Method and apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy
Apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the apparatus comprising: a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two keys, laterally offset from one another, for disposition in corresponding keyholes formed in the tibia adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia.
1. Apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the apparatus comprising: a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises an upper surface, a lower surface and, at least two keys, laterally offset from one another that comprise outwardly, directed surfaces that extend from at least one of the upper or lower surfaces of the wedge-shaped implant, for disposition in corresponding keyholes formed in the tibia adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two separate components.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises three separate components.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises: a base component; a posterior component; and an anterior component.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the at least two keys are disposed on the base.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the at least two keys includes an interior bore for receiving a fixation screw.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the interior bore is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of its host key.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the interior bore is angled so as to direct the fixation screw into the adjacent tibia.
9. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein each key includes at least two interior bores for receiving a fixation screw therein.
10. Apparatus 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. Apparatus 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. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the external ribs extend longitudinally along the keys.
13. Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the external ribs extend circumferentially along the keys.
14. Apparatus for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the apparatus comprising: a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two keys, vertically offset from one another, for disposition in corresponding keyholes formed in the tibia adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, and a shear rib, laterally offset from the at least two keys, for disposition in a corresponding shear rib keyhole formed in the tibia adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least two separate components.
16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises three separate components.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises: a base component; a posterior component; and an anterior component.
18. Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the at least two keys are disposed on the base, and further wherein the shear rib is disposed on the base.
19. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of the at least two keys includes an interior bore for receiving a fixation screw.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the interior bore is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of its host key.
21. Apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the interior bore is angled so as to direct the fixation screw into the adjacent tibia.
22. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein each key includes at least two interior bores for receiving a fixation screw therein.
23. Apparatus according to claim 14 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.
24. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of at least two keys includes external ribs to facilitate fixation of the keys relative to the key.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the external ribs extend longitudinally along the keys.
26. Apparatus according to claim 24 wherein the external ribs extend circumferentially along the keys.