U.S. patent application number 13/292966 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for alignment guide with spirit level.
This patent application is currently assigned to DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Alec Birkbeck, Robert Freeman, Steven Gowers, Gary Moore.
Application Number | 20120330319 13/292966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47362549 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120330319 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Birkbeck; Alec ; et
al. |
December 27, 2012 |
ALIGNMENT GUIDE WITH SPIRIT LEVEL
Abstract
An alignment guide is described that includes a shaft having a
longitudinal axis and a housing attachable to the shaft and
rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis. A guide arm the extends from the housing at
a predetermined angle along a second axis. A spirit level is
connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined
angle.
Inventors: |
Birkbeck; Alec; (Leeds,
GB) ; Freeman; Robert; (Halifax, GB) ; Moore;
Gary; (Wetherby, GB) ; Gowers; Steven; (Leeds,
GB) |
Assignee: |
DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Leeds
GB
|
Family ID: |
47362549 |
Appl. No.: |
13/292966 |
Filed: |
January 23, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12773557 |
May 4, 2010 |
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13292966 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/8872 20130101;
A61F 2002/4668 20130101; A61F 2002/4687 20130101; A61F 2/4609
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/91 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/56 20060101
A61B017/56 |
Claims
1. An alignment guide, comprising: a shaft having a longitudinal
axis; a housing attached to the shaft and rotatable about a first
axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;
a guide arm that extends from the housing at a predetermined angle
along a second axis; and a spirit level connected to the housing on
a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.
2. The alignment guide of claim 1, wherein the spirit level
comprises a first elongated tube, and a second elongated tube
arranged to be perpendicular to the first elongated tube, the first
tube being aligned with the longitudinal axis.
3. The alignment guide of claim 2, wherein the first and second
tubes each contain a liquid having a bubble disposed therein, and
have respective first and second indicator lines that indicate a
center position for a bubble that moves within each tube.
4. The alignment guide of claim 3, wherein the first tube is
adapted such that, when a bubble is in the center position of first
tube, the shaft is at a pre-planned inclination angle.
5. The alignment guide of claim 3, wherein the second tube is
adapted such that, when a bubble is in the center position of
second tube, the shaft is at a pre-planned version angle.
6. The alignment guide of claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle
ranges from 30 to 50 degrees.
7. The alignment guide of claim 1, wherein the spirit level is a
substantially ovate container partially filled with a liquid, and
wherein the container has a bubble disposed therein, a center, and
has at least one indicator marking oriented substantially at the
center.
8. The alignment guide of claim 7, wherein the spirit level is
adapted such that, when a bubble is positioned beneath the at least
one indicator marking, the shaft is at a pre-planned inclination
and anteversion angle.
9. The alignment guide of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a
base attached to the shaft, and a plate rotatable about the first
axis relative to the base, the first portion being attached to the
plate.
10. A method of aligning an alignment guide relative to a reamed
acetabulum of a patient, the patient being positioned on an
operating table and having a long axis, comprising the steps of:
manipulating an alignment guide comprising a shaft having a distal
end and a longitudinal axis, a guide arm rotatably attached to the
shaft about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis, and a spirit level attached to the guide arm,
the spirit level including a container having a liquid, a bubble
disposed within the container, and at least one indicator marking
on the container; rotating the guide arm about the first axis
relative to the shaft; contacting the distal end of the shaft with
the reamed acetabulum; and while maintaining contact between the
distal end of the shaft and the reamed acetabulum, adjusting the
position of the alignment guide until the bubble is positioned
beneath the at least one indicator marking.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein a cup or trial is attached to
the distal end of the shaft and the contacting step comprises the
step of locating the cup or trial within the reamed acetabulum.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the spirit level comprises a
first elongated tube and a second elongated tube arranged to be
perpendicular to the first elongated tube, the first tube being
aligned with the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first and
second tubes each contain a liquid having a bubble disposed
therein, and have respective first and second indicator lines that
indicate a center position for a bubble that moves within each
tube, and further comprising the step of while maintaining contact
between the distal end of the shaft and the reamed acetabulum,
adjusting the position of the alignment guide until the bubble
disposed in the first tube is positioned beneath the indicator
lines of the first tube.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
adjusting the position of the alignment guide until the bubble
disposed in the second tube is positioned beneath the indicator
lines of the second tube.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment guide. In
particular, the present invention relates to an alignment guide for
aligning an instrument, more particularly an alignment guide for
use with the implantation of a hip cup.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Hip replacement surgery typically is performed to compensate
for severe damage of the acetabulum due to disease, trauma or other
factors, and includes the steps of removing all or part of the
existing joint and substituting for the removed bone a femoral
component attached to the patient's femur and an acetabular cup
attached to the patient's acetabulum. The prosthetic acetabular cup
is implanted to substitute for the socket of the hip joint, and is
mated with a prosthetic femoral component to complete the hip
replacement surgery. In order to achieve optimal performance of the
combined acetabular and femoral prostheses, the acetabular cup must
be properly positioned in the acetabulum. An improperly positioned
acetabular component can lead to dislocations of the hip joint,
decreased range of motion, and eventual loosening or failure of one
or both of the acetabular and femoral components.
[0003] Acetabular cups may be formed of a metal, ceramic or
plastic. Incorrect acetabular component positioning can lead to
edge loading and undesirable effects across bearings composed of
any material, such as dislocation, increased wear, ceramic
squeaking, elevated metal ion release and fractures. Studies of
post-operative cup placement demonstrate that seating the cup in
particular orientations provides for improved wear patterns
compared with seating the cup in other orientations. For example, a
study by Langton et al., entitled "The Effect of Component Size and
Orientation on the Concentrations of Metal Ions after Resurfacing
Arthroplasty of the Hip", and published in the Journal of Bone
Joint Surgery (2008; 90-B:1143-51) demonstrates that the version
angle (as measured on EBRA software) may influence wear. To improve
the wear of the cup and the product performance of the hip system,
a surgeon endeavours to seat the cup in an orientation that is
predicted to provide good wear patterns in accordance with the
post-operative studies.
[0004] In preparation for surgery, the patient is x-rayed in the
same two planes as those provided for in the post-operative
studies. The surgeon then uses the x-rays as a means of
preliminarily planning the size of the acetabular and femoral
prostheses and the position of each when surgery is complete.
During surgery, the surgeon uses a reamer to remove bone to form a
hemispherical shape in the acetabulum. The reamed acetabulum
enables a nearly unlimited number of angular cup positions as the
cup may be seated at any angle within the hemisphere.
[0005] Next, the surgeon attaches the cup to an inserter/impactor
and attempts to position the cup in a way that approximates the
planned-for angles in the pre-operative plan. Surgeons often have
difficulty in performing this step as he or she must manipulate the
cup in three dimensions while attempting to correct for angular
changes that occur when translating the pre-operative radiographic
angle into operative angles. Thus, a common cause of malpositioning
is the difference between the radiographic angles provided in the
pre-operative plan and the operative angles observed by the
surgeon.
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts the difference in the projection of angles
seen from different views. For example, 45.degree. of inclination
and 30.degree. of anteversion achieved in the operative environment
will provide a steeper inclination angle of 50.degree. when
displayed on an A/P radiograph. To achieve a position that will
provide a 45.degree. inclination angle on the A/P radiograph, the
surgeon must adjust the operative inclination angle. Thus, to
succeed in positioning the cup at a desired angle, the surgeon
needs to translate the information from the post-operative studies
generated in two dimensions at a first viewing angle into data that
is useful when in the operating theatre, where the surgeon operates
in three dimensions and observes the patient at a viewing angle
that is not the viewing angle provided in an A/P radiograph.
[0007] To assist surgeons in accurately locating and aligning
prostheses and instruments, surgeons commonly rely on instruments.
Inclination and version guides are widely used during total hip
arthroplasty to assist in aligning the acetabular cup. Separate
guides may be provided for inclination and version angle.
Alternatively, a combined guide may be provided. One known form of
combined alignment guide enables the position of the acetabular cup
to be set at an angle relative to the floor of the operating room
and the long axis of the patient. Such an alignment guide (that
provides a measure of operative angles to position the cup inserter
in surgery) does not directly represent what the surgeon will see
post-operatively on an A/P radiograph. As discussed earlier, all of
the clinical analysis on cup wear has been based on post-operative
measurements. As a result, the surgeon aims to position the cup to
match as closely as possible the desired position as shown in a
post-operative radiograph of the cup. The disadvantage of using
operative angles in surgery is that, as you vary operative
anteversion, the radiographic inclination angle of the cup
changes.
[0008] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to
obviate or mitigate one or more of the problems associated with the
prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an alignment guide that
accounts for changes in inclination when the user adjusts the
version angle so as to more accurately position the cup inserter in
surgery. Further, an embodiment of the alignment guide can be
designed such that adjustment of inclination and version angles are
made independently of each other. One embodiment of the alignment
guide uses a spirit level to indicate when the alignment guide is
positioned at a predetermined inclination and/or version angle.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is
provided an alignment guide that includes a shaft having a
longitudinal axis; a housing attached to the shaft and rotatable
about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis; a guide arm that extends from the housing at a
predetermined angle along a second axis; and a spirit level
connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined
angle.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of using the alignment guide to position a cup
or trial in a patient's acetabulum. The method is for aligning an
alignment guide relative to a reamed acetabulum of a patient having
a long axis positioned on an operating table, and includes the
steps of:
[0011] manipulating an alignment guide comprising a shaft having a
distal end and a longitudinal axis, a guide arm rotatably attached
to the shaft about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis, and a spirit level attached to the guide arm,
the spirit level including a container having a liquid, a bubble
disposed within the container, and at least one indicator marking
on the container;
[0012] rotating the guide arm about the first axis relative to the
shaft;
[0013] contacting the distal end of the shaft with the reamed
acetabulum; and
[0014] while maintaining contact between the distal end of the
shaft and the reamed acetabulum, adjusting the position of the
alignment guide until the bubble is positioned beneath the at least
one indicator marking.
[0015] The present invention will now be described, by way of
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the operative and A/P
radiographic viewing angles of a patient lying in a lateral
decubitus position ready for surgery;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an alignment guide in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alignment guide in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alignment guide in
accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 2, wherein the guide arm is
shown separated from the shaft;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an alignment guide in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alignment guide in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention the
alignment guide;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the alignment guide
of FIG. 6 taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the alignment
guide of FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an partially exploded perspective view of the
alignment guide of FIG. 6, having ratchet springs and pins omitted
for clarity;
[0025] FIGS. 10A and 10B are, respectively, top and bottom plan
views of the alignment guide of FIG. 6 at a first position, wherein
the guide arm is co-planar with the shaft;
[0026] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are, respectively, a top plan, bottom
plan and perspective view of the alignment guide of FIG. 6 at a
second position, wherein the guide arm is not co-planar with the
shaft;
[0027] FIGS. 12A, 13A and 14A illustrate side elevational views of
steps of a first method of using one of the first, second or third
alignment guides of the present invention on a patient lying in a
left lateral decubitus position;
[0028] FIGS. 12B, 13B and 14B illustrate plan views of the steps
illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 13A and 14A, respectively;
[0029] FIG. 14C illustrates a perspective plan view of the step
illustrated in 14A and 14B;
[0030] FIGS. 15A, 16A and 17A illustrate side elevational views of
steps of a second method of using one of the first, second or third
alignment guides of the present invention on a patient lying in a
dorsal decubitus position;
[0031] FIGS. 15B, 16B and 17B illustrate plan views of the steps
illustrated in FIGS. 15A, 16A and 17A, respectively;
[0032] FIG. 17C illustrates a perspective plan view of the step
illustrate 17A and 17B;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alignment guide that
includes two spirit levels in accordance with a fourth embodiment
of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alignment guide that
includes a bulls-eye type spirit level in accordance with a fifth
embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 20A illustrates the side elevational view of a fourth
method in accordance with the invention using the fourth alignment
guide of the present invention on a patient lying in a left lateral
decubitus position;
[0036] FIGS. 20B and 20C illustrate plan views of additional steps
of the fourth method;
[0037] FIGS. 21A-21D illustrate plan views of the position of the
bubbles in the spirit level of the fourth embodiment when the guide
is positioned at different inclination and version angles according
to the fourth method;
[0038] FIG. 22A illustrates the side elevational view of a fifth
method in accordance with the invention using the fifth alignment
guide of the present invention on a patient lying in a left lateral
decubitus position;
[0039] FIGS. 22B and 22C illustrate plan views of additional steps
of the fifth method using the fifth alignment guide; and
[0040] FIGS. 23A-23D illustrate plan views of the position of the
bubbles in the spirit level of the fourth embodiment when the guide
is positioned at different inclination and version angles according
to the fourth method.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a first embodiment of the
alignment guide is generally referenced as reference numeral 20.
Alignment guide 20 includes a shaft 21 having a longitudinal axis A
and a guide arm, generally referenced as reference numeral 30,
releasably attached to shaft 21. Alignment guide 20 may be attached
to a cup or trial 40 at distal end 22 of shaft 21. Alignment guide
20 may include a handle 24 attached at proximal end 23 of shaft 21.
Guide arm 30 may be attached to shaft 21 such that shaft 21 and
guide arm 30 are co-planar in a first position. Guide arm 30 is
preferably configured such that guide arm 30 may be detached from
shaft 21, rotated to a second position about a first axis B
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A at which
position guide arm 30 is out of plane with shaft 1, and then
re-attached to shaft 21. Alternatively, guide arm 30 may be spring
biased with respect to shaft 21 such that a user could apply a
force to overcome the spring bias to separate guide arm from shaft
21 to rotate guide arm 30 and shaft 21 with respect to one
another.
[0042] Guide arm 30 includes a first portion 32, a second portion
34 and a third portion 36. Preferably, first portion 32, second
portion 34 and third portion 36 of guide arm 30 are co-planar.
First portion 32 is attachable to shaft 21 and is rotatable about a
first axis B that is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal
axis A. Second portion 34 may be attached at the distal end of
first portion 32 or at some point along the length of first portion
32. Second portion 34 extends from first portion 32 at a first
predetermined angle .alpha. along a second axis C. In a preferred
embodiment, first predetermined angle .alpha. ranges from 30 to 50
degrees, and more preferably approximately 40 degrees. In a
preferred embodiment, the distal end of first portion 32
transitions smoothly to second portion 34 at transition 33. Third
portion 36 may be attached at the distal end of second portion 34
or at some point along the length of first portion 34. In a
preferred embodiment, the distal end of second portion 34
transitions smoothly to third portion 36 at transition 35. Third
portion 36 extends from second portion 34 at a second predetermined
angle .gamma. along a third axis D. In a preferred embodiment,
second predetermined angle .gamma. is approximately 90 degrees.
[0043] Shaft 21 may include a base 27 that extends from a surface
of shaft 21 in a direction generally perpendicular to longitudinal
axis A. It is understood that base 27 can be formed in shaft 21 or
be a separate component that is attached to shaft 21, in which ease
base 27 may be glued or welded to shaft 21, for example. Referring
to FIG. 4, base 27 has a first recess 28 and at least two slots
29a, 29b. In a preferred embodiment, first portion 32 of guide arm
30 includes a cover 37 that has a protrusion 38 sized and shaped to
be at least partially received within recess 28, and a tab 39 sized
and shaped to be at least partially received within each of the at
least two slots 29a, 29b. In this way, cover 37 and base 27 are
configured to be attached to one another in more than one
orientation. Cover 37 can be detached from base 27 and mated with
base 27 such that protrusion 38 is disposed within recess 28 and
tab 39 is disposed within slot 29a. If the surgeon chooses, cover
37 can be detached from base 27, rotated with respect to axis B,
and then mated with base 27 such that protrusion 38 is disposed
within recess 28 and tab 39 is disposed within slot 29b. Base 27
can be cylindrical in shape and first recess 28 can be located
centrally to facilitate rotation of guide arm 30. Protrusion 38 can
extend further from cover 37 than tab 39 such that at least a
portion of protrusion 38 is disposed within recess 28 when the user
disengages tab 39 from slots 29a, 29b to facilitate rotation and
the mating of recesses and tabs.
[0044] While FIG. 4 depicts two slots 29a, 29b, it is understood
that base 27 could include a plurality of slots 29 that are spaced
apart at predetermined intervals such that guide arm 30 can be
rotated about axis B with respect to shaft 21 at known angular
increments. In this way, because guide arm 30 is attached to cover
37, guide arm 30 may be attached to shaft 21 in a position where
guide arm 30 is coplanar with longitudinal axis A of shaft 21 or
out of plane with respect to shaft 21 by the angular increment that
guide arm 30 was rotated with respect to shaft 21. In a preferred
embodiment, up to fifteen slots could be provided at increments of
three to ten degrees, but most preferably five degree increments.
As one skilled in the art will understand, base 27 and cover 37 can
be configured to attach in other ways. For example, base 27 can
have a protrusion that extends from an upper surface that is
configured to be received in a recess in cover 37. Similarly, base
27 can include a tab that extends upwardly that is configured to be
received within slots formed in cover 37. Alternatively, cover 37
and base 27 can have a combination of tabs and slots, and/or
protrusions and recesses that enable a user to attach cover 37 and
base 27 to one another at two or more positions. The tab and slot
features could be located on the perimeter of base 27 and cover 37
and/or could communicate with the perimeter of base 27 and cover 37
and/or be located within the perimeter of the body of one or the
other or both base 27 and cover 37. Protrusion 38 may be spring
biased with respect to base 27 by attaching a spring (not shown) to
protrusion 38 (or cover 37) and base 27. In this way, a user could
apply a force to overcome the spring bias to separate cover 37 from
base 27 a distance that disengages tab 39 from slots 29 and permits
cover 37 to be rotated with respect to base 27.
[0045] In each of the embodiments described herein, shaft 21 may be
attachable directly to cup or trial 40 or attachable to a separate
component that is itself attachable to cup or trial 40. The
separate component need not be aligned with longitudinal axis A
along its entire length, but preferably attaches to cup or trial 40
at a point that is collinear with longitudinal axis A or at least
parallel to longitudinal axis A. Thus, shaft 21 may be a short
shaft that is attachable to an inserter shaft that is attachable to
cup or trial 40. Alternatively, shaft 21 may have a proximal
portion that defines longitudinal axis A and a distal portion that
is curved and/or has at least two lengths that are not parallel to
longitudinal axis A.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of an alignment
guide 120 is depicted. Similar structures are labelled similarly to
the corresponding structures of the first embodiment. Alignment
guide 120 includes a shaft 121 having a longitudinal axis A, and a
guide arm, generally indicated as reference numeral 130, releasably
attached to shaft 121. Alignment guide 120 may be attached to a cup
or trial 140 at distal end 122 of shaft 121. Alignment guide 120
may include a handle 124 attached at proximal end 123 of shaft 121.
Guide arm 130 may be attached to shaft 121 such that shaft 121 and
guide arm 130 are co-planar in a first position. Guide arm 130 is
preferably configured such that guide arm 130 may be rotated to a
second position about a first axis B substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis A at which position guide arm 130 is out of
plane with shaft 121.
[0047] Guide arm 130 includes a housing 132 that is attached to
shaft 121, a first portion 134 attached to housing 132, and a
second portion 136 attached to first portion 134. Housing 132
includes a base 127 attached to shaft 121, and a cover 137
rotatable relative to base 127 about first axis B. First portion
134 extends from housing 132 along a second axis C at a first
predetermined angle .alpha.. Second portion 136 extends from first
portion 134 at a second predetermined angle .gamma.. In a preferred
embodiment, second predetermined angle .gamma. is approximately 90
degrees. As with the first embodiment, first portion 34 may be
attached at the distal end of housing 132 or at some point along
the length of housing 132. First portion 134 may attach directly to
housing 132 or attach to housing 132 via a linking portion 133 that
transitions from first portion 134 to housing 132. Linking portion
133 may transition from axis C to axis B along a straight or curved
line. Second portion 136 may be attached at the distal end of first
portion 134 or at some point along the length of first portion 134.
In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of first portion 134
transitions smoothly to second portion 136 at transition 135. Base
127 and cover 137 may be configured to be lockable with respect to
one another.
[0048] As with the first embodiment, base 127 extends from a
surface of shaft 121 in a direction generally perpendicular to
longitudinal axis A. Base 127 can be formed in shaft 121 or be a
separate component that is attached to shaft 121. Base 127 may be
glued or welded to shaft 21, for example. As with the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 4, cover 137 and base 127 may have a combination
of features, such as slots/recesses and protrusions/tab, to permit
cover 137 and base 127 to be attached to one another at different
angular positions relative to longitudinal axis A. It is understood
that each of the different combinations of mating features
described with respect to the first embodiment may be employed to
attach or mate cover 137 and base 127. Because guide arm 130 is
attached to cover 137, guide arm 130 may be attached to shaft 21 in
a position where guide arm 30 is coplanar with longitudinal axis A
of shaft 121 or out of plane with respect to longitudinal axis A of
shaft 21 by the angular increment that guide arm 30 was rotated
with respect to shaft 21. As with the first embodiment, the angular
increments can be provided in known increments of for instance,
three to ten degrees, but most preferably five degree
increments.
[0049] Referring to Referring to FIGS. 6-9, a third embodiment of
an alignment guide 220 is depicted. Similar structures are labelled
similarly to the corresponding structures of the prior embodiments.
Alignment guide 220 includes a shaft 221 having a longitudinal axis
A, and a guide arm, generally indicated as reference numeral 230,
releasably attached and rotatably attached to shaft 221. Alignment
guide 220 may be attached to a cup or trial (not shown) at distal
end 222 of shaft 221. Alignment guide 120 may include a handle 224
attached at proximal end 223 of shaft 221. Guide arm 230 may be
attached to shaft 221 such that shaft 221 and guide arm 230 are
co-planar in a first position. Guide arm 230 is preferably
configured such that guide arm 230 may be rotated to a second
position about a first axis B substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis A at which position guide arm 230 is out of plane
with shaft 221. Preferably, guide arm 230 is rotatable in angular
increments with respect to shaft 221. As with the first two
embodiments, the angular increments can be provided in known
increments of, for instance, three to ten degrees, but most
preferably five degree increments.
[0050] Guide arm 230 includes a first portion 232, a second portion
234 and a third portion 236. Second portion 234 may be attached at
the distal end of first portion 232 or at some point along the
length of first portion 232. In a preferred embodiment, the distal
end of first portion 232 transitions smoothly to second portion
234. Third portion 236 may be attached at the distal end of second
portion 234 or at some point along the length of first portion 234.
In a preferred embodiment, the distal end of second portion 234
transitions smoothly to third portion 236. Second portion 234
extends from first portion 232 at a first predetermined angle
.alpha. along a second axis C. In a preferred embodiment, first
predetermined angle .alpha. ranges from 30 to 50 degrees, and more
preferably approximately 40 degrees. Third portion 236 extends from
second portion 234 at a second predetermined angle .gamma. along a
third axis D. In a preferred embodiment, second predetermined angle
.gamma. is approximately 90 degrees.
[0051] The third embodiment differs from the first two embodiments
in that the mechanisms for detachably attaching guide arm 230 to
shaft 221 and rotating guide arm 230 with respect to shaft 221 are
more complex. As shown in FIGS. 6-8, guide arm 230 is attached to a
clip 250 which is adapted to be releasably attached to a housing
240, which in turn is attached to shaft 221. Housing 240 includes a
base 227 attached to shaft 221 and a cap 241 attached to an upper
portion of base 227. A bezel 237 is rotatably attached to base 227
about a first axis B, which is substantially perpendicular to
longitudinal axis A. Bezel 237 is preferably captured within
housing 240 between base 227 and cap 241, and is configured to be
rotatable with respect to base 127 and lockable with respect to
base 127 at discrete positions.
[0052] Base 227 of housing 240 is mounted or attached to shaft 221.
In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, shaft 221 is circular
in cross-section (though shaft 221 may have any cross-sectional
shape), and includes a platform 260 formed on a proximal portion of
shaft 221. Platform 260 preferably has a generally rectilinear
cross-section and one side that is flat so as to more readily
attach base 227 to that side. Base 227 may be attached to platform
260 (or directly to shaft 221) in any manner known to one skilled
in the art, but one in which permits no relative movement between
base 227 and shaft 221. For example, depending upon the material of
base 227, it may be glued or welded to platform 260.
[0053] Preferably base 227 includes a ring 227a that has an inner
surface with teeth 227b formed thereon over at least a segment of
the inner surface. Ring 227a is preferably centered on first axis
B. Preferably, teeth 227b are formed on a lower portion of the
inner surface of ring 227a. Ring 227a includes a first portion 227c
and a second portion 227d of increased height as measured from the
platform 261. The first portion 227c and second portion 227d
preferably are opposed from one another and extend approximately
between 60 and 110 degrees about base 227, but most preferably
approximately 90 degrees. Cap 241 is attached to first portion 227c
and second portion 227d such that windows 228 are formed between
cap 241 and ring 227a. Preferably the windows extend over at least
that portion of ring 227a that includes teeth 227b. Ring 227a also
includes a shoulder 227e formed above teeth 227b about the inner
circumference of ring 227a.
[0054] As described above, bezel 237 is rotatably attached to base
227 about first axis B. Bezel 237 has two opposed arcuate portions
237a connected by a central bar 237b. The arcuate portions each
have a lower surface 237c dimensioned to contact shoulder 227e of
base 227, and an outer arcuate surface 237c dimensioned to contact
the inner surface of first and second portions 227c, 227d. When
disposed within housing 240, bezel 237 is thus captured between cap
241 and base 227 and is freely rotatable with respect to base 227.
Arcuate portions 237a each may have a reduced diameter portion 237d
that together with outer surface 237c form a shoulder 2237f.
Shoulder 237f thus provides clearance for cap 241 to be attached to
first portion 227c and second portion 227d and permits bezel 237 to
freely rotate between cap 241 and base 227.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, cap 241 preferably has an
opening to permit clip 250 to extend through cap 241 and be
releasably attached to bezel 237. Bezel 237 may have one or more
guideholes 237g in a top surface to guide the user when clip 250 is
attached to bezel 237. Preferably, guideholes 237g are configured
to permit clip 250 to attach to bezel only in a single
orientation.
[0056] Housing 240 is configured to receive therein a first male
ratchet member 270 and a second male ratchet member 271. Male
ratchet members 270, 271 are captured within base 227 and cap 241
so as to be rotatable with respect to the base 227 within window
228. First male ratchet member 270 has a first opening 270a and a
second opening 270b, spaced apart from first opening 270a, formed
in an inner surface of first male ratchet member 270. Similarly,
second male ratchet member 271 has a first opening 271a and a
second opening 271b, spaced apart from first opening 271a, formed
in an inner surface of second male ratchet member 271. One of the
male ratchet member 270 and second male ratchet member 271 is
configured to receive a first end of a first ratchet pin 272 and a
second ratchet pin 273 in openings 270a, 270b or 271a, 271b. The
other of the male ratchet member 270 and second male ratchet member
271 is configured to receive one end each of a pair of ratchet
springs 274 in openings 270a, 270b or 271a, 271b. The other end of
ratchet springs 274 are received on the second end of first ratchet
pin 272 and a second ratchet pin 273. Ratchet pins 270, 271 are
attached to bezel 237.
[0057] Referring more particularly to FIG. 9, first male ratchet
member 270 and second male ratchet member 271 each have au inner
portion 270c, 271c and an outer portion 270d, 271d and an arm 270e,
271e connect that connects the inner portions to the outer
portions. Arms 270e, 271e are dimensioned to extend through window
228 formed between base 227 and cap 241, and accommodate the
thickness of ring 227a. Each outer portion 270d, 271d extends
substantially perpendicularly from the arm and has a height that is
greater than the height of window 228. Each outer portion 270d,
271d has an outer grip surface 270h, 271h and an inner surface
270f, 271f that preferably is shaped such that as the respective
ratchet member is moved about the base and cap, inner surfaces
270f, 271f are not impeded by the base or cap. Preferably, the
inner surface of the outer portions are arcuate and defines an arc
of a circle that is slightly larger than that defined by the base
or cap.
[0058] Inner portions 270c, 271c of ratchet members 270, 271 are
configured to closely mate with bezel 237 when ratchet members
270c, 271c are assembled within housing 240 such that when the
ratchet members are rotated, bezel 237 also rotates. Ratchet
members 270, 271 are formed with at least one ratchet tooth 270g,
271g (see FIG. 10A) on the respective outer surfaces of the inner
portions 270c, 271e. Each of the ratchet teeth 270g, 271g are
disposed between inner portions 270c, 271c and outer portions the
270d, 271d and below arms 270c, 271c. Ratchet teeth 270g, 271g are
shaped. to engage the teeth 227b of base 227 or the space defined
therebetween. When assembled within housing 240, ratchet teeth
270g, 271g of male ratchet members 270, 271 are spring biased to
engage teeth 227b of base 227. A user may impart a compressive
force on the opposed grip surfaces 270h, 271h of ratchet members,
which acts against springs 274, which serves to reduce the distance
between the distal end of ratchet teeth 270g, 271g such that
ratchet teeth 270c, 271c disengage from base teeth 227b.
[0059] In this way, bezel 237, which is directly connected to
ratchet members 270, 271, may then be rotated with respect to base
227. Teeth 227b and ratchet teeth 270c, 271c are configured such
that rotating bezel 237 angularly by one tooth will adjust the
bezel 237 by a known angular increment, which in turn adjusts guide
arm 230 (which is directly attached to bezel 237) by the same
angular amount. Preferably, each base tooth is spaced apart from a
next tooth by approximately three to ten degrees, but most
preferably five degrees.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 11C, cap 241 may have indicia printed
thereon to indicate the amount of anteversion guide arm 230 will
provide when bezel 237 is rotated relative to base 227 and shaft
221. Preferably, the indicia would include a "0" marking aligned
with longitudinal axis A, and have tick or numeric markings
indicating the degree of anteversion on either side of the "0"
marking provided when guide arm 230 is rotated in either direction.
Alignment guide 220 is designed to be used on either the left or
right leg. Hence, the measurement of anteversion depends on which
leg the alignment guide is being used.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 8, as described above, clip 250 serves to
releasably attach guide arm 230 to housing 240 and more
particularly, bezel 237. In a preferred embodiment, clip 250
includes a locking plate 251, a post 252 extending from a top
surface thereof, and at least two stakes 251a extending from a
bottom surface thereof. Stakes 251a are dimensioned and spaced such
that they may be received within guide holes 237g of bezel 237. In
a preferred embodiment, one of stakes 251a is configured to mate
with a first guide hole 237g and the other of stakes 251a is
configured to mate with a second guide hole 237g such that plate
251 mates with bezel 237 in only one orientation. That is, the
mating components 251a and 237g are configured such that each of
the two different stakes 251a is shaped and/or sized to fit in only
one of each of the two different guideholes 237g. As shown in FIG.
11C, locking plate 251 can include an indicator on a top surface
that points to the tick or numeric markings on cap 241 when clip
250 is assembled with bezel 237.
[0062] Post 252 includes a lower portion 252a that extends from a
top surface of locking plate 251 and a upper portion 252b that
extends from lower portion 252a. A shoulder 252c is formed where
the cross-sectional dimension of upper portion 252b steps down from
the cross-sectional dimension of lower portion 252a, At least a
portion of lower portion 252a is threaded to receive a lock nut
254. A lock-nut spring 255 is disposed about upper portion 252b
between lock nut 254 and a spring cap 256. Spring cap 256 has a
centrally located bore for receiving the distal end of first
portion 232 of guide arm 230. The bore of spring cap 256 is
configured to communicate with a similar bore in upper portion 252b
of post 252. Each of the bores is dimensioned to receive at least a
portion of first portion 232 of guide arm 230.
[0063] Clip 250 includes a pair of levers 253 pivotably connected
on opposing sides of lower portion 252a of post 252. Levers 253
each have a pair of ears that are dimensioned to be disposed about
one side of post 252. Each of the pair of ears has a pinhole that
communicates with a throughhole that passes through opposing sides
of lower portion 252a when levers 253 are engaged with post 252. A
pin disposed through the pair of ears of levers 253 and the
throughhole of post 252 pivotably connects each of levers 253 to
post 252. Levers 253 each have a lower lip 253a that engages at
least the sides and preferably the underside of central bar 237b
when levers 253 are in a first position at which point lock nut 254
is screwed down onto lower portion 252a of post 252.
[0064] When lock nut 254 is positioned, distally on lower portion
252a, lock nut 254 contacts an upper surface of levers 253 to
prevent levers 253 from rotating with respect to each other thereby
preventing lips 253a from disengaging from bezel 237. Spring lock
255 maintains a force on lock nut 254 to maintain it in the distal
most position until the user backs off lock nut 254. When the user
does so, levers 253 freely pivot about pins 258 so as to permit the
user to disengage lips 253a from bezel 237, which in turn permits
the user to detach clip 250 (and guide arm 230) from bezel 237 (and
shaft 221).
[0065] FIGS. 10A and 10B depict a detail top plan and bottom plan
view of alignment guide 220 in a first position, wherein third
portion 236 of guide arm 230 is aligned with the longitudinal axis
A of shaft 221. Preferably, in this first position, guide arm 230
and shaft 221 are co-planar. Ratchet teeth 270g, 271g mate with
base teeth 227b of ring 227a to prevent guide arm 230 from
inadvertently moving relative to shaft 221. To rotate guide arm
230, the user applies a force to outer portions 270d, 271d. to act
against springs 274, which reduces the distance between the distal
end of ratchet teeth 270g, 271g such that ratchet teeth 270c, 271c
disengage from base teeth 227b. The user may then rotate bezel 237
and guide arm 230 with respect to the longitudinal axis A of shaft
221. FIGS. 11A-C depict a detailed top plan, bottom plan and
perspective view of alignment guide 220 in a second position,
wherein third portion 236 of guide arm 230 is not aligned with the
longitudinal axis A of shaft 221.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, a fourth embodiment of the alignment
guide is generally referenced as reference numeral 320. Alignment
guide 320 includes a shaft 321, having a longitudinal axis A, a
guide arm, generally referred to as element 330, which is rotatable
with respect to shaft 321, and a spirit level 380 attached to guide
arm 330. This embodiment differs from the prior embodiments in that
it includes spirit level 380, which facilitates the use of the
alignment guide by making it easier for the user to visualize when
the alignment guide is in the planned orientation. For example, it
may be difficult for the surgeon to judge whether the guide arm is
aligned with the patient axis while he or she is holding the
device. As such, the spirit level provides an additional indicator
allowing the surgeon to check the angle without having to alter his
or her viewing position.
[0067] As with prior embodiments, alignment guide 320 may be
attached to a cup or trial 340 at distal end 322 of shaft 321.
Alignment guide 320 may include a handle 324 attached at proximal
end of shaft 321. Guide arm 330 may be attached to shaft 321 such
that shaft 321 and guide arm 330 are co-planar in a first position.
Guide arm 330 is preferably configured such that guide arm 330 may
be rotated to a second position about a first axis B, which is
substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A, at which
position guide arm 330 is out of plane with shaft 321. Guide arm
330 may be configured to be rotated with respect to shaft 321 using
any of the mechanisms described with respect to the prior
embodiments described herein. For example, guide arm 330 may be
configured to be detached and then reattached to shaft 321 at a
different angular position. Alternatively, guide arm 330 may be
attached to shaft 321 via the mechanisms described in connection
with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-11.
[0068] Guide arm 330 can include a first portion 332, a second
portion 334 and a third portion 336. Preferably, first portion 332,
second portion 334 and third portion 336 of guide arm 330 are
co-planar. First portion 332 is attachable to shaft 321 and is
rotatable about a first axis B that is substantially perpendicular
to longitudinal axis A. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end
of first portion 332 transitions smoothly to second portion 334,
which extends along a second axis C at an angle .alpha. with
respect to first axis B. In a preferred embodiment, first
predetermined angle a ranges from 30 to 50 degrees, and more
preferably approximately 40 degrees. Third portion 336 may be
attached at the distal end of second portion 334 or at some point
along the length of first portion 334. In a preferred embodiment,
the distal end of second portion 334 transitions smoothly to third
portion 336. Third portion 336 extends from second portion 334 at a
second predetermined angle .gamma. along a third axis D. In a
preferred. embodiment. second predetermined angle .gamma. is
approximately 90 degrees.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 20A, guide arm 330 includes a housing 331
that is attached to shaft 321 on one side and to first portion 332
on an opposite side. Housing 331 may, for example, be configured
like housing 132 in FIG. 5 or housing 240 in FIG. 6. Housing 331
should in any respect have a stationary part that is attached to
the shaft (like base 27 depicted in FIG. 4) and a part that rotates
with respect to the stationary part (like cover 37 depicted in FIG.
4). In this way, guide arm 330 is rotatable with respect to shaft
321 about first axis B. FIG. 20B depicts third portion 336 at a
rotated (or anteverted) position with respect to shaft 321 to an
angle designated as .delta.. Angle .delta. is typically between 0
and 35 degrees, and may be adjustable at known angular increments
of, for instance one to ten degrees, but most preferably five
degree increments. As shown in FIG. 20B, angle .delta. is
approximately 20 degrees. One skilled in the art will recognize
that guide arm 330 need not be rotated at the outset of the method,
but could be adjusted at any time during the method and may be
adjusted more than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or
need to refine the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 18, spirit level 380 may be interposed
between portion 334 and 336 or attached to portion 336 or portion
334. Spirit level 380 includes a housing 380a, a first elongate
tube 381 and a second elongate tube 382, each at least partially
disposed within housing 380a, First elongate tube 381 and second
elongate tube 382 are preferably made of a clear plastic, First
elongate tube 381 is aligned with axis D of third portion 336.
Second elongate tube 382 is oriented perpendicularly to first tube
381. Each of first and second tubes 381, 382 contains a liquid
within which a bubble is disposed. Bubble 386 is disposed or
captured within tube 381 and bubble 387 is disposed or captured
within tube 382. Tubes 381, 382 have markings 388, 389 that
indicate when bubbles 386, 387 are centered within tubes 381, 382,
whereat the bubbles are at the "zero position". When bubbles 386
and 387 are centered within their respective tubes 381 and 382, as
shown in FIG. 18, and cup 340 is positioned against the patient's
prepared acetabulum, then shaft 321 is located at the planned
orientation. When one or both of bubbles are not at the zero
position, then the user needs to reposition guide arm 330 until the
bubbles are approximately at the zero position.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 19, a fifth embodiment of the alignment
guide is generally referenced as reference numeral 420. Alignment
guide 420 includes a shaft 421, having a longitudinal axis A, a
guide arm, generally referred to as element 430, which is rotatable
with respect to shaft 421, and a spirit level 480 attached to guide
arm 430. This embodiment, as with the fourth embodiment, differs
from those embodiments that went before the fourth embodiment in
that it includes spirit level 480, which facilitates the use of the
alignment guide by making it easier for the user to visualize when
the alignment guide is in the planned orientation. For example, it
may be difficult for the surgeon to judge whether the guide arm is
aligned with the patient axis while he or she is holding the
device. As such, the spirit level provides an additional indicator
allowing the surgeon to check the angle without having to alter his
or her viewing position.
[0072] As with prior embodiments, alignment guide 420 may be
attached to a cup or trial 440 at distal end 422 of shaft 421.
Alignment guide 420 may include a handle 424 attached at proximal
end of shaft 421. Guide arm 430 may be attached to shaft 421 such
that shaft 421 and guide arm 430 are co-planar in a first position.
Guide arm 430 is preferably configured such that guide arm 430 may
be rotated to a second position about a first axis B, which is
substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis A, at which
position guide arm 430 is out of plane with shaft 421. Guide arm
430 may be configured to be rotated with respect to shaft 421 using
any of the mechanisms described with respect to the prior
embodiments described herein. For example, guide arm 430 may be
configured to be detached and then reattached to shaft 421 at a
different angular position. Alternatively, guide arm 430 may be
attached to shaft 421 via the mechanisms described in connection
with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6-11.
[0073] Guide arm 430 can include a first portion 432, a second
portion 434 and a third portion 436. Preferably, first portion 432,
second portion 434 and third portion 436 of guide arm 430 are
co-planar. First portion 432 is attachable to shaft 421 and is
rotatable about a first axis B that is substantially perpendicular
to longitudinal axis A. In a preferred embodiment, the distal end
of first portion 432 transitions smoothly to second portion 434,
which extends along a second axis C at an angle .alpha. with
respect to first axis B. In a preferred embodiment, first
predetermined angle a ranges from 30 to 50 degrees, and more
preferably approximately 40 degrees. Third portion 436 may be
attached at the distal end of second portion 434 or at some point
along the length of first portion 434. In a preferred embodiment,
the distal end of second portion 434 transitions smoothly to third
portion 436. Third portion 436 extends from second portion 434 at a
second predetermined angle .gamma. along a third axis D. In a
preferred embodiment, second predetermined angle .gamma. is
approximately 90 degrees.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 22A, guide arm 430 includes a housing 431
that is attached to shaft 421 on one side and to first portion 432
on an opposite side. Housing 431 may, for example, be configured
like housing 132 in FIG. 5 or housing 240 in FIG. 6. Housing 431
should in any respect have a stationary part that is attached to
the shaft (like base 27 depicted in FIG. 4) and a part that rotates
with respect to the stationary part (like cover 37 depicted in FIG.
4). In this way, guide arm 430 is rotatable with respect to shaft
421 about first axis B. FIG. 22B depicts third portion 436 at a
rotated (or anteverted) position with respect to shaft 421 to an
angle designated as .delta.. Angle .delta. is typically between 0
and 35 degrees, and may be adjustable at known angular increments
of for instance one to ten degrees, but most preferably five degree
increments. As shown in FIG. 22B, angle .delta. is approximately 20
degrees. One skilled, in the art will recognize that guide arm 430
need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be
adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more
than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine
the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 19, spirit level 480 may be interposed
between portion 434 and 436 or attached to portion 436 or portion
434. Spirit level 480 includes a housing 480a and a circular
container 481 at least partially disposed within housing 480a.
Container 481 is preferably made of a clear plastic. Container 481
contains a liquid within which a bubble 487 is disposed or
captured. Container 481 preferably has a marking 488 located at a
known position, preferably the center of container 481, that
indicates when bubble 486 is at the "zero position". When bubbles
487 is approximately centered beneath marking 488, as shown in FIG.
19, and cup 440 is positioned against the patient's prepared
acetabulum, then shaft 421 is located at the planned orientation.
When bubble 487 is not at the zero position, then the user needs to
reposition guide arm 130 until bubble 487 is approximately at the
zero position.
[0076] In each of the fourth and fifth embodiments described
herein, shaft 321, 421 may be attachable directly to cup or trial
or attachable to a separate component that is itself attachable to
a cup or trial. The separate component need not be aligned with
longitudinal axis A along its entire length, but preferably
attaches to a cup or trial at a point that is collinear with
longitudinal axis A or at least parallel to longitudinal axis A.
Thus, shaft 321,421 may be a short shaft that is attachable to an
inserter shaft that is attachable to a cup or trial. Alternatively,
shaft 421 may have a proximal portion that defines longitudinal
axis A and a distal portion that is curved and/or has at least two
lengths that are not parallel to longitudinal axis A.
[0077] Alignment guide 220 may be used in a surgical procedure to
assist with correctly aligning surgical instruments. Referring to
FIGS. 12-17, two methods of using alignment guide 20, 120, 220 are
depicted. FIGS. 12-17 are schematic in that they do not show the
cup or trial 40 that is attached to shaft 21 of guide 220 as being
positioned within the prepared acetabulum, which in practice would
be the case. Instead, they show the cup or trial 40 positioned just
above the location of the prepared acetabulum. Other than the step
of rotating the guide arm to set the anteversion angle, the method
of using alignment guides 20, 120, 220 is the same regardless of
which of the embodiments is used. As such, it is understood that,
in the absence of language that indicates otherwise, reference to
alignment guide 20, 120 or 220 and the elements of any one of those
alignment guides applies equally to the other of those alignment
guides.
[0078] Alignment guide 20, 120, 220 helps to reduce misalignment of
the implant and therefore helps to minimize wear of the implant. At
the outset of the procedure, the patient is positioned on the
operating table such that the patient is perpendicular to the
table. In this way, the patient's pelvis is aligned such that it is
vertical and not tilted with respect to the long (sagittal) axis of
the body. The patient is typically constrained in one of two
different ways to minimize movement during surgery. FIGS. 12-14
depict a first method of using alignment guides 20, 120, 220 on a
patient lying on his left side in the left lateral decubitus
position. FIGS. 15-17 depict a second method of using alignment
guides 20, 120, 220 on a patient lying in the prone or dorsal
decubitus position.
[0079] As a first surgical step, the surgeon accesses the joint via
a series of incisions and dislocates the femur. The surgeon next
uses a reamer to remove bone to form a hemispherical shape in the
acetabulum. The reamed acetabulum enables a nearly unlimited number
of angular cup positions as the cup may be seated at any angle
within the hemisphere. As a result, there is no necessary correct
orientation for an implanted cup. Instead, the surgeon seeks to
align the cup in a particular orientation so as to mate with the
implanted femoral component of the hip system using his or her
experience and local landmarks.
[0080] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, to align the trial or cup for
seating within the acetabulum, the surgeon attaches the cup or
trial 40 to alignment guide 20 at distal end 22 of shaft 21. Prior
to positioning the cup or trial, guide arm 30 should be attached to
shaft 21, if the surgeon/user is utilizing the simpler alignment
guide embodiments 20, 120, referring to FIGS. 3-5, he or she simply
engages the mating components 38, 39 of cover 37, 137 with the
mating components 28, 29 of base 27, 127. To do so when using guide
220, and referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the user ensures that lock nut
254 is backed off to the stop position (the underside of spring cap
256) to permit levers 253 of clip 250 to pivot with respect to one
another. The user may then attach guide arm 230 to bezel 237. Clip
250 and bezel 237 are configured such that they can be assembled
only in one orientation. Guide arm 230 is attached to shaft 221 by
holding back levers 253 and inserting stakes 251a into guideholes
237g such that plate 251 is seated on the top surface of bezel 237.
When clip 250 is held in this position, lips 253a engage at least
the sides and preferably the underside of central bar 237b. At this
stage, lock nut 254 is threaded down onto lower portion 252a of
post 252 until the distal surface of lock nut 254 contacts a
proximal surface of levers 253, thereby ensuring that levers 253
cannot pivot relative to bar 237b, in this position, guide arm 230
is secured to shaft 221.
[0081] At this point, the trial or acetabular implant 40 can be
screwed onto the distal tip of the alignment guide, taking care not
to damage the implant or the screw threads. The cup should be
screwed on until tight against the shoulder in order to prevent
damage to the threads and the cup during impaction.
[0082] Once the cup is assembled onto the alignment guide/inserter,
when using alignment guide 220, the user may select the desired
anteversion by rotating bezel 23. To do so, as described above,
with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the user presses on the opposed
grip surfaces 270h, 271h of ratchet members 270, 271, which
disengage ratchet teeth 270c, 271c from base teeth 227b. The user
may rotate bezel 237 freely and the bezel to the desired
anteversion. Anteversion is most preferably available in 5 degree
increments between 0 and 35 degrees. The user needs to take care to
ensure that the correct version is used as determined by the hip
that is being operated upon; i.e. the left or right hip. Once the
desired anteversion is achieved, the user releases grip surfaces
270h, 271h to re-engage ratchet teeth 270c, 271c with base teeth
227b.
[0083] If the surgeon/user is utilizing the simpler alignment guide
embodiments 20, 120, referring to FIGS. 3-5, he or she simply
disengages either cover 37, 137 from base 27, 127, and rotates
cover 37, 137 with respect to shaft 21, 121. Once the desired
anteversion is achieved cover 37, 137 is re-engaged with base 27,
127 by mating the protrusions and tabs with their corresponding
recesses and slots.
[0084] The user next positions the alignment guide 20, 120, 220 so
as to locate the acetabular component in the prepared acetabulum.
FIGS. 12-14 schematically depict a first method of using one of the
first, second or third alignment guides 20, 120, 220 on a patient
lying on his left side in a left lateral decubitus position. FIG.
12A depicts a side elevational view and FIG. 12B depicts the
corresponding top plan view of a first step of a preferred method,
wherein the user holds the cup or trial 40 in the prepared
acetabulum and uses alignment guide 20 to position the cup in a
pre-planned orientation. Once in the pre-planned orientation, the
user may modify that orientation depending on how the cup is
aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the patient
using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks (such as the
transverse acetabular ligament, bilateral anterosuperior iliac
spines, the acetabular labrum and the upper margin of the pubic
symphysis) or other factors specific to the patient.
[0085] As depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the user positions
alignment guide 20 using handle 24 such that shaft 21 is
substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as being the level of
the operating table, designated as T) and in line with the long
axis of the patient. Note that portion 36 has been rotated (or
anteverted) with respect to shaft 21 to an angle designated as
.delta.. As described above, angle .delta. is typically between 0
and 35 degrees. As shown, angle .delta. is approximately 20
degrees. One skilled in the art will recognize that guide arm 30
need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be
adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more
than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine
the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
[0086] Next, referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the user, while
maintaining the position of cup or trial 40 relative to the
patient's prepared acetabulum, grasps handle 21 and sets the
inclination angle by moving handle 24 toward the head of the
patient or anteriorly. In doing so, the shaft 21 is pivoted about a
fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is
substantially parallel to the operating table when viewed from the
side of the table (as depicted in the side elevational view of FIG.
13A). Typically, the inclination angle is between 35 and 55
degrees, and preferably 45 degrees, as is depicted in FIG. 13A.
[0087] Referring to FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C, the user next sets the
anteversion angle and positions the alignment guide in its final
position. As with the prior two sets of figures, FIGS. 14A and 14B
are respectively side elevational and top plan views of alignment
guide 20 positioned in the final position. FIG. 14C is a
perspective view of the patient with the alignment guide in the
final position. In transitioning the alignment guide from the
position depicted in the prior set of figures, while maintaining
the position of cup or trial 40 relative to the patient's prepared
acetabulum, the user grasps handle 24 and anteverts handle 24. That
is, the user moves handle 21 toward the front or anterior of the
patient. In doing so, the shaft 21 is pivoted about a fixed point
in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is substantially
parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the
table (as depicted in the side devotional view of FIG. 14A) and is
substantially parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as
viewed in the top plan view of FIGS. 14B and 14C). In order to
achieve the position of being substantially parallel to both the
long axis of the patient and the operating table, the user must
drop proximal end of handle 21 medially toward the patient's body
as handle 24 is pivoted anteriorly. This motion ensures that the
user closes down the inclination angle while anteverting the cup
such that the operative inclination angle as viewed from the side
elevational view substantially matches the sought radiographic
inclination angle.
[0088] FIGS. 15-17 depict a second method of using alignment guides
20, 120, 220 on a patient lying in the prone or dorsal decubitus
position. FIG. 15A depicts a side elevational view and FIG. 15B
depicts the corresponding top plan view of a first step of a second
preferred method, wherein the user holds the cup or trial 40 in the
prepared acetabulum and uses alignment guide 20 to position the cup
in a pre-planned orientation. Once in the pre-planned orientation,
the user may modify that orientation depending on how the cup is
aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the patient
using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks or other
factors specific to the patient.
[0089] As depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the user positions
alignment guide 20 using handle 24 such that shaft 21 is
substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as being the level of
the operating table, designated as T) and in line with the long
axis of the patient. Note that portion 36 has been rotated (or
anteverted) with respect to shaft 21 to an angle designated as
.delta.. As described above, angle .delta. is typically between 0
and 35 degrees. As shown, angle .delta. is approximately 20
degrees. One skilled in the art will recognize that guide arm 30
need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be
adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more
than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine
the ultimate location of the trial or cup.
[0090] Next, referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the user, while
maintaining the position of cup or trial 40 relative to the
patient's prepared acetabulum, grasps handle 24 and sets the
inclination angle by moving handle 24 toward the head of the
patient or anteriorly. In doing so, the shaft 21 is pivoted about a
fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is
substantially parallel to the long axis of the patient when viewed
from the top of the table (as depicted in the top plan view of FIG.
16B). Typically, the inclination angle is between 35 and 55
degrees, and preferably 45 degrees, as is depicted in FIG. 16B.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, the user next sets the
anteversion angle and positions the alignment guide in its final
position. As with the prior two sets of figures, FIGS. 17A and 17B
are respectively side elevational and top plan views of the
alignment guide 20 positioned in the final position. FIG. 17C is a
perspective view of the patient with the alignment guide in the
final position. In transitioning the alignment guide from the
position depicted in the prior set of figures, while maintaining
the position of cup or trial 40 relative to the patient's prepared
acetabulum, the user grasps handle 24 and anteverts handle 24. That
is, the user moves handle 24 toward the front or anterior of the
patient. In doing so, the shaft 21 is pivoted about a fixed point
in the acetabulum until portion 36 of guide arm 30 is substantially
parallel to the operating table when viewed from the side of the
table (as depicted in the side elevational view of FIG. 17A) and is
substantially parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as
viewed in the top plan view of FIGS. 17B and 17C). In order to
achieve the position of being substantially parallel to both the
long axis of the patient and the operating table, the user must
drop proximal end of handle 24 medially toward the patient's body
as handle 24 is pivoted anteriorly. This motion ensures that the
user closes down the inclination angle while anteverting the cup
such that the operative inclination angle as viewed from the side
devotional view substantially matches the sought radiographic
inclination angle.
[0092] FIGS. 20A-20C depict a third method of using an alignment
guide 320 on a patient lying on his left side in a left lateral
decubitus position. FIG. 20A depicts a side elevational view of a
first step of a third preferred method, and FIGS. 20B and 20C
depict top plan views of a second and third step of the third
preferred method, wherein the user holds the cup or trial 340 in
the prepared acetabulum and uses alignment guide 320 to position
the cup in a pre-planned orientation. Once in the pre-planned
orientation, the user may modify that orientation depending on how
the cup is aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the
patient using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks or
other factors specific to the patient.
[0093] As graphically depicted in FIG. 20A, the surgeon or user
grasps alignment guide 320 using handle 324 and positions the cup
or trial 340 against the patient's prepared acetabulum. Holding cup
or trial 340 in this position, the surgeon orients shaft 321 such
that shaft 321 is substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as
being the level of the operating table, designated as T) and in
line with the long axis of the patient. At this stage, alignment
guide is being held at 0 degrees inclination and 0 degrees version.
As shown in FIG. 21A, bubble 386 of tube 381 is in a forward
position (because the planned inclination orientation in this
example is 45 degrees) and bubble 387 is shown in the zero
position, substantially between markings 389. Next, the surgeon can
set the planned version angle by rotating guide arm 330 relative to
shaft 321. The user may rotate portion 336 either to the left or
right position as shown in FIGS. 21B and 21D, depending on which
hip the surgeon is operating on.
[0094] With reference to FIG. 20B, guide arm 336 has been rotated
(or anteverted) with respect to shaft 321 to an angle designated as
.delta.. As described above, angle .delta. is typically between 0
and 35 degrees. At this stage, the surgeon, while maintaining
contact between the prepared acetabulum and cup or trial 340,
pivots shaft 321 about that contact point to a pre-planned
inclination angle, indicated to be 45 degrees in FIG. 21B. To do
so, the surgeon pivots the handle 324 from the position depicted in
FIG. 20A toward the patient's head or anteriorly (or out of the
page when viewing FIG. 20B). In doing so, shaft 321 is pivoted
about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 336 of guide
arm 330 is substantially parallel to the operating table when
viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side
elevational view of FIG. 20A). Typically, the inclination angle is
between 35 and 55 degrees, and preferably 45 degrees, as is
depicted in FIG. 20B. Once the surgeon has reached 45 degrees,
bubble 386 will be at the zero position in tube 381, as shown in
FIGS. 20B and 21B, At this position, bubble 387 of tube 382 will
not be at its zero position because shaft 321 has not been pivoted
in the version plane.
[0095] Referring to FIGS. 20C and 21C, the user next positions the
alignment guide in its final position. FIG. 20C is a top plan view
of the patient with alignment guide 330 in the final, pre-planned
position. In transitioning the alignment guide from the position
depicted in FIG. 20B, the user, while maintaining the position of
cup or trial 340 relative to the patient's prepared acetabulum,
grasps handle 324 and anteverts handle 324. That is the user moves
handle 324 toward the front or anterior of the patient. In doing
so, the shaft 321 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum
until portion 336 of guide arm 330 is substantially parallel to the
operating talk when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted
in the side elevational view of FIG. 20A) and is substantially
parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as viewed in the top
plan view of FIG. 20C). In order to achieve the position of being
substantially parallel to both the long axis of the patient and the
operating table, the user must drop proximal end of handle 324
medially toward the patient's body as handle 334 is pivoted
anteriorly. This motion ensures that the user closes down the
inclination angle while anteverting the cup such that the operative
inclination angle as viewed from the side elevational view
substantially matches the sought radiographic inclination angle.
When the user has achieved the correct orientation of handle 324,
as shown in FIG. 21C, bubbles 386 and 387 of tubes 381 and 382 will
each be at least approximately in their respective zero position,
centered within markings 388 and 389, respectively.
[0096] One skilled in the art will recognize that guide arm 336
need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be
adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more
than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine
the ultimate location of the trial or cup. Thus, the user may
choose to estimate the how much he or she wants to antevert the
guide arm and adjust it prior to surgery or adjust for anteversion
while orienting the alignment guide and/or trialling the cup
component. In addition, the user need not perform each of the steps
depicted in FIGS. 20A-20C to achieve the pre-planned position of
the cup.
[0097] While the above methods of using alignment guide 320 are
described (and shown) as separate distinct steps for purposes of
illustration, it is understood that one skilled in the art can
adjust for version or inclination using separate steps or simply
align portion 336 such that it is both substantially parallel to
the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (in the
side elevational view) and is substantially parallel to the long
axis LA of the patient when viewed from above the table (in the top
plan view), using the bubble indicators in spirit level 380 as a
guide. Spirit level 380 thus facilitates visualisation of the final
pre-planned position in that the surgeon can check the angle of
guide arm 330 without having to alter his or her viewing
position.
[0098] FIGS. 22A-22C depict a fourth method of using an alignment
guide 420 on a patient lying on his left side in a left lateral
decubitus position. FIG. 20A depicts a side elevational view of a
first step of a third preferred method, and FIGS. 22B and 22C
depict top plan views of a second and third step of the fourth
preferred method, wherein the user holds the cup or trial 440 in
the prepared acetabulum and uses alignment guide 420 to position
the cup in a pre-planned orientation. Once in the pre-planned
orientation, the user may modify that orientation depending on how
the cup is aligned with respect to how the implant fits with the
patient using, for example, the patient's anatomic landmarks or
other factors specific to the patient.
[0099] As graphically depicted in FIG. 22A, the surgeon or user
grasps alignment guide 420 using handle 424 and positions the cup
or trial 440 against the patient's prepared acetabulum. Holding cup
or trial 440 in this position, the surgeon orients shaft 421 such
that shaft 421 is substantially parallel to horizontal (defined as
being the level of the operating table, designated as T) and in
line with the long axis of the patient. At this stage, alignment
guide is being held at 0 degrees inclination and 0 degrees version.
As shown in FIG. 23A, bubble 486 of container 481 is in a forward
position (because the planned inclination orientation in this
example is 45 degrees). Next, the surgeon can set the planned
version angle by rotating guide arm 430 relative to shaft 421. The
user may rotate portion 436 either to the left or right position as
shown in FIGS. 23B and 23D, depending on which hip the surgeon is
operating on.
[0100] With reference to FIG. 22B, guide arm 436 has been rotated
(or anteverted) with respect to shaft 421 to an angle designated as
.delta.. As described above, angle .delta. is typically between 0
and 35 degrees. At this stage, the surgeon, while maintaining
contact between the prepared acetabulum and cup or trial 440,
pivots shaft 421 about that contact point to a pre-planned
inclination angle, indicated to be 45 degrees in FIG. 23B. To do
so, the surgeon pivots the handle 424 from the position depicted in
FIG. 22A toward the patient's head or anteriorly (or out of the
page when viewing FIG. 22B). In doing so, shaft 421 is pivoted
about a fixed point in the acetabulum until portion 436 of guide
arm 430 is substantially parallel to the operating table when
viewed from the side of the table (as depicted in the side
elevational view of FIG. 22A). Typically, the inclination angle is
between 35 and 55 degrees, and preferably 45 degrees, as is
depicted in FIG. 22B. Once the surgeon has reached 45 degrees,
bubble 486 will not be at the zero position in container 381, as
shown in FIGS. 22B and 23B. Instead, bubble 486 may move to one
side of marking 488 (shown in FIG. 23 as a circle with "45.degree."
printed, within the circle).
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 22C and 23C, the user next positions the
alignment guide in its final position. FIG. 22C is a top plan view
of the patient with alignment guide 430 in the final, pre-planned
position. In transitioning the alignment guide from the position
depicted in FIG. 22B, the user, while maintaining the position of
cup or trial 440 relative to the patient's prepared acetabulum,
grasps handle 424 and anteverts handle 424. That is, the user moves
handle 424 toward the front or anterior of the patient. In doing
so, the shaft 421 is pivoted about a fixed point in the acetabulum
until portion 436 of guide arm 430 is substantially parallel to the
operating table when viewed from the side of the table (as depicted
in the side elevational view of FIG. 22A) and is substantially
parallel to the long axis LA of the patient (as viewed in the top
plan view of FIG. 22C). In order to achieve the position of being
substantially parallel to both the long axis of the patient and the
operating table, the user must drop proximal end of handle 424
medially toward the patient's body as handle 434 is pivoted
anteriorly. This motion ensures that the user closes down the
inclination angle while anteverting the cup such that the operative
inclination angle as viewed from the side elevational view
substantially matches the sought radiographic inclination angle.
When the user has achieved the correct orientation of handle 424,
as shown in FIG. 23C, bubble 386 of container 481 will be at least
approximately beneath marking 488 in its zero position.
[0102] One skilled in the art will recognize that guide arm 436
need not be rotated at the outset of the method, but could be
adjusted at any time during the method and may be adjusted more
than once depending upon the surgeon's preference or need to refine
the ultimate location of the trial or cup. Thus, the user may
choose to estimate the how much he or she wants to antevert the
guide arm and adjust it prior to surgery or adjust for anteversion
while orienting the alignment guide and/or trialling the cup
component. In addition, the user need not perform each of the steps
depicted in FIGS. 22A-22C to achieve the pre-planned position of
the cup.
[0103] While the above methods of using alignment guide 420 are
described (and shown) as separate distinct steps for purposes of
illustration, it is understood that one skilled in the art can
adjust for version or inclination using separate steps or simply
align portion 436 such that it is both substantially parallel to
the operating table when viewed from the side of the table (in the
side elevational view) and is substantially parallel to the long
axis LA of the patient when viewed from above the table (in the top
plan view), using the bubble indicator in spirit level 480 as a
guide. Spirit level 480 thus facilitates visualisation of the final
pre-planned position in that the surgeon can check the angle of
guide arm 430 without having to alter his or her viewing
position.
[0104] Once alignment guide 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 is in its final
position, the user checks local landmarks proximate the acetabulum
to ensure that the cup is located in a satisfactory position. Once
a satisfactory position is achieved, the user impacts the
acetabular component into position using the alignment
guide/inserter. Prior to doing so, it is recommended that guide arm
30, 130, 230, 330, 430 be detached from shaft 21, 121, 221, 321,
421. Further modifications to, and applications of, the present
invention will be readily apparent to the skilled person from the
teaching herein, without departing from the scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *