Patent ID: 8317793
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing an osteochondral plug for implantation, the method comprising: obtaining a cutting instrument comprising: a base holder configured for engaging the dual function cutting block in both a first orientation and a second orientation to facilitate the functions of the dual function cutting block; a rod mechanism for adjusting the position of the osteochondral plug in the longitudinal bore relative to the paring slot when the dual function cutting block is positioned in the first orientation and the osteochondral plug is positioned within the longitudinal bore, wherein the rod mechanism comprises a threaded rod having a first end and a second end, the second end being configured to contact the osteochondral plug when the osteochondral plug is positioned within the longitudinal bore, wherein the threaded rod, when actuated, engages the base holder resulting in corresponding translational movement of the second end of the rod mechanism, thereby adjusting the position of the osteochondral plug within the longitudinal bore of the dual function cutting block relative to the paring slot; and a trimming mechanism for performing cross-sectional sizing of the osteochondral plug by cutting the osteochondral plug to a predetermined cross-sectional size to fit within a bone defect site when the osteochondral plug is located within the longitudinal bore, wherein the trimming mechanism is attached to the base holder and aligned with the longitudinal bore of the dual function cutting block and the at least one trimming channel when the dual function cutting block is positioned in the second orientation, so when actuated, at least one cutting member of the trimming mechanism is translated within the at least one trimming channel to cut the osteochondral plug to a predetermined cross-sectional size; inserting the osteochondral plug into the longitudinal bore of the dual function cutting block at the first end of the dual function cutting block; positioning the dual function cutting block in the first orientation; slidingly translating the inserted osteochondral plug relative to the paring slot by threadably advancing the rod mechanism relative to the base holder and the dual function cutting block; and paring the osteochondral plug to a predetermined length by use of a cutting blade inserted into the paring slot.