Patent ID: 7665167
Filing Date: 2010-02-23
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for aligning a leg of a patient with a mechanical axis to facilitate medical treatment thereon, said leg including a femoral head, a thigh portion and a foot portion which itself includes an ankle portion, said mechanical axis having a portion extending from the center of said femoral head to the center of said ankle, said apparatus comprising: a base member including a spine portion and a head portion, said spine portion being substantially elongate and having a longitudinal axis, said head portion attached proximate one longitudinal end of said spine portion; a pelvic location assembly attached relative to said base member proximate said head portion, said pelvic location assembly including a femoral head location member configured to establish a first reference point positioned at a known location relative to the center of said femoral head; a carriage moveably attached relative to said spine portion and configured to be moved along a carriage path having a portion being substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said spine portion said carriage further configured to be selectively secured relative to said spine portion so as to discourage said relative movement between said carriage and said spine portion; a boot assembly pivotably attached relative to said carriage and configured to accept said foot portion of said leg and to establish a second reference point at a known location relative to the center of said ankle portion; a mechanical axis indicator providing a visual indication of a portion of a reference axis passing from said first reference point to said second reference point, such that said reference axis is within substantially the same plane as said mechanical axis; and a leg manipulation assembly attached relative to said spine portion between said pelvic location assembly and said boot assembly, said leg manipulating assembly having a first lateral force assembly and a second lateral force assembly, said force assemblies being proximate said thigh portion and spaced apart to accept said leg therebetween, said first lateral force assembly being adjustable and selectably securable along an axis substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said spine portion and configured to discourage said leg from moving away from a desired alignment with said mechanical axis indicator.