Alignment guide for use in orthopaedic surgery

摘要

The alignment guide (10) of this invention includes a cam (20) rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the alignment guide (10) as defined by an intramedullary rod (14). A base plate (30) is pivotally connected to the intramedullary rod (14) and includes a pair of cam followers (34) positioned on opposite sides of the intramedullary rod (14). In use, as the cam (20) is rotated relative to the rod (14), the cam followers (34) ride against the cam (20) causing the plate (30) to pivot or angulate relative to the rod (14). A plurality of indicia (23) are formed on the cam (20) to indicate to the surgeon the relative angle between the plate (30) and the rod (14). The base plate includes a quick connect mechanism (36) to permit the surgeon to quickly attach a device such as a cutting guide (50) or pinning guide to the base plate. The cutting guide (50) is fixed relative to the base plate (30) such that the cutting guide (50) will be at the same angular orientation as the plate (30) relative to the intramedullary rod (14). <MATH>