Patent ID: 8496662
Filing Date: 2013-07-30
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a wedge-like opening for an open wedge osteotomy comprising: providing a positioning guide comprising first and second orthogonal sides, the first and second orthogonal sides each terminating in distal free ends; securing the first and second orthogonal sides to bone such that the guide is parallel to a plane, wherein securing the first and second orthogonal sides comprises separately pinning the first and second orthogonal sides with first and second pins, respectively, proximal to the distal free ends such that the first and second pins are substantially orthogonal to each other; providing an apex pin and inserting the apex pin through the distal free end of the secured second orthogonal side such that an axis of the apex pin lies within the plane, in an anterior to posterior direction, and provides a single boundary line for an osteotomy cut to be made, the apex pin is dimensioned so as to provide a cylindrical opening along the plane greater in diameter than a thickness of the osteotomy cut to be made along the plane, the anterior to posterior arranged apex pin extends along the entire boundary line so as to provide (i) a positive stop along an entire length of the boundary line within the bone for limiting cutting depth, and (ii) a cylindrical opening extending along the boundary line so as to minimize the occurrence of stress risers within the bone when the bone on either side of the osteotomy cut is made and the bone is moved apart; affixing a cutting guide directly to the positioning guide to identify a generally anteromedial cutting plane through the bone, wherein the cutting plane intersects the plane of the positioning guide; cutting the bone along the cutting plane and stopping the cutting with the apex pin at the boundary line; and moving portions of the bone on either side of the cut apart to form the wedge-like opening for the open wedge osteotomy.