Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy
A method and apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy utilizing a keyed, wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a keyed, wedge-shaped opening created in a bone. The keys may be disposed in vertical or horizontal arrangements. In addition, a shear rib key hole may be formed adjacent the wedge-shaped opening in the bone.
1. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy comprising:
cutting a bone along a cutting plane to form a cut, with the cut terminating at a boundary line;
forming at least two keyholes in the tibia adjacent to the cut, wherein the two keyholes are laterally offset from one another;
moving the bone on either side of the cut apart so as to form a wedge-like opening in the bone; and
positioning a wedge-shaped implant in the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two keys, laterally offset from one another, and further wherein the at least two keys are disposed in the at least two keyholes formed in the tibia, wherein each of the at least two keys includes an interior bore for receiving a fixation screw.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two separate components.
3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant is assembled prior to positioning in the tibia.
4. A method according to claim 2 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant is assembled after positioning in the tibia.
5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises three separate components.
6. A method according to claim 5 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises: a base component; a posterior component; and an anterior component.
7. A method according to claim 6 , wherein the at least two keys are disposed on the base.
8. A method according to claim 1 , wherein each interior bore is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of its host key.
9. A method according to claim 8 , wherein each interior bore is angled to direct the fixation screw into the adjacent bone.
10. A method according to claim 1 , wherein each of the at least two keys are slotted longitudinally so as to permit expansion when a fixation screw is received by the key.
11. A method according to claim 1 , wherein each of at least two keys includes external ribs to facilitate fixation of the keys relative to the key.
12. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the external ribs extend longitudinally along the keys.
13. A method according to claim 11 , wherein the external ribs extend circumferentially along the keys.
14. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy comprising:
cutting a bone along a cutting plane to form a cut, with the cut terminating at a boundary line;
forming at least two keyholes in the tibia adjacent to the cut, wherein the two keyholes are laterally offset from one another;
moving the bone on either side of the cut apart so as to form a wedge-like opening in the bone; and
positioning a wedge-shaped implant in the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two keys, laterally offset from one another, and further wherein the at least two keys are disposed in the at least two keyholes formed in the tibia, wherein each key includes at least two interior bores for receiving a fixation screw therein.
15. A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy comprising:
cutting a bone along a cutting plane to form a cut, with the cut terminating at a boundary line;
forming at least two keyholes in the tibia adjacent to the cut, wherein the two keyholes are vertically offset from one another;
forming a shear rib keyhole in the tibia adjacent to the cut, wherein the shear rib keyhole is laterally offset from the at least two keyholes;
moving the bone on either side of the cut apart so as to form a wedge-like opening in the bone; and
positioning a wedge-shaped implant in the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two keys, vertically offset from one another, and a shear rib, laterally offset from the at least two keys, and further wherein the at least two keys are disposed in the at least two keyholes formed in the tibia, and the shear rib is disposed in the shear rib keyhole formed in the tibia, wherein each of the at least two keys includes an interior bore for receiving a fixation screw.
16. A method according to claim 15 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two separate components.
17. A method according to claim 16 , wherein each key includes at least two interior bores for receiving a fixation screw therein.
18. A method according to claim 15 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises three separate components.
19. A method according to claim 18 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises: a base component; a posterior component; and an anterior component.
20. A method according to claim 19 , wherein the at least two keys are disposed on the base.
21. A method according to claim 18 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant is assembled prior to positioning in the tibia.
22. A method according to claim 18 , wherein the wedge-shaped implant is assembled after positioning in the tibia.
23. A method according to claim 15 , wherein each interior bore is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of its host key.
24. A method according to claim 23 , wherein each interior bore is angled so as to direct the fixation screw into the adjacent tibia.
25. A method according to claim 15 , wherein each of the at least two keys are slotted longitudinally to permit expansion when a fixation screw is received by the key.
26. A method according to claim 15 , wherein each of at least two keys includes external ribs to facilitate fixation of the keys relative to the key.
27. A method according to claim 26 , wherein the external ribs extend longitudinally along the keys.
28. A method according to claim 26 , wherein the external ribs extend circumferentially along the keys.