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 one key for disposition in at least one corresponding keyhole formed in the tibia adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening created in the tibia, wherein each of the at least one keys comprises an interior bore for receiving a fixation screw, at least one fixation screw for disposition in the interior bore of the at least one key, and further wherein the apparatus is configured so that when the at least one fixation screw is received in the interior bore, the at least one fixation screw terminates within the bore.
1. Apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy comprising:
a wedge-shaped implant having:
a base having an anterior implant surface, a posterior implant surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface
a first key protruding from the upper surface; and
a second key protruding from the lower surface;
wherein each of the keys comprises an interior bore for receiving a fixation screw; and
at least one fixation screw for disposition in the interior bore of the keys.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the upper and lower surfaces are asymmetric.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured so that when the at least one fixation screw is received in the interior bore, the at least one fixation screw terminates within the bore.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the keys have an expansion slot configured such that the slot expands as the fixation screw is disposed in the interior bore.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the interior bore is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of its host key.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the keys is slotted longitudinally so as to permit expansion when the fixation screw is received by the key.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the keys includes external ribs to facilitate fixation of the key relative to the keyhole.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the external ribs extend longitudinally along the keys.
9. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the external ribs extend circumferentially along the keys.
10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the keys includes at least two interior bores for receiving a fixation screw therein.
11. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a shear rib, laterally offset from at least one of the keys, for disposition in a corresponding shear rib keyhole formed in the tibia adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second keys are substantially cylindrical.
13. Apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy comprising:
a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least one key for disposition in at least one corresponding keyhole formed adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening, wherein each of the at least one keys comprises an interior bore for receiving a fixation screw, and a counterbore communicating with the interior bore;
at least one draw nut disposed in the counterbore, wherein the draw nut comprises an interior bore for receiving the fixation screw; and
at least one fixation screw for disposition in the interior bore of the at least one key and the interior bore of the draw nut.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a base component.
15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the at least one key is disposed on the base.
16. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the interior bore is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of its host key.
17. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each of the at least one keys are slotted longitudinally so as to permit expansion when a fixation screw is received by the key.
18. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each of the at least one keys includes external ribs to facilitate fixation of the at least one key relative to the keyhole.
19. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the external ribs extend longitudinally along the at least one key.
20. Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the external ribs extend circumferentially along the at least one key.
21. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein each of the at least one keys includes at least two interior bores for receiving a fixation screw therein.
22. Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a shear rib, laterally offset from the at least one key, for disposition in a corresponding shear rib keyhole formed adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening.
23. Apparatus for performing an open wedge osteotomy comprising:
a wedge-shaped implant for disposition in a wedge-shaped opening, wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises at least one open key extending from one of an upper surface of the implant and a lower surface of the implant, the at least one open key for disposition in the at least one corresponding keyhole formed adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening, and further wherein each of the at least one keys comprises a threaded interior bore for receiving a fixation screw; and
at least one fixation screw for disposition in the interior bore of the at least one key.
24. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the at least one open key comprises opposed longitudinal edges.
25. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a base component.
26. Apparatus according to claim 25 wherein the at least one open key is disposed on the base component.
27. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the threaded recess is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of its host open key.
28. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein each of the at least one open keys is slotted longitudinally so as to permit expansion when a fixation screw is received by the at least one open key.
29. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein each of the at least one open keys includes external ribs to facilitate fixation of the at least one open key relative to the keyhole.
30. Apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the external ribs extend longitudinally along the at least one open key.
31. Apparatus according to claim 29 wherein the external ribs extend circumferentially along the at least one open key.
32. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein each of the at least one open keys includes at least two threaded recesses for receiving a fixation screw therein.
33. Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein the wedge-shaped implant comprises a shear rib, laterally offset from the at least one key, for disposition in a corresponding shear rib keyhole formed adjacent to the wedge-shaped opening.