LEG ALIGNMENT APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Leg alignment apparatus for use in total arthroplasty of left and right knees, comprises an intramedullary rod, a femoral body for location on or adjacent to an anterior surface of a femur, and a support element which extends or is extendable from the femoral body to the intramedullary rod for holding the femoral body stationary or substantially stationary relative to the intramedullary rod. A condylar locator which is pivotable relative to the femoral body and which is seatable on a distal end of the femur is also provided, along with a soft-tissue tensioning element to apply a separation between the femur and the tibia, and a varus/valgus indicator to indicate an angular alignment of the knee based on the intramedullary rod and the soft-tissue tensioning element. A method of determining a distal end resection position for a femur at a knee joint is also provided.

主权项

1. Leg alignment apparatus for use in total arthroplasty of left and right knees, the apparatus comprising an intramedullary rod, a femoral body which locates on or adjacent to an anterior surface of a femur, a support element which extends or is extendable from the femoral body to the intramedullary rod which holds the femoral body stationary or substantially stationary relative to the intramedullary rod, a condylar locator which is pivotable relative to the femoral body and which is seatable on a distal end of the femur, a soft-tissue tensioning element to apply a separation between the femur and the tibia, and a varus/valgus indicator to indicate an angular alignment of the knee based on the intramedullary rod and the soft-tissue tensioning element.