial implant is seated on the bone.

Abstract: A total ankle prosthesis that includes a talar component that has a bone contacting side for contacting a talus and an articular side opposite the bone contacting side. The articular side has first and second condyles separated by an intercondylar notch. The first condyle defines a spheroidal convex surface. The prosthesis also includes a tibial component that has a bone contacting side for contacting a tibia and an articular side. The articular side has first and second condyles separated by an intercondylar spine. The first condyle of the tibial component defines a concave surface. The concave surface has a condylar edge that defines a perimeter thereof and a plurality of articular portions positioned between anterior and posterior extents of the condylar edge. A first articular portion of the articular portions is spheroidal and a second articular portion is defined by a cylindrical helix.

Abstract: Methods of implanting a talar component during ankle surgery are provided. A method includes cutting at least medial and lateral cuts in a talus bone. The method includes driving a first self-cutting distal edge of a lateral side wall of the talar component into the lateral cut and a second self-cutting distal edge of a medial side wall of the talar component into the medial cut. A thickness of the lateral sidewall tapers to form the first self-cutting distal edge and a thickness of the medial sidewall tapers to form the second self-cutting edge.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a distractor in a joint replacement procedure is provided. The method includes releasably engaging a datum to a datum securement of the distractor and gripping a handle of the distractor in an insertion position. The handle includes a first handle portion and a second handle portion. The method includes disposing a paddle of a tissue engaging portion of the distractor against a tissue surface and adjusting the handle from the insertion position to the distraction position to thereby independently move the paddle with respect to both the second handle portion and the first handle portion such that the paddle remains at a generally constant angle against the tissue surface as the tissue surface is distracted. The paddle is attached directly and exclusively to a distal tip of the second handle portion such that the paddle pivots about an axis transverse to a length of the handle.

Abstract: A trial implant is provided. The implant includes a central portion. The central portion includes a top articulating surface extending between a first end and a second end and having a convex shape, a bottom surface configured to at least partially contact a first resected surface of a bone, and a first side surface extending between the top articulating surface and the bottom surface. The first side surface is sloped such that a width of the top articulating surface is greater than a width of the bottom surface. The implant further includes a first outer portion extending laterally from the central portion. The first side surface and the first outer portion are separated by a first opening shaped such that up to four resected surfaces of the bone are visible when the trial implant is seated on the bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes, in one embodiment, a talar component of an ankle joint prosthesis for engagement with a talus bone having a medial side wall and a lateral side wall, opposite the medial side wall, each side wall terminating at a distal edge, and the distal edges adapted to drive into the talus bone. When implanted, the side walls may form a seal between the talus bone and the component to prevent fluid from flowing under the component.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical guide structure configured for placement on a resected bone surface includes a body with at least one aperture and an opening. The at least one aperture extends through the body and is sized for placement of a hole formation instrument therethrough. Additionally, the at least one aperture is defined by an inner wall that includes a first portion having a first slope and a second portion having a second slope different from the first slope so that a cross-section of the aperture varies over its depth. The opening is sized and positioned so that when the surgical guide structure is positioned on a first resected surface of a bone, the first resected surface and a second resected surface of the bone are visible through the opening.

Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A total ankle prosthesis that includes a talar component that has a bone contacting side for contacting a talus and an articular side opposite the bone contacting side. The articular side has first and second condyles separated by an intercondylar notch. The first condyle defines a spheroidal convex surface. The prosthesis also includes a tibial component that has a bone contacting side for contacting a tibia and an articular side. The articular side has first and second condyles separated by an intercondylar spine. The first condyle of the tibial component defines a concave surface. The concave surface has a condylar edge that defines a perimeter thereof and a plurality of articular portions positioned between anterior and posterior extents of the condylar edge. A first articular portion of the articular portions is spheroidal and a second articular portion is defined by a cylindrical helix.

Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a surgical guide structure configured for placement on a resected bone surface includes a body with at least one aperture and an opening. The at least one aperture extends through the body and is sized for placement of a hole formation instrument therethrough. Additionally, the at least one aperture is defined by an inner wall that includes a first portion having a first slope and a second portion having a second slope different from the first slope so that a cross-section of the aperture varies over its depth. The opening is sized and positioned so that when the surgical guide structure is positioned on a first resected surface of a bone, the first resected surface and a second resected surface of the bone are visible through the opening.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of alignment for resection of tissue including obtaining a surgical device comprising an alignment guide, a first guide structure and a second guide structure; securing the alignment guide to a bone, the alignment guide including a positioning block; placing the first guide structure onto the positioning block of the alignment guide; viewing a target location of a first resection plane on the bone using the first guide structure; adjusting the target location of the first resection plane by adjusting a position of the first guide structure; attaching the second guide structure to the first guide structure; viewing a target location of a second resection plane on the bone using the second guide structure; and adjusting the target location of the second resection plane by adjusting a position of the second guide structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes, in one embodiment, a talar component of an ankle joint prosthesis for engagement with a talus bone having a medial side wall and a lateral side wall, opposite the medial side wall, each side wall terminating at a distal edge, and the distal edges adapted to drive into the talus bone. When implanted, the side walls may form a seal between the talus bone and the component to prevent fluid from flowing under the component.

Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a tissue resection guide that includes a central body, a first flange and a second flange, the flanges having first and second guide surfaces, respectively, suitable for use in tissue resection. Each guide surface lies on a cutting plane, both planes intersecting interior to the flanges. In the embodiments described, the availability of two cutting planes ensures resections in more than one plane are possible. As a result, bone segments can be removed via a cut on two planes without the need to cut across an entire section of bone on one plane. In some embodiments, an opening exists between the first flange and the second flange to ensure that each resection overlaps. In other aspects of the invention, systems and methods of use for the tissue resection guide are described.

Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method of alignment for resection of tissue including obtaining a surgical device comprising an alignment guide, a first guide structure and a second guide structure; securing the alignment guide to a bone, the alignment guide including a positioning block; placing the first guide structure onto the positioning block of the alignment guide; viewing a target location of a first resection plane on the bone using the first guide structure; adjusting the target location of the first resection plane by adjusting a position of the first guide structure; attaching the second guide structure to the first guide structure; viewing a target location of a second resection plane on the bone using the second guide structure; and adjusting the target location of the second resection plane by adjusting a position of the second guide structure.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a tissue resection guide that includes a central body, a first flange and a second flange, the flanges having first and second guide surfaces, respectively, suitable for use in tissue resection. Each guide surface lies on a cutting plane, both planes intersecting interior to the flanges. In the embodiments described, the availability of two cutting planes ensures resections in more than one plane are possible. As a result, bone segments can be removed via a cut on two planes without the need to cut across an entire section of bone on one plane. In some embodiments, an opening exists between the first flange and the second flange to ensure that each resection overlaps. In other aspects of the invention, systems and methods of use for the tissue resection guide are described.