Patent ID: 8317862
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for replacing an anterior cruciate ligament in a patient having a femur, a tibia and a joint space therebetween, the method comprising: a) providing a replacement ligament having a length, a first end portion, a second end portion opposite the first end portion along the length, and a central portion between the first end portion and the second end portion along the length; b) preparing a tibial tunnel extending through the tibia and into the joint space, the tibial tunnel sized to receive internally the first end portion, the tibial tunnel having a first longitudinal axis; c) preparing a femoral tunnel which extends from within the joint space, into and at least partially through the femur, the femoral tunnel being sized to receive internally the second end portion of the replacement anterior cruciate ligament, the femoral tunnel having a second longitudinal axis; d) preparing first and second femoral pilot holes with a cross pinning guide comprising a femoral guide rod, an arm spaced apart from and essentially parallel to the femoral guide rod, an arc shaped rail affixed to the arm and a guide block releasably mounted for travel along the rail and having a first guide bore and a second guide bore parallel to the first guide bore therethrough, the guide bores having guide bore axes therethrough which intersect the femoral guide rod, by inserting the femoral guide rod into the femoral tunnel only and not inserting the femoral guide rod into the tibial tunnel, aligning desired femoral pilot hole axes intersecting the second longitudinal axis by adjusting the guide block along the rail and then via an instrument operated through the first and second guide bores creating the first and second femoral pilot holes; e) affixing the first end portion of the replacement ligament in the tibial tunnel; and f) affixing the second end portion of the replacement anterior cruciate ligament in the femoral tunnel by inserting a first femoral cross pin into the first femoral pilot hole and inserting a second femoral cross pin into the second femoral pilot hole and through the second end portion of the replacement anterior cruciate ligament positioned in the femoral tunnel.