Method of implanting a femoral neck fixation prosthesis
A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis, which extends coaxially through the canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/779,353, filed Feb. 14, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/228,907, filed Aug. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,883, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/371,837, filed Apr. 11, 2002. Priority is claimed to all of the above-mentioned applications and patents, and each application and patent is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present application relates generally to hip prostheses and more specifically to an improved method of implanting a femoral neck fixation prosthesis in the femoral neck.
2. Description of Related Art
A widely used design for replacement of the proximal portion of a femur employs an elongate, often curved, shaft that extends into the medullary canal of the femur. This design has the tendency to place unnatural stresses on the femur, which lead to pain and the consequent curtailment of activity for the patient. Further, present techniques can lead to proximal bone loss and call for the resection of the majority of the femoral neck. Current designs also call for fixing the prosthesis in the proximal third of the femur. The useful life of an intramedullary implant is often less than the expected life span of a young patient.
Previously known prostheses for replacing a femoral head that do not extend into the medullary canal have been mechanically complex or have proven troublesome in actual use. Huggler, U.S. Pat. No. 4,129,903 and Grimes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,473 are examples of prosthetic implants having a side plate attached to the exterior lateral side of the femur opposite the femoral head. Screws are used to secure the plate to the femur and one or more holes are drilled into the femur for securing the plate to the bone. The additional holes and the stresses at the site of fixation are believed to cause trauma to the bone.
Masini, U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,203 discloses a device having a shaft that extends through a resected portion of the proximal femur, positioned co-axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the femur. The device is secured by a screw or similar locking device that extends into the femur from the lateral side, just below the greater trochanter. It is believed that the natural forces applied to the prosthesis during normal hip motion result in the application of shear forces to the greater trochanter. The shear forces can be harmful to the greater trochanter and can permit micro-movement of the prosthesis on the unsecured side.
A conventional method for implanting the above types of femoral head implants is described in Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, (Mosby, 7th ed., 1987) and typically includes making a large incision in the patient's lateral side at the hip joint and through the skin and muscle, dislocating the hip and then sawing off the femoral head. This method is considered invasive because of the need to dislocate the hip and cut through muscle surrounding the hip joint. Invasive procedures increase the trauma to the patient, the potential for complications, recovery time and the cost.
Replacement of the proximal portion of the femur is sometimes necessary due to degenerative bone disorders or trauma to otherwise healthy bone caused by accidental injury. In the latter instance it is desirable to replace the traumatized portion of the bone without causing further trauma to healthy bone. There is a need, therefore, for an implant that replaces a traumatized portion of the femur, but also significantly minimizes stress to the remaining healthy bone and that can be implanted by a method that is less invasive.
There are several other significant problems and issues relating to hip arthroplasty. One problem is encountered with the young, active patient. Younger patients are more likely to have failure of their primary arthroplasty both due to increased demand on the mechanical construct, and from a pure life expectancy standpoint. It follows that they are more likely to require a revision and a second revision, which may lead to a catastrophic bone loss situation.
Another problem relates to instability of the hip following implantation of the prosthesis. This problem still occurs at the same rate that it did 50 years ago. Larger femoral heads may decrease the incidence, but no other significant technical changes have occurred to effect the incidence of this serious complication.
Still another problem is related to bone loss in patients receiving hip prostheses. The overwhelming majority of present successful femoral prostheses achieve fixation at least as far distal as the proximal femoral metaphysis. When these prostheses fail, the next step usually involves diaphyseal fixation, often with a large diameter, stiff stem.
Leg length inequality is another problem associated with hip arthroplasty. An average lengthening of the leg of 1 centimeter is common. Lengthening is sometimes accepted for the sake of improved stability; however, leg length inequality has been reported as the primary reason why surgeons are sued after hip arthroplasty.
Finally, another problem associated with hip arthroplasty is surgical morbidity. The surgery usually involves significant blood loss, body fluid alterations, and pain. Shortly, the surgery is a big operation that hurts. It should be the goal of every compassionate surgeon to minimize these issues. If the operation can be made smaller, with less blood loss and less pain without diminishing long term results, every effort should be made to do so.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a femoral neck prosthesis and method for implanting the prosthesis that overcomes these significant disadvantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for hip replacements.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved and less-invasive prosthesis and implantation method that replaces the femoral head while retaining a substantially intact femoral neck.
The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of implanting the prosthesis according to the principles of the present invention, reduce bone loss and avoid the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur that must be removed and reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis, which extends coaxially through the central canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.
The above as well as additional objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical mechanical, structural, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
The present invention provides a femoral neck fixation prosthesis and a method of implanting the prosthesis which reduces bone loss and avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur, that must be removed and reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis, which extends coaxially through the central canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral head while substantially retaining the natural femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.
A femoral neck fixation prosthesis in accordance with the principles of the present invention is designed to achieve fixation in the femoral neck with or without cement. Therefore, revision of the disclosed femoral neck fixation prosthesis would essentially become the complexity of a present day primary hip arthroplasty for the femoral component. The improved femoral neck fixation prosthesis would require an operation equivalent to a primary arthroplasty on the femoral side. Therefore it would be ideal for the younger patient, but would also be recommended for the older patients with accommodating anatomy.
The innovative method for implanting the femoral neck fixation prosthesis would allow less muscular dissection, and the capsule can be repaired anteriorly at the end of the procedure. The disclosed femoral neck fixation prosthesis is designed to be used with larger diameter femoral heads. The combination of these factors would significantly improve stability of the hip. The goal is to minimize the need for hip position precautions postoperatively.
One advantage of the preferred embodiment is that less bone would be resected initially using the femoral neck fixation prosthesis, and the stress would be transferred to the bone in the femoral neck. The metaphysis and the diaphysis of the proximal femur would be minimally disturbed. Only the femoral head itself will be resected.
Another advantage of the preferred embodiment, is that the femoral neck length and offset would be accurately measured and reproduced when using the femoral neck fixation prosthesis. Leg length inequality due to hip arthroplasty could be minimized, and muscle mechanics could be accurately restored.
Further, an operation using the femoral neck fixation prosthesis would be less invasive with less blood loss, less post operative pain, and less perioperative morbidity than an operation that employs the vast majority of commonly used prostheses. The economic implications of a shorter hospital stay, fewer blood transfusions, and fewer medical complications are significant.
A femoral neck fixation prosthesis according to the principles of the present invention is shown in
An uncemented porous coated femoral prosthesis body 125 with a modular head 110 and joining member 115 is provided. The metal used is preferably either titanium or chrome-cobalt based, and can be any metal commonly used in hip prosthesis construction. The modulus of elasticity of such a short segment will be of less significance than in a standard femoral stem. The coating is preferably either sintered beads or plasma sprayed, depending on the type of metal used for the body of the prosthesis.
The body 125 of the prosthesis will preferably be available in various diameters, approximately every 1-1.5 mm. The length of the prosthesis will preferably be chosen from one or two lengths, approximately 30 mm. Most of the fixation and ingrowth of the bone to the prosthesis will occur in the first 10-20 mm.
As described in more detail below, fixation to the femur will be achieved by reaming the femoral neck 105 to accommodate a cylindrical porous coated sleeve body 125, which is supported by a proximal collar and given distal stability with a compression screw 120 through the lateral wall of the femur just distal to the greater tuberosity (location 140). Reaming will be progressive until the cortex of the femoral neck is encountered. A femoral component ½ mm greater than the last diameter reamed will then be selected.
After insertion, the long axis of the body of the component body 125 will coincide with a longitudinal axis in the preoperative femur 100 corresponding to an imaginary line connecting the center of the femoral neck 105 with the center of the femoral head 110. Resection of the femoral head will be measured such that the center of rotation of the femoral head 110 can be measured and reproduced. The femoral neck 105 will be reamed with a planar reamer that fits in the reamed canal of the femoral neck 105 to establish a flat surface. The proximal body 125 of the prosthesis will have the female end of a morse taper to allow the attachment of the joining member 115.
A compression screw 120 passes through the center of the body of the prosthesis. This screw attaches to a barrel nut 130 in the lateral wall of the femur at point 140 and preferably has a hexagonal head. The screw 120 is preferably smooth in the segment within the body of the prosthesis and has threads on the distal end. The tunnel through the body of the prosthesis forms a snug fit around the smooth portion of the screw 120. The barrel nut 130 is preferably angled to be flush with the lateral side of the femur at point 140. The head of the screw 120 is preferably located in the base of the morse taper in the body 125 of the femoral component. This screw 120 adds stability to the construct by giving antero-posterior and varus-valgus stability to the body 125 of the prosthesis and by compressing the prosthesis on the neck 105 of the femur 100. These screws will be available in various lengths.
It is important to note that this innovative design allows the prosthesis to be installed and used without requiring any other fastener on the femur. In particular, the preferred embodiment does not require any additional screws or other fasteners to be placed in the femur, and does not require any sort of support plate on the lateral wall of the femur.
Male-male morse taper joining member 115 acts as a joining portion in connecting the body 125 of the prosthesis to the femoral head 110. Adjustments in joining member length will occur in this segment with several lengths of joining member segments available for each femoral body and femoral head. The joining member segment needed to exactly reproduce the center of rotation of the femoral head will be known based on the amount of bone resected. In this embodiment, the joining member 115 has male morse tapers 135 on each side, and will have a variable-length section in between the morse tapers to fit the specific patient.
The femoral head 110 will have a female morse taper to connect to the joining member 115. Femoral heads 110 will be of various diameters depending on the acetabulum, and several exemplary sizes are shown in
In another embodiment of the present invention, a de-rotation component is added to reduce the likelihood of the rotation of the prosthesis within the femoral neck. This can be accomplished with a pin or stem with grooves or slots that passes through the lateral cortex into the body of the prosthesis. This would then be compressed with a screw, which would be put through the head end of the body of the prosthesis into the stem.
It should be clear that the femoral neck fixation prostheses described herein can be used with or without cement.
While the preferred embodiment has a substantially circular cross-section, as shown in
The femoral neck gripping clamp 405 is expanded or contracted using adjustment piece 420, which operates gears 415. Cannulated rod 425, which is connected to femoral head centering device 410, allows pin insertion into the cannula at 435.
Free nut 430 is used to tighten the femoral head centering device 410. The centering guide shown in
C=(A−D/2)−B
Distance C then represents the distance from the cut surface of the femoral neck that the prosthetic femoral head center-of-rotation should be placed in order to reproduce the pre-operative femoral head center-of-rotation.
In another embodiment shown in
The remainder of
This embodiment provides an uncemented porous coated femoral prosthesis body 625 with a modular head 610 and joining member 615. The body 625 of the prosthesis include threads 655 for receiving screw 620.
As described in more detail below, fixation to the femur will be achieved by reaming the femoral neck 605 to accommodate a cylindrical porous coated sleeve body 625, which is supported by a proximal collar and given distal stability with a compression screw 620 through the lateral wall of the femur just distal to the greater tuberosity (location 640).
After insertion, the long axis of the body of the component body 625 will coincide with a longitudinal axis in the preoperative femur 600 corresponding to an imaginary line connecting the center of the femoral neck 605 with the center of the femoral head 610. Resection of the femoral head will be measured such that the center of rotation of the femoral head 610 can be measured and reproduced as discussed with reference to
Compression screw 620 passes through the center of the body of the prosthesis. The screw 620 is preferably smooth in the segment within the body of the prosthesis and has threads on the proximal end, for engaging threads 655. The tunnel through the body of the prosthesis forms a snug fit around the smooth portion of the screw 620. Screw 620 adds stability to the construct by giving antero-posterior and varus-valgus stability to the body 625 of the prosthesis and by compressing the prosthesis on the neck 605 of the femur 600. These screws will be available in various lengths.
Male-male morse taper joining member 615 connects the body 625 of the prosthesis to the femoral head 610. Adjustments in joining member neck length will occur in this segment with several lengths of joining member segments available for each femoral body and femoral head. The joining member segment needed to exactly reproduce the center of rotation of the femoral head will be known based on the amount of bone resected.
The femoral head 610 will have a female morse taper to connect to the joining member 615. Femoral heads 610 will be of various diameters depending on the acetabulum. Ideally larger femoral head diameters (e.g., 36 mm to 60 mm) are used to both improve stability and prevent impingement of the neck on the acetabular rim. The femoral head 610 is preferably polished chrome-cobalt, as the industry standard, but other materials can be used.
The femoral neck fixation prosthesis is implanted by first preparing the femur for reception of the prosthesis. Referring to
A longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral neck is difficult to precisely define because the geometry of the femoral neck 823 is usually not perfectly cylindrical. Theoretically speaking, if the femoral neck 823 were sectioned along its length at a finite number of cross-sectional planes (e.g. B-B and C-C in
One method for determining the proper orientation of the cross-sectional planes would be to envision an isthmus 849 of the femoral neck 823. The isthmus 849 is the narrowest point on the femoral neck 823 when viewed from the anterior or posterior side of the femur 811. Visualization of the posterior side 831 of the femur 811 allows a lateral line to be constructed across the femoral neck 823 at the isthmus 849. In
In practice, the femoral neck 823 is not actually cut at each of the cross-sectional planes discussed above. Rather, the visualization of these planes is helpful in determining, theoretically, where the longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral neck 823 would lie. It would be sufficient to define the longitudinal axis 845 as the line passing through the center of rotation of the femoral head 821 and the center of the femoral neck 823 at the isthmus 849. However, as previously mentioned, it would also be appropriate and perhaps more accurate to define the longitudinal axis 845 as the line passing through the center of rotation of the femoral head 821 and the average of the centers of the femoral neck 823 taken at several cross-sections, all of which are parallel to the isthmus plane 851. It should also be noted that for some patients, the center of rotation of the femoral head may not necessarily coincide with the longitudinal axis 845.
Referring to
Referring still to
Alternatively, the center of each cross-section could be located based on the shape of the cancellous bone at that cross-section. Since the prosthesis according to the principles of the present invention is to be implanted within the cancellous bone, it may be more appropriate to define the center of the femoral neck 823 based on the shape and location of the cancellous bone. The center of each cross-section would be the point at which a circle circumscribed around the point would most fully contact the surrounding cortex.
The “location” and/or “visualization” of the longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral neck 823 is theoretical and is discussed to more easily explain how the femoral neck fixation prosthesis is oriented and implanted within the femur 811. It is not necessarily required that the longitudinal axis 845 be found prior to implanting the prosthesis; however, it is important to note that in most cases, the femoral neck fixation prosthesis will be installed in the femur such that a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis is substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral neck 823 as described above. This implantation could be accomplished by using non-invasive techniques such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize and locate the longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral head 823, but in most instances, the prosthesis will be implanted using specialized tools that properly orient the prosthesis based on anatomical landmarks on the femoral neck. We believe that the use of these tools and anatomical landmarks will closely align the prosthesis with the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck, thereby obviating the need for calculating or identifying the longitudinal axis during the procedure.
It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that certain femoral anatomical variations among patients may result in the prosthesis being implanted such that the longitudinal axis of the prosthesis is not coaxial to the longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral neck 823. In fact, the implantation of the prosthesis in some patients could result in the longitudinal axis of the prosthesis being located as much as 5 to 10 degrees from the longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral neck 823.
Implantation of the femoral neck fixation prosthesis is accomplished by resecting the femoral head 821, reaming at least one passage through the femoral neck, reaming the acetabulum, and implanting the femoral neck fixation prosthesis into the reamed passage. Access to the femoral head and femoral neck is accomplished by making a small incision in the gluteus maximus to expose the hip joint. The femoral head 821 is dislocated from the acetabulum in a manner similar to that employed in current hip arthroplasty procedures. The leg of the patient is then internally rotate (i.e. rotated such that the toe of the patient's foot are rotated toward a medial plane of the body) to expose the femoral head and neck through the incision. Following exposure, the femoral head may be resected as explained below from the internally rotated position. The remaining procedures (i.e. reaming the passages, reaming the acetabulum, and implanting the femoral neck fixation prosthesis) are performed as described below with the patient's leg in either the internally-rotated position or in a neutral position (i.e. non-rotated position). The procedures for preparing the femur and implanting the prosthesis could alternatively be accomplished by rotating the patient's leg externally if the location of the initial incision were moved.
Referring to
The femoral neck clamp 1011 includes an inferior clamping member 1013 and a superior clamping member 1015. A locator shaft guide member 1021 includes a cylindrical passage 1023 and is attached to either the inferior clamping member 1013 or the superior clamping member 1015. The superior clamping member 1015 preferably includes an arcuate region 1025 for securely gripping the antero-superior ridge 850 (see
Referring still to
The femoral neck clamp 1011 is used to locate the isthmus plane 851, which is represented by a line in
Both the inferior and superior clamping members 1013, 1015 take advantage of anatomical landmarks present on the femoral neck 823 to locate the isthmus 849 and the isthmus plane 851, which is typically substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 845 of the femoral neck 823. As previously mentioned, the superior clamping member 1015 primarily contacts and, depending on whether it includes an arcuate region 1025, cradles the antero-superior ridge 850 (see
Referring to
Referring again to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
A locator shaft 1911 is positioned within the cylindrical passage 1023 of the locator shaft guide member 1021 after the femoral neck clamp 1011 has been positioned at the isthmus 849 of the femoral neck 823. A base plate 1915 is rigidly connected to an end of the locator shaft 1911 such that following insertion of the locator shaft 1911 in the cylindrical passage 1023, the locator shaft 1911 can be advanced in a distal/lateral direction until the base plate 1915 abuts the femoral head 821. Indicia 1921 in the form of ruled demarcations is printed along the locator shaft 1911 for accurately positioning a pin locator guide 1925, which is slidingly received on the locator shaft 1911. Pin locator guide 1925 preferably includes at least two spaced apart holes 1931 that may be located on one side of the locator shaft 1911, or as illustrated in
Referring to
As mentioned previously, the locator shaft 1911 includes indicia 1921 in the form of ruled demarcations that are spaced apart precise distances. These demarcations can be used to precisely locate the cutting plane relative to the proximal end of the femoral head 821. The amount of resection that will be performed depends on several factors. A prosthetic femoral head will be chosen to match the measured diameter of the patient's native femoral head. This is done to insure that the center of rotation is closely matched by the prosthesis and that the length of the patient's leg is not significantly lengthened or shortened. Based on the diameter chosen for the prosthetic femoral head, a height of the prosthetic femoral head (measured along longitudinal axis 845) will be known. This height equates to the amount of bone resected from the proximal end of the native femoral head 823. Since the distance between the holes 2027 on the cutting guide 2021 and the cutting slot 2025 is known, the pin locator guide 1925 can be accurately positioned along the locator shaft 1911 using the indicia 1921 to place the pin locator guide 1925 according to the amount of bone that needs to be resected. The placement of the pins 2011 using the pin locator guide 1925 then allows the cutting slot 2025 to be accurately positioned at the correct location to remove the correct length of bone.
It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the cutting guide 2021 of the present invention could be combined with the femoral neck clamp 1011 to eliminate the need for a locator shaft 1911 and a pin locator guide 1925. The combination clamp and cutting guide would allow the clamp to be positioned at the isthmus 849 of the femoral neck 823 as previously described, but would provide a slot or other guide to allow resection of the femoral head along a cutting plane substantially parallel to the isthmus plane 851. The slot or guide would be adjustable relative to the isthmus plane 851 to allow a measured amount of bone to be resected from the femur 811. A cutting guide that aligns the cutting plane a measured distance from the isthmus plane 851 would be particularly useful in the event that the femoral head is missing, deformed, substantially misshapen, or broken. Measurements could be performed preoperatively using radiographic measurement techniques (e.g. X-ray).
Referring to
Following resection of the femoral head 821, a proximal neck surface 2111 is exposed that is substantially parallel to the isthmus plane 851. Progressive reaming and drilling of the femoral neck 823 is needed to prepare passages between the proximal neck surface 2111 and the lateral side 815 of the femur 821. With the patient's leg still in an internally rotated position (or alternatively in an externally rotated position), a starter guide 2121 having a positioning portion 2125 and a guide portion 2127 is placed against the proximal neck surface 2111 such that the surface of the positioning portion 2125 opposite the guide portion 2127 mates with the proximal neck surface 2111. The starter guide 2121 further includes a guide passage 2131 that passes through both the guide portion 2127 and the positioning portion 2125 such that a longitudinal axis of the guide passage 2131 is substantially perpendicular to the proximal neck surface 2111 when the starter guide 2121 is placed against the proximal neck surface 2111. A starter passage, or main passage, or primary passage 2141 (represented in
After drilling the hole 2145, the starter guide 2121 is removed from the proximal neck surface 2111, and the femoral neck 823 is progressively reamed until the hole 2145 extends to the cortical bone of the femoral neck 823, thereby forming the starter passage 2141. In practice, depending on the anatomical shape of the patient's femoral neck 823, it may only be possible to form the starter passage 2141 to contact the cortical bone at two points of contact. It is of course preferable to maximize the number of contacts of the cortical bone, and in most instances, it will be possible to contact the cortical bone in at least three locations without significantly decreasing the wall thickness of the cortex in any location. The starter passage 2141 is reamed to a depth that is preferably equal to the longitudinal length of the body 125, 625, 725 (see
The method for forming the starter passage 2141 described above is largely based on visualization of the center of the femoral neck and formation of a hole 2145. In an alternative embodiment, a guide may be placed flush against the proximal neck surface 2111 to orient a reamer at a ninety (90) degree angle to the proximal neck surface 2111 and center the reamer relative to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck. The neck is sequentially reamed until the starter passage 2141 extends to the cortex. In another embodiment, a guide pin may be inserted into the femoral neck substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck. The pin may be placed based on visualization or guided into place with a guide that is fixed relative to the femoral neck. The guide pin would be used to direct sequential reaming of the starter passage 2141.
Referring to
After positioning the anchor member 2215 within the starter passage 2141, the alignment sleeve 2219 is located on the lateral side 815 of the femur 811. The patient's skin and other soft tissue 2233 are located between the alignment sleeve 2219 and the femur 821. The leg of the patient is then rotated to a neutral position, and an incision 2235 is made through the soft tissue of the patient in the vicinity of the alignment sleeve 2219. A drilling bit 2241 or other boring tool is inserted through the alignment passage 2225 of the alignment sleeve 2219 for drilling the distal passage 2221 to join the starter passage 2141. Because the alignment sleeve 2219 is coaxial to the anchor member 2215 and because the anchor member 2215 is securely positioned within the starter passage 2141, the distal passage 2221 is easily formed coaxial to the starter passage 2221. As shown in
The primary reason for using a drilling guide 2211 to complete drilling through the femur is that it is less desirable to drill a hole completely through the femur from the proximal neck surface 2111 toward the lateral side 815 of the femur 811. When drilling from the proximal neck surface 2111, the patient's leg would be in the internally rotated position. It is not as safe to drill through the lateral side 815 of the femur 811 when the leg is internally rotated because the drill bit may contact and sever vital anatomy, such as the femoral artery or other vessels and nerves, upon exiting the femur 811. Since use of the drilling guide 2211 allows the leg to be rotated back to the neutral position, drilling can proceed from the lateral side 815 of the femur 811 without fear of contacting vital anatomy.
Referring to
Although the preparation of the femur for implantation of the prosthesis includes forming two separate passages from different sides of the femur, the starter and distal passages could be formed from the same side of the femur. Following the formation of the starter passage 2141, a guide may be placed within the starter passage 2141 to guide drilling of the distal passage 2221 from the proximal side of the femoral neck 823. Since the leg of the patient would likely be in an internally rotated position during this drilling procedure, care would be taken to only slightly penetrate the cortex on the lateral side of the femur 821. This would help avoid major arteries and nerves in the patient's leg. After forming both the starter and distal passages 2141, 2221 from the medial side of the femur, the drilling guide 2211 could be used to place the fastener 120, 620, 720 in the femur during the implantation of the femoral neck prosthesis, which is described in more detail below.
After forming both the starter passage 2141 and the distal passage 2221, the femur 811 is capable of receiving the femoral neck fixation prosthesis. However, prior to implantation of the prosthesis, it may be desirable to prepare the acetabulum for receipt of an acetabular component (not shown) that will mate with the head of the femoral neck fixation prosthesis. The starter and distal passages 2141, 2221 may be used to guide the preparation of the acetabulum, which initially involves reaming.
Referring to
In operation, the reamer path protector 2411 is inserted from the lateral side 815 of the femur 811 and into the distal passage 2221. The femoral neck liner 2431 is inserted from the proximal neck surface 2111 into the starter passage 2141 until the collar 2439 mates with the proximal neck surface 2111. The femoral neck liner 2431 is sized in diameter the same as or slightly less than the diameter of the starter passage 2141. As is the case with the anchor member 2215 (see
When the reamer path protector 2411 is securely fastened to the femoral neck liner 2431, a sufficient portion of the reamer path protector 2411 remains extending outside of the femur 811 to allow gripping by the surgeon or other person who will ream the acetabulum. The reamer path protector 2411 is therefore gripped in this area, and a reamer shaft 2451 is inserted through the passage 2427 and the passage 2437 to connect to a reamer head 2453 near the proximal neck surface 2111. The acetabulum is then reamed by rotating the patient's leg into a neutral position and applying power to rotate the reamer shaft 2451 and reamer head 2453 from the lateral side 815 of the femur 811. Some internal rotation of the femur 811 may also be necessary depending on the position of the femur 811 relative to flexion/extension and abduction/adduction. The acetabulum is progressively reamed until enough material has been removed to accommodate the acetabular component of the prosthesis. By reaming the acetabulum through the distal and starter passages 2221, 2141 formed in the femur 811, a highly effective reaming process is accomplished. Since the patient's leg is positioned in the neutral position during the reaming process, and since the reamer head 2353 is connected to the reamer shaft 2451 along the same axis as that about which the head and body of the prosthesis will be oriented, the acetabulum can be efficiently reamed to closely match the shape of the head of the prosthesis.
Following the reaming process, the reamer head 2453 is removed from the reamer shaft 2451, and the reamer shaft 2451 is removed from the femoral neck liner 2431 and the reamer path protector 2411. An impactor shaft (not shown) may be inserted into the reamer path protector 2411 and the femoral neck liner 2431 similar to the original insertion of the reamer shaft 2451. The impactor shaft is releasably connected to an impactor head (not shown) near the proximal neck surface 2111. The impactor shaft and impactor head are used to apply force to and seat the acetabular component of the prosthesis in the reamed acetabulum. After the acetabular component is firmly seated, the impactor shaft, impactor head, femoral neck liner 2431, and the reamer path protector 2411 are disassembled and removed from the femur 811
Referring to
The femoral neck fixation prosthesis is implanted into the femur 811 by inserting the body 125, 625, 725 of the prosthesis into the starter passage 2141. Preferably, the diameter of the body 125, 625, 725 is sized slightly larger than the diameter of the starter passage 2141 such that a secure fit within the starter passage 2141 is obtained when the body 125, 625, 725 is driven into the starter passage 2141. The starter passage 2141 is deep enough to accommodate the body 125, 625, 725 of the prosthesis and allow the collar of the body 125, 625, 725 to mate with the proximal neck surface 2111.
The fastener 120, 620, 720 is then inserted into the distal passage 2221 from the lateral side 815 of the femur 811. To properly feed the fastener 120, 620, 720 through the soft tissue 2233 (see
Referring to
As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the innovative concepts described in the present application can be modified and varied over a tremendous range of applications, and accordingly the scope of patented subject matter is not limited by any of the specific exemplary teachings given.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A method of implanting a prosthesis in a femur, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a main passage in the femoral neck from a medial side of the femur substantially coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- forming a fastener passage from a lateral side of the femur that is coaxial to and joins the main passage;
- providing a femoral neck prosthesis having a body member connected to a head member;
- inserting at least a portion of the body member in the main passage;
- inserting a fastener in the fastener passage; and
- connecting the fastener to the body member to secure the femoral neck prosthesis within the femur.
2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:
- resecting a femoral head of the femur at a cutting plane along the femoral neck prior to forming the main passage in the femoral neck.
3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the cutting plane is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the femoral neck.
4. A method according to claim 2, wherein the step of resecting a femoral head further comprises the steps of:
- positioning a locator shaft adjacent an exterior surface of the femoral head and substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- positioning a pin locator guide having at least two holes along the locator shaft;
- inserting a pin through each of the at least two of the holes in the pin locator guide and into the femoral head; and
- resecting the femoral head by aligning a cutting guide relative to the pins in the femoral head.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein:
- a locator plane formed by the pins is parallel to a cutting plane at which the femoral head is resected; and
- the cutting plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck.
6. A method according to claim 2, wherein the step of resecting a femoral head further comprises the steps of:
- providing a femoral neck clamp having a superior clamping member, an inferior clamping member, and a locator shaft guide member connected to at least one of the superior clamping member and the inferior clamping member;
- clamping the femoral neck clamp around the femoral neck at an isthmus of the femoral neck such that the superior clamping member is adjacent a superior region of the femoral neck, the inferior clamping member is adjacent an inferior region of the femoral neck, and a longitudinal axis of the locator shaft guide member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- positioning a locator shaft within the locator shaft guide hole;
- positioning a pin locator guide having at least two holes along the locator shaft;
- inserting a pin through each of the at least two holes in the pin locator guide and into the femoral head; and
- resecting the femoral head by aligning a cutting guide relative to the pins in the femoral head.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of forming a fastener passage further comprises:
- providing a drilling guide having an anchor member rigidly connected to an alignment sleeve;
- inserting the anchor member within the main passage such that the alignment sleeve is disposed adjacent to a lateral side of the femur and is coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the main passage;
- inserting a drill bit within the alignment sleeve; and
- drilling the fastener passage with the drill bit.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the anchor member is cylindrical and includes a longitudinal axis coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the alignment sleeve.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein:
- the body member includes a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end;
- the head member includes a distal end and a proximal substantially-spherical portion configured for positioning in a natural or prosthetic hip socket;
- a joining member is positioned between the distal end of the head member and the proximal end of the body member; and
- the fastener is spaced distally from the joining member and insertable, in use, between the distal end of the body member and the exterior of the distal side of the femur, substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the solid body member.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the length of the solid body member along the longitudinal axis is greater than its width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
11. A method of preparing a femur for implantation of a prosthesis comprising the steps of:
- forming a main passage in the femoral neck from a medial side of the femur substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- providing a drilling guide having an anchor member rigidly connected to an alignment sleeve;
- inserting the anchor within the main passage such that the alignment sleeve is disposed adjacent to a lateral side of the femur and is coaxial to the main passage;
- inserting a drill bit within the alignment sleeve; and
- drilling a fastener passage with the drill bit such that the fastener passage joins and is coaxial to the main passage.
12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of:
- resecting a femoral head of the femur at a cutting plane along the femoral neck prior to forming the main passage in the femoral neck.
13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the cutting plane is oriented normal to a longitudinal axis of the femoral neck.
14. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of resecting a femoral head further comprises the steps of:
- positioning a locator shaft adjacent an exterior surface of the femoral head and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- positioning a pin locator guide having at least two holes along the locator shaft;
- inserting a pin through each of the at least two of the holes in the pin locator guide and into the femoral head; and
- resecting the femoral head by aligning a cutting guide relative to the pins in the femoral head.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein:
- a locator plane formed by the pins is parallel to a cutting plane at which the femoral head is resected; and
- the cutting plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck.
16. A method according to claim 12, wherein the step of resecting a femoral head further comprises the steps of:
- providing a femoral neck clamp having a superior clamping member, an inferior clamping member, and a locator shaft guide member connected to at least one of the superior clamping member and the inferior clamping member;
- clamping the femoral neck clamp around the femoral neck at an isthmus of the femoral neck such that the superior clamping member is adjacent superior region of the femoral neck, the inferior clamping member is adjacent an inferior region of the femoral neck, and a longitudinal axis of the locator shaft guide member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- positioning a locator shaft within the locator shaft guide hole;
- positioning a pin locator guide having at least two holes along the locator shaft;
- inserting a pin through each of the at least two holes in the pin locator guide and into the femoral head; and
- resecting the femoral head by aligning a cutting guide relative to the pins in the femoral head.
17. A method according to claim 11, wherein the anchor member is cylindrical and includes a longitudinal axis coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the alignment sleeve.
18. A method according to claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
- inserting a reamer path protector having a reamer passage into the fastener passage;
- inserting a reamer shaft through the reamer passage;
- attaching a reamer head to the reamer shaft; and
- reaming an acetabulum by supplying a reaming force to the reamer shaft.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the reaming force is applied at an end of the reamer shaft opposite that of the reamer head.
20. A method according to claim 18 further comprising the step of placing the femur in a neutral position during the reaming of the acetabulum.
21. A method according to claim 18 further comprising the steps of:
- removing the reamer shaft from the reamer passage;
- inserting an impactor shaft through the reamer passage;
- connecting an impactor head to the impactor shaft;
- seating an acetabular portion of the prosthesis in the reamed acetabulum by supplying an impact force to the impactor shaft to drive the impactor head against the acetabular portion.
22. A method according to claim 11 further comprising the steps of:
- inserting a femoral neck liner having a liner passage within the main passage;
- inserting a reamer path protector having a reamer passage within the fastener passage;
- releasably connecting the reamer path protector to the femoral neck liner such that the reamer passage is substantially aligned with the liner passage;
- inserting a reamer shaft through the reamer passage and the liner passage;
- attaching a reamer head to the reamer shaft; and
- reaming an acetabulum by supplying a reaming force to the reamer shaft.
23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the reaming force is applied at an end of the reamer shaft opposite that of the reamer head.
24. A method according to claim 22 further comprising the step of placing the femur in a neutral position during the reaming of the acetabulum.
25. A method according to claim 22 further comprising the steps of:
- removing the reamer shaft from the reamer passage and the liner passage;
- inserting an impactor shaft through the reamer passage and the liner passage;
- connecting an impactor head to the impactor shaft;
- seating an acetabular portion of the prosthetic device in the reamed acetabulum by supplying an impact force to the impactor shaft to drive the impactor head against the acetabular portion.
26. A method of preparing a femur for implantation of a prosthesis, the femur having an at least partially intact femoral neck, the method comprising the steps of:
- first forming a main passage in the femoral neck from a medial side of the femur substantially coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the femoral neck; and
- second forming a secondary passage from a lateral side of the femur that is coaxial to and joins the main passage.
27. A method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of:
- resecting a femoral head of the femur at a cutting plane along the femoral neck prior to forming the main passage in the femoral neck.
28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the cutting plane is oriented normal to a longitudinal axis of the femoral neck.
29. A method according to claim 27, wherein the step of resecting a femoral head further comprises the steps of:
- positioning a locator shaft adjacent an exterior surface of the femoral head and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- positioning a pin locator guide having at least two holes along the locator shaft;
- inserting a pin through each of the at least two holes in the pin locator guide and into the femoral head; and
- resecting the femoral head by aligning a cutting guide relative to the pins in the femoral head.
30. A method according to claim 29, wherein:
- a locator plane formed by the pins is parallel to a cutting plane at which the femoral head is resected; and
- the cutting plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck.
31. A method according to claim 27, wherein the step of resecting a femoral head further comprises the steps of:
- providing a femoral neck clamp having a superior clamping member, an inferior clamping member, and a locator shaft guide member connected to at least one of the superior clamping member and the inferior clamping member;
- clamping the femoral neck clamp around the femoral neck at an isthmus of the femoral neck such that the superior clamping member is adjacent the superior region of the femoral neck, the inferior clamping member is adjacent an inferior region of the femoral neck, and a longitudinal axis of the locator shaft guide member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- positioning a locator shaft within the locator shaft guide hole;
- positioning a pin locator guide having at least two holes along the locator shaft;
- inserting a pin through each of the at least two holes in the pin locator guide and into the femoral head; and
- resecting the femoral head by aligning a cutting guide relative to the pins in the femoral head.
32. A method according to claim 26 further comprising the steps of:
- inserting a reamer path protector having a reamer passage into the secondary passage;
- inserting a reamer shaft through the reamer passage;
- attaching a reamer head to the reamer shaft; and
- reaming an acetabulum by supplying a reaming force to the reamer shaft.
33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the reaming force is applied at an end of the reamer shaft opposite that of the reamer head.
34. A method according to claim 32 further comprising the step of placing the femur in a neutral position during the reaming of the acetabulum.
35. A method according to claim 32 further comprising the steps of:
- removing the reamer shaft from the reamer passage;
- inserting an impactor shaft through the reamer passage;
- connecting an impactor head to the impactor shaft;
- seating an acetabular portion of the prosthesis in the reamed acetabulum by supplying an impact force to the impactor shaft to drive the impactor head against the acetabular portion.
36. A method according to claim 26 further comprising the steps of:
- inserting a femoral neck liner having a liner passage within the main passage;
- inserting a reamer path protector having a reamer passage within the secondary passage,
- releasably connecting the reamer path protector to the femoral neck liner such that the reamer passage is substantially aligned with the liner passage;
- inserting a reamer shaft through the reamer passage and the liner passage;
- attaching a reamer head to the reamer shaft; and
- reaming an acetabulum by supplying a reaming force to the reamer shaft.
37. A method according to claim 36, wherein the reaming force is applied at an end of the reamer shaft opposite that of the reamer head.
38. A method according to claim 36 further comprising the step of placing the femur in a neutral position during the reaming of the acetabulum.
39. A method according to claim 36 further comprising the steps of:
- removing the reamer shaft from the reamer passage and the liner passage;
- inserting an impactor shaft through the reamer passage and the liner passage;
- connecting an impactor head to the impactor shaft;
- seating an acetabular portion of the prosthesis in the reamed acetabulum by supplying an impact force to the impactor shaft to drive the impactor head against the acetabular portion.
40. A method of drilling a distal passage from a lateral side of a femur through a femoral neck of the femur, the method comprising the steps of:
- forming a starter passage from a medial side of the femur;
- providing a drilling guide having an anchor member rigidly connected to an alignment sleeve;
- placing the anchor member within the starter passage such that the alignment sleeve is disposed adjacent to the lateral side of the femur;
- inserting a drill bit within the alignment sleeve; and
- drilling the distal passage with the drill bit.
41. A method according to claim 40, wherein the distal passage is coaxial to the starter passage.
42. A method according to claim 40, wherein the anchor member is cylindrical and includes a longitudinal axis coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the alignment sleeve;
43. A method according to claim 40, wherein:
- the starter passage is positioned coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the femoral neck;
- the anchor member is cylindrical and includes a longitudinal axis coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the alignment sleeve; and
- wherein the distal passage is drilled coaxially to the starter passage.
44. A drilling guide for drilling a distal passage from a lateral side of a femur through a femoral neck of the femur, the drilling guide comprising:
- an anchor member having a substantially cylindrical body with a first longitudinal axis; and
- an alignment sleeve connected to the anchor member such that a second longitudinal axis of the alignment sleeve is coaxial to the first longitudinal axis of the anchor member.
45. A drilling guide according to claim 44 further comprising a connecting member attached between the anchor member and the alignment sleeve.
46. A drilling guide according to claim 45, wherein the connecting member is C-shaped.
47. A drilling guide according to claim 45, wherein the connecting member is adjustable to allow adjustable positioning of the anchor member relative to the alignment sleeve along the longitudinal axis of the drilling guide.
48. A drilling guide according to claim 44, wherein the anchor member is interchangeable to allow proper sizing of the anchor member.
49. A drilling guide according to claim 44, wherein the cylindrical body of the anchor member is tapered.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 9, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 13, 2005
Inventor: Theodre Crofford (Fort Worth, TX)
Application Number: 10/914,748