Connection mechanisms for use with orthopedic instruments
Orthopedic systems, methods, and instrumentation for preforming knee arthroplasty. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and instruments utilized improved quick connect mechanisms such as, for example, snap-fit connectors, to facilitate easier assembly and disassembly of the various components. For example, various connection mechanisms for coupling a tibial base trial to a guide (e.g., a fin punch guide), and/or for coupling the guide (e.g., fin punch guide) to a punch. In use, the systems, methods, and instruments provide an improved workflow for facilitating knee arthroplasty surgery.
1 . An orthopedic knee system comprising:
a tibial base trial including an inferior surface arranged and configured to contact a resected tibia, a superior surface opposite the inferior surface, at least one first connector, and a recess including a surface;
a fin punch guide including an inferior surface arranged and configured to contact the superior surface of the tibial base trial, a superior surface opposite the inferior surface, at least one second connector arranged and configured to couple with the at least one first connector, at least one third connector, and a fin punch guide tab including a lever or hook-shaped end portion configured to reside within the recess and to contact the surface when the fin punch guide is coupled to the tibial base trial; and
a fin punch including at least one fourth connector arranged and configured to couple with the at least one third connector and a projection or tab configured to contact the fin punch guide tab during connection of the fin punch to the fin punch guide, contact of the projection or tab moving the fin punch guide tab to a second position thereby releasing the lever or hook-shaped end portion from the recess so that removing the fin punch causes the fin punch guide to disconnect from the tibial base trial;
wherein at least one of the first connector and the second connector includes a male mating feature, and the other one of the first connector and the second connector includes a female mating feature; and
wherein at least one of the third connector and the fourth connector includes a male mating feature, and the other one of the third connector and the fourth connector includes a female mating feature.
2 . The orthopedic knee system of claim 1 , wherein the male mating feature of the first and second connectors includes a plurality of tabs; and
the female mating feature of the first and second connectors includes a recess arranged and configured to receive the male mating feature of the first and second connectors.
3 . The orthopedic knee system of claim 2 , wherein the male mating feature of the first and second connectors further includes a boss, the plurality of tabs circumferentially spaced about the boss.
4 . The orthopedic knee system of claim 2 , wherein the recess includes a circumferential chamfer arranged and configured to guide insertion of the male mating feature of the first and second connectors; a first section having a first diameter; and a second section having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter.
5 . The orthopedic knee system of claim 1 , wherein coupling the male mating feature to the female mating feature provides tactical feedback including an audible sound.
6 . The orthopedic knee system of claim 1 , wherein the tibial base trial includes a first passageway formed therein, the fin punch guide includes a second passageway formed therein, the second passageway aligned with the first passageway when the fin punch guide is coupled to the tibial base trial so that a portion of the fin punch can pass through the fin punch guide, through the tibial base trial and into the resected tibia.