Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy

1. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy, the method comprising:

forming a cut in a bone;

manipulating the portions of the bone adjacent to the cut so as to open the cut into a wedge-like opening;

providing an osteotomy implant, wherein the osteotomy implant comprises:

an elongated body characterized by a distal end and proximal end, the elongated body having a screw thread thereon; positioning at least the distal end of the elongated body into the wedge-like opening so that the screw thread engages the surrounding bone; and

an osteotomy plate for covering at least a portion of the entrance of the wedge-like opening; and

threadingly advancing the elongated body into the wedge-like opening until the portions of the bone assume the desired positioning, with the elongated body stabilizing the bone portions in this position.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the osteotomy plate is secured to the bone after the elongated body is threadingly advanced into the wedge-like opening, whereby to prevent retraction of the elongated body out of the wedge-like opening.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the osteotomy plate is secured to the exterior of the bone using bone screws.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the osteotomy plate comprises a projection for engagement with the proximal end of the elongated body.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the projection encompasses the proximal end of the elongated body.

6. A method according to claim 4 wherein the elongated body comprises a recess, and further wherein the projection is sized to be received in the recess.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein the elongated body comprises fenestrations formed therethrough.

8. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy, the method comprising:

forming a cut in a bone;

manipulating the portions of the bone adjacent to the cut so as to open the cut into a wedge-like opening;

providing an osteotomy implant, wherein the osteotomy implant comprises:

an elongated body characterized by a distal end and proximal end, the elongated body having a screw thread thereon and a crossbore for receiving a fixation element therethrough;

positioning at least the distal end of the elongated body into the wedge-like opening so that the screw thread engages the surrounding bone;

threadingly advancing the elongated body into the wedge-like opening until the portions of the bone assume the desired positioning, with the elongated body stabilizing the bone portions in this position; and

passing a fixation element through the crossbore and into the bone after the elongated body has been threadingly advanced into the wedge-like opening.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the elongated body is tapered distally so as to facilitate positioning and advancement of the elongated body into the wedge-like opening.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the elongated body is tapered along its entire length.

11. A method according to claim 8 wherein the proximal end of the elongated body is provided with a recess for receiving an appropriate driver used to threadingly advance the elongated body into the wedge-like opening.

12. A method according to claim 8 wherein the fixation element comprises a toe screw.

13. A method according to claim 8 wherein the fixation element comprises a toe pin.

14. A method according to claim 8 further comprising the step of drilling a bore in the bone, with the distal end of the elongated body being positioned in the bore prior to threadingly advancing the elongated body into the wedge-like opening.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the bore is drilled after the wedge-like opening has been created.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the bore is over-drilled relative to the wedge-like opening.

17. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy, the method comprising:

forming a cut in a bone;

manipulating the portions of the bone adjacent to the cut so as to open the cut into a wedge-like opening;

providing an osteotomy implant, wherein the osteotomy implant comprises an elongated body characterized by a distal end and proximal end, the elongated body having a screw thread thereon; positioning at least the distal end of the elongated body into the wedge-like opening so that the screw thread engages the surrounding bone;

threadingly advancing the elongated body into the wedge-like opening until the portions of the bone assume the desired positioning, with the elongated body stabilizing the bone portions in this position; and

drilling a bore in the bone, with the distal end of the elongated body being positioned in the bore prior to threadingly advancing the elongated body into the wedge-like opening, wherein the bore is drilled before the wedge-like opening has been created.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the bore is drilled after the cut has been formed in the bone.

19. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy, the method comprising:

forming a cut in a bone;

manipulating the portions of the bone adjacent to the cut so as to open the cut into a wedge-like opening;

providing an osteotomy implant, wherein the osteotomy implant comprises:

an elongated body characterized by a distal end and proximal end, the elongated body having a screw thread thereon and a crossbore for receiving a fixation element therethrough, wherein one end of the crossbore opens on the proximal end of the elongated body and the other end of the crossbore opens intermediate the elongated body;

positioning at least the distal end of the elongated body into the wedge-like opening so that the screw thread engages the surrounding bone; and

threadingly advancing the elongated body into the wedge-like opening until the portions of the bone assume the desired positioning, with the elongated body stabilizing the bone portions in this position.