Patent ID: 9078668
Filing Date: 2015-07-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of defining an axis of a first bone that extends through a center of rotation of the first bone around a joint between the first bone and a second bone so that a resection plane defined by a cutting guide may be referenced relative to the mechanical axis of the bone, the method comprising the steps of: moving the first bone in a plane about the joint, between a first point and a second point; defining a third point that is equidistant from the first and second points; defining the axis that passes through the third point, perpendicular to a line that connects the first and second points, wherein the bone is a femur having a distal end having an inter-condylar notch, and wherein each of the first and second points is located with reference to the inter-condylar notch; using an instrument that includes a support with (a) predetermined first and second features thereon that can be located in relation to the first and second points, and (b) a marker thereon to identify the third point; moving the femur to a position wherein the distal end of the femur is between the first and second points; setting reference elements at locations in the bone that are controlled relative to the defined axis; and attaching a cutting guide to the reference elements.