Inside-out guide for hip replacement method
A tool and method for locating a proper position for a portal incision for hip arthroplasty, the tool being a tubular body having a first portion defining a first axis, a second portion defining a second axis non-parallel to the first axis, the second portion having a directional tool and a lead coaxially aligned, wherein when the tubular body is placed adjacent to an acetabulum with the directional tool aimed at the acetabulum and perpendicular to a plane of the face of the acetabulum, the lead points to location on the skin that would be the proper location for the portal incision. The lead may have a blunt tip, a cutting instrument, or an opening through which a flexible tool can be inserted to forge a path towards the proper location for the portal incision.
1. A tubular body for locating an optimal position for a portal incision in a hip arthroplasty, comprising:
a. a first portion defining a first axis, the first portion having a first opening;
b. a second portion operatively connected to the first portion, the second portion, comprising:
i. a lead having a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening; and
ii. a directional tool, wherein the lead and the directional tool are coaxially aligned to define a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-parallel;
c. a flexible tool that is inserted through the first opening to exit the second opening, wherein the flexible tool comprises a cutting member, wherein a diameter of the flexible tool is larger than a diameter of the cutting member so as to define a ledge;
d. a hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion to permit the second portion to move relative to the first portion; and
e. a control mechanism on the first portion to adjust a position of the second portion relative to the first portion, wherein the first portion is connected to the second portion such that the first axis creates an acute angle with the second axis so that the tubular body has an overall elbow-shape configuration.
2. A tubular body for locating an optimal position for a portal incision in a hip arthroplasty, comprising:
a. a first portion defining a first axis, the first portion having a first opening;
b. a second portion connected to the first portion, the second portion comprising:
i. a lead having a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening; and
ii. a directional tool coaxially aligned with the lead to define a second axis, and wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-parallel;
c. a flexible tool that is inserted through the first opening to exit the second opening, wherein the flexible tool comprises a cutting member, and wherein a diameter of the flexible tool is larger than a diameter of the cutting member so as to define a ledge.
3. The tubular body of claim 2 , further comprising:
a. a hinge to connect the first portion to the second portion to permit the second portion to move relative to the first portion; and
b. a control mechanism on the first portion to adjust a position of the second portion relative to the first portion.
4. The tubular body of claim 2 , wherein the first portion is connected to the second portion such that the first axis creates an acute angle with the second axis so that the tubular body has an overall elbow-shape configuration.
5. A tubular body for locating an optimal position for a portal incision in a hip arthroplasty, comprising:
a. a first portion defining a first axis, the first portion comprises a first opening;
b. a second portion operatively connected to the first portion, the second portion comprises a second opening in communication with the first opening, the second portion comprising:
i. a lead; and
ii. a directional tool coaxially aligned with the lead to define a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are non-parallel;
c. a flexible tool having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first opening and a diameter of the second opening to permit the flexible tool to be inserted into the first opening and exit the second opening, wherein the flexible tool comprises a cutting member projecting out from the lead, and wherein a diameter of the cutting member is smaller than a diameter of the lead, thereby creating a ledge at an interface of the lead and the cutting member.
6. The tubular body of claim 5 , further comprising a blunt end projecting out from the lead.
7. The tubular body of claim 5 , further comprising:
a. a hinge to connect the first portion to the second portion to permit the second portion to move relative to the first portion; and
b. a control mechanism on the first portion to adjust a position of the second portion relative to the first portion.
8. The tubular body of claim 5 , wherein the directional tool comprises a laser light that is emitted from a first end of the directional tool.
9. The tubular body of claim 5 , wherein the directional tool comprises a laser light that is emitted from a first end of the directional tool and a second end of the directional tool opposite the first end so that the laser light is emitted bidirectionally in opposite directions.