Instrumentation for minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement

Instrumentation for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement includes a tibial cutting guide for establishing a planar surface along a tibial plateau and a tibial stylus having an anatomic contour for controlling the depth of the planar surface along the tibial plateau. The instrumentation further comprises a posterior resection block for preparing a posterior femoral resection, with a forward portion of the posterior resection block having a configuration corresponding to the configuration of a prosthetic femoral component. Instrumentation comprising a resection block and a resurfacing guide are provided for surgically preparing a femoral condyle to receive a prosthetic femoral component. The instrumentation further includes a resurfacing guide and a resurfacing instrument for resurfacing a femoral condyle to a controlled depth. Instrumentation is provided for intramedullary alignment of femoral instruments. Also, instrumentation is provided for preparing the femur and tibia to receive fixation structure of prosthetic femoral and tibial components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to knee replacement procedures and, more particularly, to instrumentation used in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement procedures.

2. Brief Description of the Related Art

Prosthetic knee joint components are increasingly used to repair knee joints damaged by trauma and/or disease. Basically, the natural knee joint includes an upper or proximal part of the tibia, constituted by the medial and lateral tibial plateaus, a lower or distal part of the femur, constituted by the medial and lateral femoral condyles, and menisci between the tibial plateaus and the femoral condyles along with the patella which covers the anterior surface of the knee. The type of prosthesis implanted in the knee must be matched to the needs of the patient and may involve total knee replacement or arthroplasty in which both femoral condyles and both tibial plateaus are surgically restored using appropriate femoral and tibial prosthetic components. Depending on the particular patient, unicompartmental or partial knee replacement or arthroplasty may be preferable to total knee replacement and involves implantation of femoral and tibial prosthetic components on either the medial or lateral portion of the tibial-femoral joint while preserving more of the normal remaining anatomical structure in the knee. Both total and unicompartmental knee joint replacement procedures involve preparing the bone surfaces of the femoral condyle and the tibial plateau to receive the corresponding prosthetic components. It is very important in both total and unicompartmental knee joint replacement procedures that the bone surfaces be prepared accurately and at the proper location to ensure that the implanted prosthetic components achieve replication as close as possible to the natural knee joint.

Where unicompartmental knee replacement is preferable to total knee replacement, it is desirable that unicompartmental knee replacement be accomplished with minimal bone removal so that sufficient bone remains for potential future surgical intervention, such as future total knee replacement. Unicompartmental knee replacement may be a viable interim procedure to delay the need for a total knee replacement in many patients, since it is easier to later revise a unicompartmental knee replacement to a total knee replacement than it is to revise a total knee replacement to anothertotal knee replacement. Other advantages of unicompartmental knee replacement over total knee replacement include easier recuperation and quicker recovery times for patients, decreased hospital stays, elimination of the need for formal physical therapy in many patients after hospital discharge, retention of the cruciate ligaments, preservation of nearly normal kinematics, and use of minimally invasive incisions to access the operative site.

Unfortunately, conventional unicompartmental knee replacement techniques are very technically demanding and the instrumentation and prostheses used in conventional unicompartmental knee replacements have various drawbacks such that reproducible clinical results are difficult to attain. Many conventional unicompartmental knee replacement procedures and instrumentation involve relatively large incisions with significant exposure, greater intramedullary invasiveness, poor alignment and reproducibility, and/or inaccurate bone preparation. The instrumentation used in many prior unicompartmental knee replacement procedures is inapplicable to minimally invasive surgery. Unicompartmental knee replacement systems designed for minimal exposure have historically provided limited instrumentation, making reproducible alignment difficult, or bulky instrumentation, which requires more intrusive surgery. Furthermore, conventional unicompartmental knee replacement procedures typically involve significant bone removal such that quality bone must be unduly sacrificed.

Various instruments have been proposed for use in knee replacement procedures to provide alignment and/or bone cutting for femoral and tibial bone preparation. Such instruments are represented by U.S. Pat. No. 4,502,483 to Lacey, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,524,766 and 4,567,886 to Petersen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,574,794 to Cooke et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,718,413 to Johnson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,407 to Petersen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,383 to Kenna, U.S. Pat. No. 4,926,847 to Luckman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,436 to Ferrante et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,409 to Coates et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,144 to Bert et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,171,244 and 5,228,459 to Caspari, U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,433 to Bert et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,263,498 and 5,304,181 to Caspari et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,411 to Steele et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,376 to Caspari et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,695 to Luckman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,259 to Ferrante et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,656 to White, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,689 to Ferrante et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,831 to Braslow et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,954 to Albrektsson et al, the Biomet Repicci II, the MIS Minimally Invasive Solution of Zimmer, Inc., and the Johnson & Johnson P.F.C. In many cases, femoral preparation involves forming a plurality of planar angled or chamfered resections. The Braslow et al and Luckman '695 patents are, for example, illustrative of this type of femoral preparation. The need to implement a plurality of planar angled cuts in the femur in order to accommodate the prosthetic femoral component is disadvantageous for the relatively large quantity of bone that must be removed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,719,908 to Averill et al describes contouring the femur using a cutter and a contouring guide to obtain a contour that minimizes the amount of bone removed from the femoral condyle. However, placement of the contouring guide depends for accuracy on the location of holes previously formed in the condyle to receive fixation posts of the femoral component.

The Biomet Repicci II, the MIS Minimally Invasive Solution of Zimmer, Inc., and the Johnson & Johnson P.F.C. relate to unicompartmental knee replacement procedures and instrumentation but present various disadvantages. The Biomet Repicci II knee replacement procedure lacks alignment instrumentation and requires a completely freehand burring technique to shape the femoral condyle. In addition, a legless tibial base must be placed completely in a pocket of the cancellous bone. The MIS knee replacement procedure involves full femoral and tibial resections, incorporates a difficult implantation technique and requires invasive intramedullary alignment. The Johnson & Johnson P.F.C. knee replacement procedure fails to provide minimally invasive instrumentation and requires full femoral and tibial resections.

Accordingly, the need exists for instruments and methods for unicompartmental knee replacement which provide a conservative approach in terms of bone removal and exposure while providing consistent alignment and reproducible clinical results in a minimal incision technique. There is a need for better instrumentation and for a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure utilizing such instrumentation in a minimally invasive technique while providing the alignment needed to produce consistent, repeatable outcomes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of prior methods of unicompartmental knee replacement and of instruments used in prior methods of unicompartmental knee replacement.

Another object of the present invention is to remove a minimal amount of bone to accommodate a knee joint prosthesis in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure performed through a minimal incision.

A further object of the present invention is to promote stable and secure fixation of prosthetic femoral and tibial components to bone in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure.

An additional object of the present invention is to accurately establish the areas of a femoral condyle and a tibial plateau to be prepared to receive a knee joint prosthesis in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure.

The present invention has as another object to externally delineate an area of a femoral condyle to be resurfaced to receive a prosthetic femoral component.

The present invention also has as an object to controllably resurface a femoral condyle to have a contour corresponding to the contour of a fixation surface of a prosthetic femoral component in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure.

It is also an object of the present invention to prepare a femoral condyle to receive a prosthetic femoral component by removing cartilage and/or bone from the condyle to match an angular sweep of the femoral component in a coronal plane.

It is a further object of the present invention to prepare a femoral condyle to receive a prosthetic femoral component by removing cartilage and/or bone from the condyle to match a plurality of tangential radii of a fixation surface of the femoral component in a sagittal plane.

Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to controllably resurface a portion of a femoral condyle in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure while essentially retaining the anatomic geometry of the femoral condyle portion.

Yet another object of the present invention is to maintain accuracy in bone preparation and in locating a knee joint prosthesis on the prepared bone surfaces within the confines of limited access available at the knee joint in a minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement procedure.

A still further object of the present invention is to utilize a minimum number of instrument components and steps of limited complexity in carrying out unicompartmental knee joint replacement.

It is also an object of the present invention to prepare a femoral condyle to facilitate anatomical femoral-tibial tracking of a knee joint prosthesis in a unicompartmental knee replacement procedure.

Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a femoral resurfacing guide and posterior resection block for consistent alignment and reproducible preparation of a femoral condyle in unicompartmental knee replacement procedures.

The present invention has as an additional object to provide a resurfacing instrument and resurfacing guide for externally delineating and controllably resurfacing an area of a femoral condyle to obtain precision implant fit with minimal exposure in unicompartmental knee replacement procedures.

Still another object of the present invention is to simplify and facilitate application of a tibial cutting guide and/or tibial stylus in small incision unicompartmental knee replacement procedures.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to facilitate preparation of the proximal tibia to receive a posterior tibial fixation peg within the confines of a small incision in unicompartmental knee replacement procedures.

It is another object of the present invention to promote reproducible, accurate bone preparation in unicompartmental knee replacement procedures.

Additionally, the present invention has as an object to enhance reproducible, proper alignment between prosthetic femoral and tibial components in unicompartmental knee replacement procedures.

Some of the advantages of the present invention are that the unicompartmental knee replacement procedures and instrumentation may be used in minimally invasive procedures as well as in open surgical procedures, sufficient access for the unicompartmental knee replacement procedures and instrumentation may be established through a three to four inch incision, bone is conserved and particularly about twenty percent more quality bone stock may be conserved in the femur, surgical time is significantly reduced, implant placement is consistent and accurate so that each implanted knee tracks anatomically, the need for hand-sculpting and/or eyeball judgement when preparing the bone surfaces is/are avoided, the opportunity for surgical error is reduced, the femoral resurfacing guide provides soft tissue retraction and retraction of the patella for enhanced surgical exposure, the femoral resurfacing guide has a stylus to facilitate proper positioning on the bone and to provide an indication of where the prosthetic femoral component will transition into the bone, the posterior resection block cooperates with a resected surface of the tibial plateau to ensure that a resection slot of the posterior resection block is parallel to the resected tibial surface, various tissue removing instruments can be used with the different femoral resurfacing guides, the femoral resurfacing guides may be used to prepare the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle as well as the distal aspect of the femoral condyle, increased congruency, high contact area and decreased surface stresses are achieved in the implanted knee, sufficient bone is retained to support future surgical intervention including future total knee replacement, the unicompartmental knee replacement procedures may be performed using an extramedullary technique and/or an intramedullary technique for proper alignment and positioning, the tibial stylus is anatomically contoured to the femoral condyle for enhanced use in a minimal incision procedure, the tibial cutting guide is anatomically contoured to the tibia for enhanced use in a minimal incision procedure, variable accurate tibial resection depths are possible, enhanced fixation is achieved for the tibial component in an onlay cementitious fixation, and the instruments and methods of the present invention can be used in medial compartment as well as lateral compartment knee replacement procedures.

These and other objects, advantages and benefits are realized with the present invention as generally characterized in instrumentation for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery to establish the location of a tibial resection along a tibial plateau. The instrumentation includes a tibial cutting guide for establishing a planar surface along a tibial plateau to receive a prosthetic tibial component and a tibial stylus for controlling the depth of the planar surface. The tibial cutting guide has a resection slot for receiving a cutting member to effect the planar surface. The tibial cutting guide is positionable anteriorly along the tibia and is movable along the long axis of the tibia to vary the location of the resection slot along the tibial. The tibial stylus is attachable to the tibial cutting guide and has a stylus arm from which the resection slot is spaced a predetermined depth. The stylus arm is positionable on the tibial plateau to establish a location for the resection slot at the predetermined depth below where the stylus arm rests on the tibial plateau. The stylus arm has an anatomic contour to accommodate the anatomic contour of the corresponding femoral condyle. The tibial cutting guide is mountable to a tibial alignment guide to establish the planar surface to extend posteriorly at a downward slope or angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the tibia or to extend perpendicular to the long axis of the tibia at a neutral, zero or no slope or angle. The tibial stylus may be a compound tibial stylus capable of establishing a plurality of planar surfaces through the resection slot at different predetermined depths. An alignment module may be used with the tibial cutting guide.

The present invention is also generally characterized in a posterior resection block for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery to prepare a posterior femoral resection. The posterior resection block comprises a housing including a forward portion to be disposed adjacent the distal aspect of the femoral condyle and a base plate extending from the forward portion for positioning between the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle and a proximal surface of the corresponding tibial plateau. A resection slot extends through the housing from anterior to posterior for receiving a cutting member to effect a planar resected surface along the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle. The forward portion of the housing has a configuration and size corresponding to a configuration and size of at least a distal portion of a prosthetic femoral component whereby prosthetic femoral component size and fit may be evaluated prior to forming the planar resected surface.

The present invention is further generally characterized in instrumentation for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery to surgically prepare a femoral condyle to receive a prosthetic femoral component. The instrumentation comprises a resection block and a resurfacing guide. The resection block is attachable to the femur and has a resection slot for receiving a cutting member to effect a planar surface along a posterior aspect of a femoral condyle. The resection block includes a base plate for positioning between the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle and a planar proximal surface of the corresponding tibial plateau to locate the resection slot parallel to the planar proximal surface. A handle may be provided for attachment to the posterior resection block. The resurfacing guide is attachable to the femur and includes a rail member for externally delineating a distal aspect of the femoral condyle to be resurfaced. The rail member follows the medial-lateral and anterior/posterior configuration of a prosthetic femoral component and may extend anteriorly at an angle in a medial-lateral direction relative to the plane of the resection slot. The resurfacing guide may be attachable to the resection block to form a one-piece construct. The resurfacing guide may include a stylus to facilitate proper positioning of the resurfacing guide on the femoral condyle. Instrumentation including an alignment module is provided for correctly positioning and aligning the posterior resection block on the femur.

The present invention is additionally generally characterized in instrumentation for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery to surgically resurface a femoral condyle to receive a prosthetic femoral component. The instrumentation comprises a resurfacing guide and a resurfacing instrument used with the resurfacing guide. The resurfacing guide is attachable to a femur and comprises a rail member for externally delineating an area of a femoral condyle that is to be surgically resurfaced to receive the prosthetic femoral component. The resurfacing instrument is used with the femoral resurfacing guide to resurface the externally delineated area and comprises a tissue removing member movable along the delineated area to remove cartilage and/or bone therefrom. The tissue removing member has an engagement wall for engaging an abutment wall of the resurfacing guide to limit tissue removal to a predetermined depth. The resurfacing guide may include a slide carried by and movable relative to the rail member, with the slide having a window for receiving the tissue removing member therethrough to access the delineated area. The resurfacing guide may include a stylus for contacting the femoral condyle to prevent malpositioning of the resurfacing guide on the femoral condyle. The resurfacing instrument may be powered manually or mechanically via a powered surgical handpiece and may comprise a rasp, an end mill cutter, a reamer or a burr.

Another characterization of the present invention is in instrumentation for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery for intramedullary alignment of femoral instruments. The instrumentation comprises an intramedullary rod, a resection block and a linking instrument. The intramedullary rod is insertable in the intramedullary canal of a femur, and the resection block is attachable to the femur. The resection block has a planar resection slot for receiving a cutting member to establish a planar surface along a posterior aspect of a femoral condyle of the femur and has a channel extending through the resection block in a medial-lateral direction parallel to the resection slot. The linking instrument comprises a horizontal linking bar and a vertical linking bar extending from the horizontal linking bar at an angle. The horizontal linking bar is receivable in the channel to form a one-piece construct with the resection block. The vertical linking bar is mountable to the intramedullary rod to couple the construct to the intramedullary rod.

Moreover, the present invention is generally characterized in instrumentation for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery to prepare a femur to receive fixation structure of a prosthetic femoral component. The instrumentation comprises a trial femoral component for fixation on a prepared femoral condyle and a femoral fin punch for insertion in the femur via the trial femoral component. The trial femoral component corresponds to the prosthetic femoral component but is without a femoral fixation peg and femoral fixation fin which comprise the fixation structure of the prosthetic femoral component. The trial femoral component includes a bore hole at a location corresponding to the location for the femoral fixation peg of the prosthetic femoral component and a slot at a location corresponding to the location for the femoral fixation fin of the prosthetic femoral component. A handle is removably attachable to the trial femoral component for insertion and withdrawal of the trial femoral component from the prepared femoral condyle. With the trial femoral component positioned on the prepared femoral condyle, the bore hole is adapted to receive a cutting member therethrough for penetration into the femur to form a peg hole for receiving the femoral fixation peg. The cutting member has a stop for engaging the trial femoral component when inserted through the bore hole to limit penetration of the cutting member into the femur when forming the peg hole. A femoral fin punch has a peg element for being inserted into the peg hole through the bore hole of the trial femoral component and has a fin element for insertion into the femur through the slot of the trial femoral component to form a slot in the femur for receiving the femoral fixation fin of the prosthetic femoral component. The femoral fin punch has a stop for engaging the trial femoral component to limit penetration of the peg element and fin element into the femur to the proper depth. A trial femoral component having a fixation peg may be provided for final component sizing and fit.

A further characterization of the present invention is in instrumentation for use in minimally invasive unicompartmental knee replacement surgery to prepare a tibial to receive fixation structure of a prosthetic tibial component. The instrumentation comprises a trial tibial component, a guide and a cutting member. The trial tibial component may be formed as one-piece or may be a modular trial tibial component comprising a trial tibial base and a trial tibial insert mountable on the trial tibial base. The trial tibial component may be a floating trial tibial component, allowing the trial tibial component to be adjustably moved and positioned on the prepared tibial plateau prior to being fixated thereto. The trial tibial component corresponds to the prosthetic tibial component but is without posterior and anterior tibial fixation pegs which comprise the fixation structure of the prosthetic tibial component. The trial tibial component has a posterior bore hole at a location corresponding to the location of the posterior tibial fixation peg of the prosthetic tibial component and has an anterior bore hole at a location corresponding to the location of the anterior tibial fixation peg of the prosthetic tibial component. The guide is mountable on the trial tibial component with a sleeve of the guide aligned with the posterior bore hole and extending anteriorly at an angle to a prepared surface of the tibial plateau when the trail tibial component is positioned thereon. The sleeve is adapted to receive the cutting member therethrough for insertion through the posterior bore hole and into the tibia to form a posterior peg hole in the tibia for receiving the posterior tibial fixation peg of the prosthetic tibial component. The cutting member has a stop for engaging the sleeve to control the depth of penetration of the cutting member into the tibia. The cutting member is also adapted to be received through the anterior bore hole to form an anterior peg hole in the tibia for receiving the anterior tibial fixation peg. A depth stop is provided on the cutting member to control the depth of penetration of the cutting member into the tibia when forming the anterior peg hole. A trial tibial component having anterior and posterior fixation pegs may be provided for final component sizing and fit.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts in each of the several figures are identified by the same reference characters.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The instruments and methods of the present invention relate to implantation of knee joint prostheses and, in particular, to minimally invasive unicompartmental implantation of knee joint prostheses, especially the knee joint prostheses disclosed in the concurrently filed non-provisional patent applications entitled Knee Joint Prostheses, Prosthetic Femoral Components and Prosthetic Tibial Components, the entire disclosures of which were previously incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, the knee joint prostheses and the prosthetic femoral and tibial components discussed herein include the knee joint prostheses and the prosthetic femoral and tibial components disclosed in the aforementioned patent applications. It should be appreciated, however, that the instruments and methods of the present invention may be used or adapted for use with other knee joint prostheses and may be performed using open surgical techniques. Although the instruments and methods of the present invention are illustratively described below for medial compartment knee joint replacement of a left or right knee, it should be appreciated that the instruments and methods of the present invention may be used or adapted for use in lateral compartment knee joint replacement of a left or right knee.

As used herein, “medial compartment” of a knee refers to the femoral condyle and corresponding tibial plateau of the knee located closer to the median plan of the patient's body, i.e. the plane that divides the body in half lengthwise, and “lateral compartment” of a knee refers to the femoral condyle and corresponding tibial plateau of the knee located further from the median plane. The term “medial” refers to a side or direction toward the median plane, the term “lateral” refers to a side or direction away from the median plane, the term “anterior” refers to a side or direction toward the front of the knee, the term “posterior” refers to a side or direction toward the back of the knee, the term “distal” refers to a downward side or direction, and the term “proximal” refers to an upward side or direction.

A tibial crosshead or cutting guide10for use in the methods of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 1–5. The tibial crosshead10is shown as a “left” tibial crosshead for use in implantation of a knee joint prosthesis on the left knee of a patient, and a “right” tibial crosshead in accordance with the present invention for use on a right knee is a mirror image of the “left” tibial crosshead10. The tibial crosshead10has an anterior portion11of greater height than a posterior portion12thereof, the posterior portion12forming a curving wing13defined by a curved side wall14of the posterior portion, a curved posterior wall15of the posterior portion and a transition wall16of the posterior portion joining the side wall14to the posterior wall15. As shown inFIG. 2, the side wall14has a radius of curvature R1, and the posterior wall15has a radius of curvature R2. The anterior portion11has an inner side wall17and a parallel outer side wall18spaced outwardly from inner side wall17to define a generally C-shaped outer arm extending fro the anterior portion. A channel19extends through the anterior portion11from top to bottom and is defined by the C-shaped outer arm and by an opposing, C-shaped inner arm formed by a curved internal surface20of the anterior portion. The channel19has a configuration in cross-section to receive a shaft of a tibial alignment guide as explained further below. An anterior opening along a planar anterior wall21of the anterior portion11extends from top to bottom between the opposing C-shaped arms and provides an entrance to channel19. The channel19has a central longitudinal axis that is angled posteriorly from top to bottom relative to a medial-lateral plane perpendicular to a planar resection slot24of the tibial crosshead, so as to provide a posteriorly sloped resection through the resection slot24of the crosshead when the tibial crosshead is assembled to the tibial alignment guide as explained further below. A plurality of fixation holes22extend entirely through the anterior portion11from the planar anterior wall21to a planar posterior wall23of the anterior portion. The lowermost fixation hole22′, as shown inFIG. 4, has an opening on the anterior wall21with a center disposed in a plane P1parallel to a plane P2containing inner side wall17. The fixation hole22′ has a central longitudinal axis disposed in a plane P3forming an angle Al with plane P1. The slot24extends entirely through the tibial crosshead from anterior to posterior, and has a uniform or constant height or depth between upper and lower planar internal surfaces of the tibial crosshead. The slot24may be limited or bounded by a slot end25in side wall14adjacent transition wall16, by a slot end26in anterior wall21adjacent the C-shaped inner arm, and by slot ends27in posterior wall15. It should be appreciated that the slot end25and/or the slot end27can be eliminated in that the slot24may extend to and open on the side of the crosshead as shown by dotted lines inFIGS. 1 and 5. A through hole28is formed in the tibial crosshead perpendicular to the planar top wall thereof for attachment of a tibial stylus as explained below. The hole can be provided at one or more suitable predetermined locations as shown by dotted lines inFIG. 2, and more than one hole28can be provided in the tibial crosshead. The posterior wall15conforms to the anatomic configuration of the anterior tibia when the cutting guide10is positioned adjacent thereto as explained below.

An illustrative but not limiting tibial crosshead has an overall length between planes P4and P5and an overall width between planes P6and P7. P1and P2bisects the channel19. The planar resection slot has a height or depth between the upper and lower internal surfaces. The fixation hole22′ has an opening on posterior wall23with a center located above a planar bottom surface of the anterior portion11. Three pairs of fixation holes have openings on the posterior wall23with centers located below the planar top surface of the tibial crosshead. The angle of channel19may be five degrees to provide a five degree posteriorly sloped tibial resection relative to a plane perpendicular to the long axis of the tibia, may be seven degrees to provide a seven degree posteriorly sloped tibial resection or may be any other suitable angle to provide a tibial resection of appropriate angle or slope. In addition, the tibial crosshead can be designed to provide a tibial resection of neutral, zero or no slope or angle, i.e. within the plane perpendicular to the long axis of the tibia, in which case the central longitudinal axis of channel19is not angled from the vertical and is perpendicular to the resection slot24. Different crossheads having different angles or no angles may be provided.

A tibial stylus30for use with the tibial cutting guide or crosshead10is shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. The tibial stylus30has first and second curved stylus arms31and32extending downwardly from opposing ends of a flat connecting plate33. An elongate, longitudinal slot34with radiuses ends is formed in connecting plate33, and a cylindrical stylus base35extends through the slot34in a direction perpendicular to plate33. The slot34has a length and a width, with the slot34being centered between the side edges of connecting plate33. The stylus base35may be selectively movable longitudinally within slot34and held in place via a cap36which may be threaded and/or spring biased to the base35. A cylindrical stem37protrudes downwardly from base35in axial alignment therewith and mounts a detent38, which is illustrated as but not limited to a protruding, spring biased detent ball. Stylus arms31and32have respective ends39with lower surfaces, respectively, disposed in planes P8and P9, respectively. A lower edge of stylus base35is contained in a plane P10parallel to planes P8and P9. Plane P10is disposed below planes P8and P9, and is disposed a greater distance below plane P9than plane P8. Upper surfaces of stylus arms31and32have radii of curvatures R3and R4, respectively, and the lower surfaces of the stylus arms31and32have radii of curvatures R5and R6, respectively. The connecting plate33is of uniform or constant width between opposing, straight side edges thereof, and the stylus arms31and32taper in width from the connecting plate to their ends39, respectively. In the tibial stylus30, the connecting plate has a thickness and the thickness of the stylus arms tapers from the connecting plate to the ends39. In use, the stem37of the tibial stylus is inserted in the appropriate through hole28of the tibial crosshead, with the detent38deflecting inwardly to permit such insertion. Upon the detent clearing the upper internal surface of the tibial crosshead, the detent is spring biased to its protruding position to releasably connect the tibial stylus to the crosshead with the lower edge of the stylus base35upon the planar top surface of the crosshead.

The tibial stylus30is illustrated as a compound tibial stylus capable of establishing a tibial resection through the resection slot of the crosshead at two different depths, i.e. a first depth below the level where the corresponding stylus arm31rests on the proximal tibia or a second depth below the level where the corresponding stylus arm32rests on the proximal tibia. In one illustrative but not limiting embodiment, for example, stylus arm31may be a 4 mm stylus arm for establishing a tibial resection depth 4 mm below the level where the stylus arm31rests on the proximal tibia, and the stylus arm32may be a 2 mm or a 6 mm stylus arm for establishing a tibial resection depth 2 mm or 6 mm below the level where the stylus arm32rests on the proximal tibia. In another illustrative but not limiting embodiment, the stylus arm31may be a 6 mm stylus arm to establish a 6 mm tibial resection depth below the level where the stylus arm31rests on the proximal tibia, and the stylus arm32may be an 8 mm stylus arm to establish an 8 mm tibial resection depth below the level where the stylus arm32rests on the proximal tibia. It should be appreciated, therefore, that the stylus arms can be designed to establish tibial resections of any desired depths. The curvatures of the stylus arms correspond to, conform to, match or follow the anatomic geometry of the femoral condyle such that the stylus arms closely accommodate or cradle the distal surface of the femoral condyle when the stylus arms are positioned on the corresponding tibial plateau as explained further below. The design of the stylus enhances ease of use in minimally invasive unicompartmental procedures.

FIGS. 8–10illustrate a trial femoral component40used to properly size and locate the actual or prosthetic femoral component of the knee joint prosthesis. Trial femoral component40is illustrated as a “left” trial femoral component corresponding to the “left” femoral component disclosed in the aforementioned patent application incorporated herein by reference for implantation on the left knee of a patient, and a “right” trial femoral component corresponding to a femoral component designed to be implanted on the right knee of a patient is a mirror image of the “left” trial femoral component40. Trial femoral component40is similar to the actual femoral component disclosed in the applications incorporated herein by reference and thusly has a femoral trial fixation surface corresponding to the femoral fixation surface of the prosthetic femoral component. Accordingly, the femoral trial fixation surface includes a planar rearward section, a curved intermediate section and a planar forward section corresponding to the rearward, intermediate and forward sections of the femoral fixation surface of the prosthetic femoral component. The trial femoral component40does not have a femoral fixation peg or fin but has a stepped bore hole41corresponding to the femoral fixation peg of the actual femoral component and has a slot comprising anterior and posterior slot segments42and43, respectively, extending from bore hole41in correspondence with the anterior and posterior femoral fixation fin segments, respectively, of the actual femoral component. Also, the trial femoral component40has stepped, anterior bore holes44on opposite sides of anterior slot segment42to receive fixation pins or other fixation elements for temporarily fixating the trial femoral component to the femur. The counterbored or stepped holes which receive the fixation pins ensure that the heads of the fixation pins are recessed from the outer surface of the trial femoral component corresponding to the femoral articular surface of the actual femoral component. As shown inFIG. 10, the anterior slot segment terminates anteriorly at an angled end surface45that is angled downwardly and anteriorly from the inner surface of the trial femoral component. The posterior slot segment43terminates posteriorly at an angled end surface46angled upwardly and posteriorly from the inner surface of the trial femoral component. The end surfaces45and46are in a plane P13disposed at angle A2with a plane P14containing a planar anterior section of the inner surface of the trial femoral component.

The trial femoral component40may be made available in various sizes corresponding to the sizes of the femoral component disclosed in the application incorporated herein by reference. In an illustrative but not limiting embodiment, angle A2is 38 degrees. AS shown inFIG. 10, the stepped bore41has an inner bore section48opening on the inner surface of the trial femoral component and an outer bore section49opening on the outer surface of the trial femoral component. In an illustrative but not limiting embodiment, the inner bore section48has an oblong configuration in cross-section, and the outer bore section49has a circular configuration in cross-section flaring to an opening along the outer surface of the trial femoral component.

A selectively attachable handle50for use with the trial femoral component is shown inFIG. 11Aand includes an elongate body51with a cross-piece52forming a T-formation to facilitate grasping. A forward end53of the body51defines a trial femoral component holder and a proximal end54thereof defines a trial femoral component extractor. The forward end53forms a lip member55having an annular groove receiving an O-ring56, shown in cross-section. The forward end53is adapted to releasably engage with the stepped bore hole41of the trial femoral component40. A cross pin57in the forward end53protrudes diametrically and prevents rotation of the trial femoral component on the handle by engaging in the anterior and posterior slot segments42and43of the trial femoral component.

A modified and preferred selectively attachable handle for use with the trial femoral component is illustrated at50′ inFIGS. 11B,11C and11D. The handle50′ includes elongate body51′ comprising outer body member51a′ and inner body member51b′ slidably disposed in the outer body member. The outer body member51a′ has a crosspiece52′ forming a T-formation to facilitate grasping and operation. A forward end53′ of the inner body member51b′ forms a releasable holder for the trial femoral component. A bias member biases the outer body member51a′ to an extended position shown inFIGS. 11B,11C and11D, while allowing the outer body member51a′ to be moved to a retracted or withdrawn position when a proximal end54′ of the inner body member is moved closer to the cross-piece52′ via manual compressive or squeezing operation of the proximal end54′ and cross-piece52′. Also, the bias member automatically returns the outer body member51a′ to the extended position when the compressive or squeezing force is removed. A slot in the inner body member51b′ permits relative sliding movement of the outer and inner body members between the extended and retracted positions. The bias member is shown as a coil spring disposed around the inner body member51b′ and confined within the outer body member51a′ between an internal shoulder on the outer body member51a′ and an external shoulder on the inner body member51b′. However, the bias member may comprise other types of springs or other biasing devices including one or more components. In the extended position, a wedge element58′ carried by and movable with the outer body member51a′ alongside the inner body member51b′ is extended forwardly and, in the retracted position, the wedge element58′ is retracted so that forward end53′ is extended forwardly from or beyond the wedge element58′. Accordingly, when the cross-piece52′ and proximal end54′ are squeezed, the outer body member51a′ is moved to the retracted position with the forward end53′ disposed forwardly of the wedge element58′ to permit the forward end53′ to be inserted in the bore hole41of the trial femoral component. When the squeezing force on cross-piece52′ and proximal end54′ is removed, the outer body member51a′ is returned to the extended position, causing wedge element58′ to be moved into the bore hole41alongside the forward end53′ and thereby secure the trial femoral component to the forward end53′ with a wedging action or force. When the handle50′ is thereafter squeezed to move the outer body member51a′ to the retracted position, the wedge element58′ is withdrawn from the bore hole, allowing the forward end53′ to be withdrawn or removed from the bore hole41to effect detachment of the handle from the trial femoral component.

FIG. 12illustrates a femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly including a femoral resurfacing guide60and a posterior resection block70. The femoral resurfacing guide60is illustrated inFIGS. 12–15and includes a generally U-shaped rail member having parallel legs61and62, which curve in the posterior direction to posterior ends connected by a transverse connecting pad63, which may be formed integrally, unitarily with the legs. The rail member has an inside surface64defining a track for a femoral resurfacing instrument as described below, the inside surface or track64externally delineating an area of the femoral condyle to be resurfaced. As best shown inFIG. 13, the connecting pad63is angled downwardly from leg61to leg62, and its lower surface is in a plane P15that forms an angle A3with a horizontal plane P16. The angle A3corresponds to the angular sweep of the actual femoral component disclosed in the application previously incorporated herein by reference. Of course, for femoral components not having an angular sweep, the connecting pad may be oriented in the horizontal plane between legs61and62. The plane P16is parallel to a plane P17containing a top of the rail member which forms an arcuate, posteriorly protruding stylus or tab59for a purpose to be described below. The top surface of the connecting pad63has a recessed surface65, and a notch66is formed along the inside surface of leg61. The legs61and62have through holes67, respectively, extending therethrough from the front surface to the back surface of the rail member, and the centers of the through holes are in a plane P18parallel to plane P15. An eyelet68is disposed on leg61, and eyelets69and69′ are disposed on leg62. The legs61and62have posterior radii of curvatures R7and R8and anterior radii of curvatures R9and R10as shown inFIG. 15.

The femoral resurfacing guide60is designed for use with a “left” femoral component as disclosed in the application incorporated herein by reference and is thusly a “left” femoral resurfacing guide. It should be appreciated, however, that a “right” femoral resurfacing guide may be provided as a mirror image of the “left” femoral resurfacing guide60for use with a “right” femoral component. Also, the femoral resurfacing guide is made available in sizes corresponding to the sizes of the actual femoral components. For example, the illustrated femoral resurfacing guide60may be a Size 2 femoral resurfacing guide corresponding to a Size 2 femoral component of the aforementioned patent application. The inside surface or track of the femoral resurfacing guide60follows a configuration corresponding to the anterior-posterior and outer medial-lateral geometry of the actual femoral component and, depending on the actual femoral component, the track of the femoral resurfacing guide may or may not have an angular sweep.

An illustrative but not limiting femoral resurfacing guide has an overall height between planes P16and P17. The medial-lateral width of the track corresponds to the perpendicular distance between the inside surface of leg61and the inside surface of leg62. The hole for eyelet68has a center located in a plane parallel to plane P17. The hole for eyelet69has a center located in a plane parallel to plane P17. The center of the hole for eyelet69′ is located in a plane disposed at an angle to a sagittal plane bisecting the femoral resurfacing guide60vertically. The actual dimensions of the femoral resurfacing guide will depend on the particular size of the femoral resurfacing guide.

The posterior resection block70, as shown in FIGS.12and16–21, includes a housing having an anterior or forward portion and a base plate extending posteriorly or rearwardly from the anterior portion. The anterior portion for resection block70has a front surface71, a top surface72and a back surface73curving downwardly from top surface72to the elongate, rearwardly extending base plate74terminating at a cantilevered planar tongue75. The base plate74defines a bottom surface or wall of the housing as shown inFIGS. 16,18and19. A pair of attachment posts76extend rearwardly from back surface73and are adapted to be received in the through holes67of the femoral resurfacing guide60with the tongue75resting on the recessed surface65of the femoral resurfacing guide as shown inFIG. 12. The posterior resection block is thusly connectible with the femoral resurfacing guide60such that the resulting femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly may be handled essentially as a one-piece unit or construct for ease of use and simplification of procedural steps. The femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly may be provided with or without structure for mechanically locking the posterior resection block to the femoral resurfacing guide. A threaded hole77and a fixation hole78open on the front surface71and extend rearwardly through the anterior portion of the housing to open on back surface73. The attachment posts76and the holes77and78are aligned with one another in the medial-lateral direction as best shown inFIG. 19. A channel79extends through the housing in the medial-lateral direction and opens on opposing side walls of the housing. The channel79has a central longitudinal axis transverse or perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the housing. The channel79is rectangular in cross-section with its cross-sectional length oriented perpendicular to front surface71, which is planar, and its cross-sectional width oriented parallel to front surface71. As shown inFIG. 20, threaded hole77extends perpendicular to front surface71and parallel to attachment posts76, but could extend at any suitable angle to the front surface. Fixation hole78extends from the front surface71at an angle toward threaded hole77. A central longitudinal axis of fixation hole78is disposed at angle A4with a side wall80of the housing. A resection slot81extends through the housing from front to rear, the slot having a front slot opening on front surface71and a back slot opening on back surface73, which is planar and parallel to front surface;71. The slot81is planar with a uniform height in the vertical direction between parallel upper and lower internal surfaces of the housing, and the slot81is parallel to a bottom surface of base plate74and to tongue75. It should be appreciated that the posterior resection block and the femoral resurfacing guide need not be assembled and used as an essentially one-piece assembly, but can constitute and be used individually as separate and distinct instruments in multiple procedural steps.

The posterior resection block is made available in size ranges, for example, Size 1–2 and Size 3–4, corresponding to the sizes of the prosthetic femoral components of the referenced application. The illustrated posterior resection block70may, for example, be a Size 1–2 posterior resection block for use in implantation of a Size 2 femoral component. By way of illustration and not limitation, the posterior resection block70has an overall length from front to rear, with the base plate74extending rearwardly of the back surface73; the front surface71has an overall medial-lateral width, with the base plate74having a width less than the width of the front surface; the posterior resection block70has an overall height in the vertical direction, with the base plate74having a height or thickness in the vertical direction less than the overall height and the tongue75having a thickness less than the thickness of the base plate; the attachment posts76terminate rearwardly of front surface71; the attachment posts76have centers spaced from one another, and each attachment post may be spaced the same distance from the sagittal plane defined by line D—D; the centers for the attachment posts76are above the planar top surface of the base plate; the resection slot81has radiuses medial-lateral ends and has a medial-lateral width between the radiuses ends; and the slot81is centered within the medial-lateral width of the resection block.

A femoral alignment module82for use with the tibial cutting guide or crosshead10and/or the posterior resection block70is illustrated inFIG. 22and includes an angled tab having a planar leg83and a planar foot84extending perpendicularly from a first end of leg83. The same femoral alignment module82may be used as either a “left” femoral alignment module on the left knee of a patient, or as a “right” femoral alignment module on the right knee of a patient merely by reversing the orientation of the femoral alignment module82. A second end of leg83carries a cylindrical barrel85having a lumen of circular cross-section extending therethrough. The cylindrical barrel protrudes beyond parallel upper and lower surfaces of leg83, and the lumen is perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of leg83such that the lumen is perpendicular to the plane of foot84. The leg83has a height or thickness between its parallel upper and lower surfaces. Foot84extends posteriorly from the leg83to a straight posterior edge87and is of uniform medial-lateral width between parallel side edges of foot84. Foot84has a height or thickness between parallel upper and lower surfaces thereof and is dimensioned to be received in the resection slot24of the tibial crosshead10and/or the resection slot81of the posterior resection block70with a close fit. The parallel upper and lower surfaces of foot84are parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of leg83, with the foot84having a height or thickness slightly less than the height or thickness of leg83. The first end of leg83is joined to the foot84by a curve4doutside corner, and the second end of leg83is curved or rounded. An extramedullary check rod88is insertable in the lumen of barrel85to protrude upwardly and downwardly from the barrel. The check rod88may be slidably and rotatably mounted or received in the lumen of the barrel and may be held in a desired position via a friction or interference fit with the barrel. The check rod may be provided with indicia to facilitate proper directional orientation.

An intramedullary rod or valgus rod90for use in the methods of the present invention is illustrated inFIG. 23and includes a longitudinal bone insertion element91and a handle92extending from a rearward end of bone insertion element91at an angle A5. Bone insertion element91has longitudinal flutes in its external surface and has longitudinally extending vanes92protruding radially outwardly from its external surface. The flutes allow the rod90to be inserted into the femoral intramedullary canal without pressurizing the marrow. Vanes93, only one of which is visible inFIG. 23, are located at diametric locations on bone insertion element91and are thusly spaced about 180 degrees from one another. The vanes93prevent rotation of the valgus rod90in the intramedullary canal during use thereof and have sharpened, angled edges94that point outwardly to facilitate extraction or removal of the valgus rod from the intramedullary canal after use thereof. The hand92has diametrically opposed flat surfaces, as best seen inFIG. 42, for a purpose described below in greater detail. The angle A5is defined between plane P20containing the central longitudinal axis of bone insertion element91and a plane P21containing the central longitudinal axis of the handle92. Angle A5approximates the valgus angle of the distal femur, and valgus rods having different angles A5can be provided. For example, valgus rods can be provided having angles A5of 3 degrees, 5 degrees and 7 degrees, respectively. A single valgus rod can be used for both left and right knees merely by reversing its orientation. Accordingly, a top surface of the valgus rod can be provided with indicia, such as the word “left”, indicating orientation for use on the left knee, and a bottom surface of the valgus rod can be provided with different indicia, such as the word “right”, indicating orientation for use on the right knee. When the “left” indicating indicia faces upwardly, the valgus rod will be oriented for use on the left knee, and when the “right” indicating indicia faces upwardly, the valgus rod will be oriented for use on the right knee.

A linking instrument100for use with posterior resection block70and valgus rod90is illustrated inFIGS. 24–27. Linking instrument100includes a vertical linking bar101and a horizontal linking bar102perpendicular to vertical linking bar101. The horizontal linking bar102has an end joined to an L-shaped socket103. As best shown inFIG. 27, socket103extends anteriorly from the horizontal linking bar102and has a channel104extending therethrough from top to bottom. A detent is associated with the channel104and may comprise a ball plunger105mounted in and partially occupying the cross-sectional dimension of the channel104. A portion of the channel cross-sectional dimension not occupied by plunger105is of a size and configuration to receive the vertical linking bar101therethrough, the vertical linking bar being shown removed from the channel104inFIG. 27. The vertical linking bar101is slidably disposed in channel104and is confined in a desired position in the channel by the detent, such as the plunger105and a locking screw106engaged with a longitudinal groove107formed in a side wall of the vertical linking bar. An upper end of the vertical linking bar101carries a fixture108having a passage109extending therethrough from anterior to posterior, with a central longitudinal axis of passage109being perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vertical linking bar and also being perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of horizontal linking bar102. The passage109has a cross-sectional size and configuration to receive the handle92of valgus rod90with a close fit. The horizontal linking bar102has a size and configuration in cross-section to be received in the channel79of the posterior resection block70with a close fit. The linking instrument may be made available in different sizes.

FIG. 28illustrates a femoral resurfacing or tissue removing instrument110for use with the femoral resurfacing guide60to resurface a femoral condyle to accommodate the femoral component of the knee joint prosthesis. The femoral resurfacing instrument110is illustrated as but is not limited to a femoral rasp, which may be provided in sizes corresponding to the sizes of the femoral resurfacing guide. For example, a Size 2 femoral rasp may be provided for use with a Size 2 femoral resurfacing guide. However, the femoral rasp can be made available in other sizes corresponding to other sizes of the femoral resurfacing guide. It should be appreciated, however, that the resurfacing instrument may be size independent. Although size specific resurfacing instruments may be made available for optimal or enhanced performance, a generic resurfacing instrument may be used with the various sizes of femoral resurfacing guides. The femoral resurfacing instrument or rasp110, as best illustrated inFIGS. 28,29A,30A and31A, includes a cutting member, a tissue removing member, or an abrading member111connected to an angled flange or shaft113by which the tissue removing member is coupled with a handpiece, which may be a manual handpiece or a powered handpiece. A rearward end of the flange113is shown connected to an adapter112designed for connection to a standard powered handpiece or instrument by which the tissue removing member111is reciprocated. Various adapters or other connections may be used to couple the tissue removing member with a powered handpiece or instrument. Although powered operation is optimal, the tissue removing member may be connected to or formed with various handpieces by which the tissue removing member may be manually moved to effect resurfacing, and such handpieces may be integral and unitary with the tissue removing member or separate therefrom. The angled flange113has a 90 degree bend with a rearward portion of the flange extending upwardly from the bend and a forward portion of the flange extending forwardly from the bend at a right angle to the rearward portion as shown inFIG. 29A. The tissue removing member111has a bottom wall116with a straight rear edge114joined to opposite ends of an upstanding curved side wall115. The side wall115may follow a configuration substantially corresponding to the anterior configuration of the femoral component and forms an abutment for engaging the inside surface64of the rail member of the femoral resurfacing guide60. The bottom wall116of the tissue removing member is circumscribed by rear edge114and side wall115, and a lower surface of bottom wall116is covered in a pattern of cutting teeth117to define a cutting, tissue removing or abrading surface that fits within the track of the rail member of the femoral resurfacing guide60. The tissue removing surface is illustrated as being planar but may be non-planar and may be curved. The cutting teeth117provide a bidirectional or multidirectional cutting action in that the cutting teeth117are configured to remove tissue as the tissue removing member is moved in more than one direction along the delineated area, for example, anteriorly and posteriorly along the delineated area. Accordingly, tissue removal is accomplished in response to both forward/anterior and rearward/posterior movements of the tissue removing member along the area delineated by the rail member. A ledge118protrudes from the top of side wall115and the distance between the ledge118and the tissue removing surface limits or controls the depth of resurfacing via engagement of a lower surface of the ledge with an abutment wall carried by the rail member of the femoral resurfacing guide60. Particularly, the tissue removing surface protrudes a predetermined distance from the back or posterior surface of the rail member when an engagement wall formed by the lower surface of the ledge engages an abutment wall formed by the front surface of the rail member, such that the ledge defines a stop limiting the depth of resurfacing as described further below. An upper surface of bottom wall116is recessed below the ledge118, and a plurality of apertures119may be formed through bottom wall116to allow passage of bone fragments or other anatomical tissue debris away from the tissue removing surface. The resurfacing instrument thusly controls the depth to which tissue is removed and effects an improved bone surface for implantation compared to current conventional techniques.

A modified and preferred femoral rasp for use as the femoral resurfacing instrument in the methods of the present invention is illustrated at110′ inFIGS. 29B,30B and31B. The femoral rasp110′ is similar to femoral rasp110but does not have apertures in bottom wall116′. Of course, the bottom wall116′ could be provided with apertures as described for bottom wall116of femoral rasp110. The cutting teeth117′ for rasp110′ differ from the cutting teeth117for rasp110in that the cutting teeth117′ are deeper and larger and provide a monodirectional or unidirectional cutting action. Accordingly, the cutting teeth117′ are configured to remove anatomical tissue as the tissue removing member is moved in one direction, for example rearwardly or posteriorly, along the delineated area. Of course, the cutting teeth117′ can be configured to effect unidirectional cutting as the tissue removing member is moved anteriorly or forwardly along the delineated area. Also, the connection used in femoral rasp110′ to connect the flange113′ with the adapter112′ is different than the connection used in femoral rasp110.

A femoral fin punch120is shown inFIGS. 32–34for use with trial femoral component40to prepare the femur for the femoral fixation fin of the actual femoral component. The femoral fin punch120has a rearward end or handle121and a forward end or punch member122mounted to or formed as part of the handle121. The punch member122has a peg element123axially aligned with handle121and a fin element comprising an anterior fin element124extending anteriorly from peg element123and a posterior fin element125extending posteriorly from peg element123. The anterior and posterior fin elements have inner edges126, respectively, that are pointed to penetrate bone. The peg element123has a configuration corresponding to the femoral fixation peg of the actual femoral component, and the anterior and posterior fin elements124and125have configurations corresponding to the anterior and posterior femoral fixation fin segments of the actual femoral component. The anterior and posterior fin elements124and125are dimensioned to fit within the anterior and posterior slot segments42and43, respectively, of the trial femoral component40with a close fit. The peg element123is configured to fit in the bore hole41of the trial femoral component40with a close fit. When fully inserted in the bore hole and slot segments of the trial femoral component during a knee replacement procedure, the peg elements seats in a previously drilled hole in the femur and the anterior and posterior fin elements punch depressions in the bone of the proper configuration, size and depth to receive the corresponding anterior and posterior femoral fixation fin segments of the actual femoral component as described further below. In the femoral punch120, the peg element123is mounted or disposed in a recess128between the anterior and posterior fin elements, and the peg element protrudes from a bottom surface129of the recess contained in a plane P23. An anterior edge surface29of anterior fin element124and a posterior edge surface29′ of posterior fin element125are contained in plane P22forming angle A6with plane P23. When the punch member122is fully inserted in the trial femoral component, the anterior edge surface29abuts the end surface45of the anterior slot segment and the posterior edge surface29′ abuts the end surface46of the posterior slot segment to form a depth stop limiting penetration of the punch member into the femur. In a representative but not limiting embodiment, angle A6is 38 degrees.

The instruments and methods of the present invention are most preferably used with the unicompartmental knee joint prostheses disclosed in the referenced application, which closely replicate the geometry and kinematics of the medial compartment of the knee, but may be used or adapted for use with other knee joint prostheses. Use of the instruments and methods of the present invention as described below is applicable to medial or lateral compartment knee joint replacement in cases of unicompartmental disease without contraindications, and the disclosure of a medial compartment procedure should be construed as illustrative and not limiting. Projected femoral and tibial component sizes and alignment goals are determined prior to surgery through radiographic analysis including standard weight-bearing anterior-posterior and lateral films, which are also used to diagnose medial compartment disease. A diagnostic arthroscopy may be performed to confirm the absence of contraindications including tricompartmental disease, inflammatory arthritic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, A CL insufficiency and crystal-induced arthopathies.

In a method of unicompartmental knee replacement according to the present invention, the medial, lateral, superior and inferior borders of the patella are marked with the knee in flexion. The tibial tubercle and joint line are palpated. Surgery is initiated by accessing the medial compartment of the knee through a 3–5 inch medial perapatellar incision beginning at the medial border of the patella and carried distally to the level of the tibial tubercle, with the incision paralleling the medial border of the patellar tendon to expose the medial compartment of the knee. The proximal portion of the retinacular incision is extended proximally and medially in a “hockey stick” fashion just below the distal fibers of the vastus medialis. The incision can be extended proximally and/or distally as needed. If present, the medial patellar osteophyte should be removed. The medial border of the patella can be removed, as needed, to facilitate exposure. In performing the medial meniscectomy, it may be helpful to excise the anterior horn of the meniscus and complete the meniscectomy following the proximal tibial resection.

As shown inFIGS. 35 and 36, the thusly exposed knee140, which is shown as a left knee but which may be a right knee, is flexed to 90 degrees and the appropriate “left” or “right” tibial cutting guide or crosshead is attached to a tibial alignment guide.FIGS. 35 and 36shown the tibial cutting guide10attached to a tibial alignment guide130including an extendable and retractable shaft assembly131having a lower end mounted to an adjustable ankle clamp132. Selected extension and retraction of the shaft assembly131vertically is permitted via adjusting screw133. The extendable shaft assembly131includes an extendable upper shaft135having a wider upper grooved portion136aconnected with a narrower lower rod portion136bupon which an adjusting sleeve134is disposed. The lower portion136bis externally threaded, and the adjusting sleeve134is internally threaded to permit the adjusting sleeve to be rotated relative to the upper shaft to effect movement of the adjusting sleeve vertically upwardly and downwardly along the upper shaft. The tibial alignment guide may be a standard extramedullary tibial alignment guide of the type sold by Wright Medical Technology as Part Nos. K0063001 and K0040103.FIGS. 35 and 36show the tibial cutting guide10assembled to the tibial alignment guide130by lowering the adjusting sleeve134to permit insertion of the lower portion136bof upper shaft135through the anterior opening of channel19and by thereafter raising the adjusting sleeve so that the grooved portion136is positioned snugly in the channel19of the tibial cutting guide with the tibial cutting guide resting at the midpoint of the proximal tibial alignment guide.

The tibial alignment guide130, with the tibial cutting guide10assembled thereto, is placed onto the tibia138by applying the ankle clamp132, with the ankle clamp positioned at or slightly medial to the mid-point of the medial and lateral malleoli as shown inFIG. 36. The shaft assembly131is placed parallel to or along the long axis of the tibia, particularly the tibial shaft, and is positioned proximally at the medial third of the tibial tubercle or another appropriate landmark for correct tibial rotation. Placing the shaft assembly parallel in the sagittal plane with the long axis of the tibia provides a downward posteriorly sloped tibial resection, such as a five degree posteriorly sloped tibial resection, through the resection slot24of the tibial cutting guide10relative to the plane perpendicular to the long axis. Moving the shaft assembly away from the ankle increases posterior slope while moving the shaft assembly toward the ankle joint reduces the posterior slope. Different tibial cutting guides or crossheads providing different resection angles may be provided so that the posterior slope can be varied by using a different tibial cutting guide. As explained above, a tibial cutting guide can be provided to obtain a tibial resection of neutral, zero or no slope or angle relative to the plane perpendicular to the long axis. It is desirable to match the anatomic slope as closely as possible while avoiding excessive posterior angulation. The posterior wall of the tibial cutting guide is positioned adjacent the anterior tibia and conforms to and accommodates the anatomic configuration or geometry of the anterior tibia to facilitate the minimal incision technique.

If the tibial stylus30is being used, it is assembled onto the tibial cutting guide10by inserting the stem37of the tibial stylus through an appropriate through hole28of the tibial cutting guide until the tibial stylus is locked in place via the detent ball38as shown inFIGS. 35 and 36. The shaft assembly131is adjusted to adjust the height of the tibial cutting guide10so that the selected stylus arm is located to rest on the tibial plateau139. Depending on which stylus arm is selected, the tibial resection will be made, in the case of a tibial stylus having 4 mm and 6 mm stylus arms, either 4 mm or 6 mm below the level where the selected stylus arm rest on the proximal tibia.FIGS. 35 and 36illustrate the lower surface of end39of the stylus arm32, i.e. a 6 mm stylus arm, resting on the tibial plateau for a tibial resection 6 mm below the level where the stylus arm32rests on the tibial plateau. Depending on the preferences of the surgeon, the lower surface of the stylus arm may be placed on the lowest surface of the tibial plateau. Throughout this procedure, the knee140is maintained in flexion, with the tibial138rotated 90 degrees relative to the femur142as shown in the drawings. The anatomic curvature of stylus arm32accommodates the anatomic geometry of the distal surface of the femoral condyle with the end of the stylus arm positioned between the femoral condyle and tibial plateau with the knee in flexion and also with the knee in extension. Proper tibial rotation is maintained, and the tibial cutting guide10is fixated to the tibia138via fixation pins or other fixation elements143inserted through the middle pair of fixation holes22of the tibial cutting guide10as shown inFIG. 37. Typically, 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) headless fixation pins will be utilized. In hard or sclerotic bone, quick disconnect drill bits may be necessary to prepare holes for the fixation pins. Prior to fixation of the tibial cutting guide10to the tibia, the femoral alignment module82may be used to evaluate and confirm proper positioning of the resection slot24by inserting the foot84of the femoral alignment module in the resection slot24as described below for the resection slot of the posterior resection block70and as shown inFIGS. 39B and 40for the posterior resection block.

The proximal tibial resection may be performed with or without the tibial alignment guide130in place, in that the tibial alignment guide may be removed from the tibial cutting guide once the tibial cutting guide has been fixated to the bone and prior to the proximal tibial resection being performed. To remove the tibial alignment guide, the adjusting sleeve134is turned so that the narrower rod portion136bof upper shaft135may be withdrawn through the anterior opening of the channel19. Prior to performing the proximal tibial resection, the depth of the tibial cutting guide10may be further adjusted by removing the tibial cutting guide from the middle pair of fixation pins143and moving the tibial cutting guide over the fixation pins so that the fixation pins are inserted and received in the upper pair of fixation holes22at a plus 2 mm position or are inserted and received in the lower pair of fixation holes22at a minus 2 mm position. In this manner, the tibial cutting guide can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly to individualize for the particular patient the amount of bone removed from the tibia for the proximal tibial resection. For additional fixation, a divergent headless fixation pin or other fixation element may be applied via the fixation hole22′.

With the tibial cutting guide10fixated to the tibia in the correct position, the tibial stylus30is removed therefrom and a proximal resection of the tibia is initiated using a cutting member C through the resection slot24as depicted inFIG. 37. Typically, a one half inch wide (0.050 inch/1.3 mm thick) oscillating planar saw blade driven by a powered handpiece or instrument is used as the cutting member inserted through resection slot24. The cutting member may be introduced or inserted in the slot24from the anterior and/or the medial side of the tibial cutting guide. A planar resected surface144is thusly formed in the proximal tibia as shown inFIG. 38and extends downwardly from anterior to posterior at the previously selected posterior slope or angle relative to the plane perpendicular to the long axis as shown by plane P24inFIG. 36, but can alternatively be of zero, neutral or no slope or angle, i.e. perpendicular to the long axis, as shown by plane P25inFIG. 36. The proximal tibial resection is completed by forming a sagittal resected surface145, typically using a reciprocating saw blade, aligned with the lateral border of the medial femoral condyle while taking care to avoid the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, the sagittal resected surface being shown inFIG. 38. In an alternative method, the sagittal resected surface145can be made first using the reciprocating saw blade, which can be left in place on the proximal tibia to act as a landmark for making the planar resected surface144in the proximal tibia as discussed above. If necessary, the posterior horn of the medial meniscus may be removed prior to preparing the femur.

Following complete exposure and appropriate soft tissue release, preliminary sizing for the actual femoral component to be implanted is determined by utilizing a trial femoral component. To facilitate the femoral procedure, a line may be etched or marked on the femoral condyle to indicate the weight bearing axis, which may be determined by observing the line of visible wear along the femoral condyle. Based on pre-operative templating, a selected size trial femoral component is attached to the trial component handle as described above.FIG. 38shows trial femoral component40attached to handle50′, with the handle50′ grasped by the surgeon to locate the trial femoral component40on the femur142. The trial femoral component40is positioned on the unprepared femoral condyle, as shown for the medial femoral condyle, to estimate correct sizing based on medial-lateral component width and overall anterior-posterior sizing. Because a posterior femoral resection has not yet been performed, the anterior/superior location of the trial femoral component will not represent the final location of the actual femoral component. Following the posterior femoral resection, the femoral component will be positioned approximately 7 mm anterior/superior to its position during trialing. Ultimately, the anterior portion of the actual femoral component should be positioned on the femoral condyle at the tidemark between the degenerative weight-bearing surface and the healthier articular cartilage. The femur may be marked with methylene blue to indicate the central weight-bearing line and medial-lateral aspects of the trial femoral component.

Final component sizing is determined with the femoral resurfacing guide60and posterior resection block70. As shown inFIG. 39A, the appropriate size “left” femoral resurfacing guide for left knee implantation or the appropriate size “right” femoral resurfacing guide for right knee implantation may be attached to the appropriately sized posterior resection block70to form a one-piece assembly or construct by inserting the attachment posts76of the posterior resection block70in the through holes67of the femoral resurfacing guide60.FIG. 39Adepicts the “left” femoral resurfacing guide60attached to the posterior resection block70. If desired, a threaded handle146can be inserted into the threaded hole77of the posterior resection block70to extend parallel to the planar resection slot81and perpendicular to the anterior or front wall of the resection block. The handle146assists in manipulating the femoral resurfacing guide60/posterior resection block70assembly for placement on the femur and may be used to evaluate the flexion/extension position and the varus/valgus position of the femoral instrumentation. Of course, the femoral resurfacing guide60and posterior resection block70need not be assembled prior to being placed on the femur but can be placed on the femur in separate procedural steps. Accordingly, the following procedural description in which the femoral resurfacing guide60and posterior resection block70are assembled prior to being positioned and aligned on the femur should be considered illustrative and not limiting.

The femoral resurfacing guide60/posterior resection block70assembly is positioned on the femur with the knee in flexion and the base plate74of the resection block disposed between the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle and the resected surface144as shown inFIG. 39A. The stylus59of the femoral resurfacing guide contacts the bone for proper positioning of the femoral resurfacing guide and to control the depth of resurfacing. The stylus59prevents the femoral resurfacing guide from rolling over into hyperextension and provides an indication of where the prosthetic femoral component will transition into the bone. If the surgeon attempts to fully seat the femoral resurfacing guide60against the femur, the position and size of the stylus59prevents mal-positioning of the femoral resurfacing guide while maintaining the proper depth of resurfacing. The bottom surface of base plate74of the posterior resection block70will rest on the previously formed resected surface144of the proximal tibia to ensure that a planar posterior resection of the femur established via resection slot81is parallel to the tibial resection144for proper balancing of the implanted knee joint. If the joint space is too loose, spacers or shims can be introduced between the base plate and the bone to maintain the parallel relationship between the tibial resection and the posterior portion of the femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly. If the posterior portion of the femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly is maintained parallel to the tibial resection, the posterior resection of the femur will be parallel to the tibial resection. This linking of the femoral resection to the tibial resection helps the surgeon balance the joint space and determine proper positioning of the instruments and prosthesis.

Proper alignment and positioning may be established and confirmed using an extramedullary technique and/or an intramedullary technique. The femoral resurfacing guide60/posterior resection block70assembly is positioned and aligned on the unprepared femoral condyle using one or more of the following extramedullary steps or techniques and, preferably, all or a combination of the following extramedullary steps or techniques. In a first step or technique, the knee140is flexed to 90 degrees and the handle146is positioned parallel to the femur and perpendicular to the tibia when viewed from the lateral or medial side as shown by dotted lines inFIG. 39A. The handle146is used to evaluate flexion/extension and varus/valgus positioning. The planar resected surface144of the proximal tibia may also be used to confirm correct positioning of the posterior resection block70in that the bottom surface of the base plate74rests on the resected surface144with resection slot81parallel to resected surface144. IN a second step or technique, the femoral resurfacing guide60/posterior resection block70assembly is positioned in the correct medial-lateral and rotational position along the distal weight bearing surface of the femoral condyle to obtain maximum femoral coverage as shown inFIG. 39B. The inside surface64or track of the rail member corresponds to the outer medial-lateral geometry of the femoral component and thusly provides an indication of maximum femoral coverage, with the stylus59indicating where the femoral component will transition into the bone. A third step or technique for positioning and aligning the femoral resurfacing guide60/posterior resection block70assembly involves ensuring that the femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly is rotated correctly for femoral alignment as also shown inFIG. 39B. The prosthetic femoral component disclosed in the application incorporated herein by reference provides an anatomic angle, such as 7 degrees, between the distal and posterior portions, which should closely replicate the anatomic geometry of the femoral condyle. Final rotational positioning may be confirmed via the inside surface64of the femoral resurfacing guide60and by utilizing the femoral alignment module82as depicted inFIGS. 39B and 40. As shown inFIGS. 39B and 40, the foot84of the femoral alignment module82is inserted in the resection slot81of posterior resection block housing. The foot84protrudes posteriorly from the back surface of the housing for resection block70, thereby establishing a location for a posterior resection of the femur through the slot81of the resection block. In a fourth step or technique also represented byFIGS. 39B and 40, the foot84is inserted in the resection slot81and the check rod88of the femoral alignment module82is used to confirm that the femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block is parallel to the long axis of the femur142and perpendicular to the long axis of tibia138, thereby ensuring proper flexion-extension positioning.

An alternative or additional alignment technique includes the intramedullary alignment technique represented inFIGS. 41 and 42and involves initiating or forming an opening148in the femoral intramedullary canal149, typically using a ⅜ inch (9.5 mm) diameter drill bit or cutting member. Routine irrigation and aspiration should be performed to reduce the possibility of fat emboli. The femoral resurfacing guide60/posterior resection block70assembly is coupled with the appropriate size linking instrument100to form a one-piece assembly or construct by inserting the horizontal linking bar102in the channel of the posterior resection block70as shown inFIG. 42. An intramedullary or valgus rod90having the appropriate angle, such as 3 degrees, 5 degrees or 7 degrees, is selected and is oriented via the indicia so that the valgus rod is positioned for use on the appropriate knee. For the illustrated method, the indicia indicating “left” is positioned to face upwardly for unicompartmental surgery on the left knee. The valgus rod90is placed into the intramedullary canal via the opening148without seating the vanes93of the valgus rod into the bone as shown inFIGS. 41 and 42. The one-piece assembly or construct formed by the femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly and the linking instrument is coupled with the valgus rod90by placing the handle92of valgus rod90through the passage109of fixture108. The flat surfaces on the handle92mate with the flat walls of passage109. The femoral resurfacing guide/posterior resection block assembly is then positioned and aligned utilizing the extramedullary alignment steps or techniques discussed above. Femoral alignment is finalized by impacting the end of handle92of the valgus rod90and fully seating the vane93in the intramedullary canal. The seated vanes93prevent the valgus rod from rotating.

The femoral resurfacing guide60/posterior resection block70assembly is correctly positioned with base plate74flush against the tibial resected surface144and against the posterior femoral condyle, with or without the use of shims or spacers for the base plate. The femoral resurfacing guide60is pinned in place via fixation pins or other fixation elements150inserted in the holes of eyelets68,69and69′, respectively, as shown inFIG. 43. Typically, 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) headless fixation pins150are used. An additional fixation pin or other fixation element151is placed in the divergent fixation hole78of the posterior resection block70to ensure it remains stable during resection of the posterior femoral condyle. For hard or sclerotic bone, it may be necessary to pre-drill the holes with 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) quick disconnect drill bits or other cutters. The eyelets are located and oriented to cooperate with the fixation pins inserted therein to retract the patella and surrounding soft tissue for enhanced exposure of the knee joint when the femoral resurfacing guide is attached to the femur. Particularly, the patella is retracted and prevented from interfering with surgical preparation of the femur. The location and angle of the fixation pins in the eyelets provide secure fixation of the femoral resurfacing guide to the femur and adequate retraction o the patella and soft tissue, which is critical to good surgical exposure, particularly in a minimally invasive procedure.

A cutting member, such as cutting member C, is inserted through the resection slot81of the posterior resection block70to resect the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle along a plane parallel to the planar surface144of the tibia as shown inFIG. 43. Typically, a one half inch wide planar sagittal saw blade (0.050 inch/1.3 mm thick) powered by a powered handpiece or instrument is used as the cutting member inserted through the resection slot81. The planar resection formed through the slot81will typically remove about 4–7 mm of bone, and more typically 7 mm of bone, from the most prominent point along the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle, resulting in a planar posterior resected surface153shown inFIG. 44. The rail member of femoral resurfacing guide60is angled in a medial-lateral direction from posterior to anterior relative to the plane of the resection slot81as may be best shown inFIG. 39B, but does not have to be angled as discussed above depending on the femoral component to be implanted. With the posterior resection complete, the fixation pin151is removed, and the posterior resection block70and linking instrument100are removed, leaving the femoral resurfacing guide60in place as shown inFIG. 44. The valgus rod90may be allowed to remain in the intramedullary canal to retract the patella and soft tissue or may be extracted from the intramedullary canal, with the sharp edges on the vanes of the valgus rod facilitating its extraction.

To prepare the distal aspect of the femoral condyle for the femoral component, the appropriate size femoral resurfacing instrument110may be attached to a reciprocating powered handpiece or instrument, such as a power saw, via the adapter112to effect mechanical reciprocation of the tissue removing member111. Of course, the tissue removing member can be manipulated manually via a manual handpiece or instrument to effect the necessary cartilage and/or bone removal. The tissue removing member111is placed within the area externally delineated by the inside surface64of the rail member, and the tissue removing surface of the tissue removing member is positioned against the most prominent surface of the femoral condyle delineated by the track. The handpiece is used to reciprocate the tissue removing member111, and the tissue removing surface of the tissue removing member removes cartilage and/or articular bone in preparation for the femoral component. The tissue removing member is moved within the area delineated or outlined by the inside surface64of the rail member, with the U-shaped side wall of the tissue removing member serving as an abutment with the inside surface64of the femoral resurfacing guide60. Also, the lower surface of ledge118maintained above or atop the anterior surface of the rail member as the tissue removing member is moved along the delineated area provides a stop to ensure that the articular surface of the femur is removed to a predetermined depth. The tissue removing member does not have to be maintained perpendicular to the femoral resurfacing guide to create the controlled depth resurfacing or tissue removal.FIG. 44shows the femoral resurfacing instrument110directed along the delineated area in an upward direction; however, the femoral resurfacing instrument may be directed in a downward direction. In either case, the femoral resurfacing instrument must be directed in the upward direction to complete resurfacing of the femur at the most superior/anterior portion of the femoral resurfacing guide. The appropriate level of preparation is complete when the side wall of the tissue removing member111contacts the inside surface64of the rail member and when the lower surface of the ledge118contacts the front surface of the rail member along its entire path of travel along the delineated area to obtain a smooth, curved, resurfaced area or surface157on the distal aspect of the condyle. In cases of hard or sclerotic bone, it may be necessary to initially utilize a burr within the track of the rail member to remove the hard layer of bone prior to smoothing and finishing the femoral surface with the tissue removing member of the femoral resurfacing instrument. The bone surface may be checked and femoral component fit assessed using the trial femoral component40and/or an appropriate sized femoral shaping template159as shown inFIG. 45Ato ensure a proper fit of the actual femoral component prior to removal of the femoral resurfacing guide. As shown inFIG. 45A, the template159has an inner surface with an anterior-posterior dimension corresponding to the anterior-posterior dimension of a prosthetic femoral component and a sagittal contour corresponding to the sagittal contour of the fixation surface of the prosthetic femoral component. The template159has an attached handle and is positionable on the prepared bone surface within the area delineated by the rail member of the femoral resurfacing guide60.

During resurfacing, the area157is externally delineated or bounded medially, laterally and superiorly/anteriorly by the rail member of the femoral resurfacing guide and is bounded inferiorly/posteriorly by the previously prepared planar posterior resected surface153. The resurfaced area157formed using the femoral resurfacing guide merges smoothly with the resected surface153and, during resurfacing, the femoral resurfacing guide properly and controllably guides the tissue removing member to obtain a smooth merger while preventing the tissue removing member from removing bone too far inferiorly/posteriorly. As a result of resurfacing, a layer of cartilage and/or bone is removed from the distal aspect of the femoral condyle to a controlled depth while essentially retaining the anatomic geometry of the distal aspect of the femoral condyle, as opposed to planar resections or cuts which substantially alter the anatomic geometry. Typically, about 2–4 mm of cartilage and/or bone is removed during resurfacing. The femoral condyle prepared in accordance with the present invention thusly has the prepared planar posterior resected surface or area153and the distal resurfaced area or surface157merging with and extending anteriorly from the resected surface153. The resurface area matches a plurality of tangent radii of the fixation surface of the prosthetic femoral component in the sagittal plane and matches the angular sweep, i.e. 5 to 9 degrees, of the prosthetic femoral component in the coronal plane. Accordingly, the resurfaced area157extends anteriorly from the resected surface153at an angle in the medial-lateral direction corresponding to the anatomic angle of the femoral condyle. In the case of a medial femoral condyle, the resurfaced area157extends anteriorly from the resected surface153at a lateral angle. The resurfaced area thusly preserves the anatomic sweep of 5–9 degrees for the femoral condyle. The resected surface153and the resurfaced area157define a prepared surface for receiving the femoral fixation surface of the actual femoral component described in the co-pending patent application incorporated herein by reference, and the prepared surface follows the contour of the femoral fixation surface.

After the femoral condyle has been properly resurfaced, the femoral resurfacing guide60is removed, and the appropriate size “left” trial femoral component for left knee implantation or the appropriate size “right” trial femoral component for right knee implantation is positioned on the prepared femoral surface as shown inFIG. 45Bfor “left” trial femoral component40. It may be necessary to clean up the edges of the prepared femoral surface with a rongeur or hand rasp where the femoral resurfacing guide was seated to the bone. This will facilitate medial-lateral adjustment of the trial and prosthetic femoral components. With the handle50′ attached to the trial femoral component40, the trial femoral component40is positioned flush against the flat resected surface153previously made on the posterior femoral condyle. Particularly, a planar rearward section of the trial femoral component fixation surface corresponding to the planar rearward section of the femoral fixation surface of the prosthetic femoral component is placed flush against the posterior resected surface153. The trial femoral component is positioned to maximally cap the femoral condyle and to restore the normal tracking angle of the femoral condyle on the tibia without edge loading and edge contact. The handle50′ assists in evaluating the flexion/extension positioning and varus/valgus positioning. Correct mediallateral placement of the trial femoral component is confirmed, and the trial femoral component40is pinned in place via fixation pins or other fixation elements152inserted in the anterior bore holes444of the trial femoral component. The handle50′ is removed or withdrawn from the trial femoral component once the trial femoral component has been fixated to the femur. Prior to pinning the trial femoral component, a trial tibial component may be positioned on the tibia as described below and a trial range of motion may be completed to ensure correct implant tracking. Trial range of motion may be performed subsequent to the trial femoral component being fixated to the femur, since the heads of the fixation elements152are recessed in the bore holes44and do not protrude beyond or interfere with the outer surface of the trial femoral component. The trial tibial component can be moved, as needed, to ensure correct implant tracking prior to preparing the femur for the fixation peg and fin of the actual femoral component. Correct implant tracking is confirmed by ensuring that the tracking pattern of the trial femoral and tibial components in flexion and extension follows the normal tibiofemoral tracking pattern.

Preparation of the femur to accommodate the femoral fixation peg of the actual femoral component is effected using a femoral peg drill or cutting member161of appropriate size inserted in the bore hole41of the trial femoral component40as shown inFIG. 46A. The cutting member161should be positioned perpendicular to the femoral surface and penetrated, drilled or reamed into the bone until a depth stop174on the cutting member161contacts the trial femoral component to limit or control penetration of the cutting member161to the proper depth. The femoral peg cutting member161can be made available in different sizes or size ranges to accommodate different sizes of prosthetic femoral fixation pegs associated with the different sizes of femoral components. Once the femoral peg hole has been formed for the femoral fixation peg, preparation for the femoral fixation fin is initiated using a cutter169inserted through the slot formed by slot segments42and43and by the hole41in the trial femoral component40as shown inFIG. 46B. Preferably, the cutter169is a planar oscillating or podiatry saw. Care should be taken not to over-resect bone in the central portion of the femur. Preparation of the femur for the femoral fixation fin is completed using the femoral fin punch120as shown inFIG. 46C. The anterior and posterior fin elements124and125of the punch member are placed within the anterior and posterior slot segments42and43, respectively, of the trial femoral component40, with the peg element of the punch member seated in the hole previously drilled in the femur for the peg of the actual femoral component. The handle121of the femoral fin punch is lightly tapped until the depth stop formed by the anterior and posterior edge surfaces29,29′ of the femoral fin punch abut the end surfaces45,46of the trial femoral component in the fully inserted position for the fin punch, the fin elements124and125forming slots in the femur for receiving the anterior and posterior femoral fixation fin segments of the actual femoral component. With preparation of the femur for the fin of the prosthetic femoral component thusly completed, the femoral fin punch120is removed.

Placement and sizing for the actual or prosthetic tibial component may be determined using one of two methods. In a first method, the tibial component size that maximizes tibial coverage is determined, and a corresponding trial base164of a trial tibial component is aligned with the medial third of the tibial tubercle as shown inFIG. 47. The trial base164is oriented with its planar side wall adjacent the sagittal resected surface and its arcuate side wall at the medial border of the tibial plateau without excess overhang. The trial base164is pinned in place on the planar resected surface144using fixation pins or elements155inserted through anterior eyelets156of the trial base. Typically, 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) headless fixation pins will be used as the fixation elements155. An appropriate size trial insert165of the trial tibial component is attached to the trial base164as shown inFIG. 47, and the knee is run through a range of motion to confirm correct implant tracking and trial component positioning. If necessary, trial tibial component size and/or positioning is/are adjusted. In a second method represented byFIG. 48, the tibial component size that maximizes tibial coverage is determined, and the appropriate medial-lateral and rotational alignment is confirmed by placing the knee through a range of motion with a free-floating trial tibial component having a trial base164′ and trial insert165′. A line147is etched in the center of the trial insert165′ to facilitate assessment of proper tibiofemoral tracking, and the free-floating trial tibial component can be moved and positioned to maximize contact with the trial femoral component without “overstuffing” the knee joint. Once proper tracking is confirmed, the trial base164′ is pinned in place using fixation elements through anterior eyelets156′ as described above for trial base164.

The trial tibial components can be one-piece monolithic components or multi-piece modular components. In modular trial tibial components, the trial inserts can be assembled to the trial bases in the same manner as described in the co-pending patent application incorporated herein by reference for assembly of the actual tibial component inserts on the actual tibial component bases. Accordingly, the trial inserts and trial bases can be provided with cooperable lip and shoulder formations as disclosed in the referenced patent application.

Preparation of the tibia for the posterior tibial fixation peg of the actual tibial component is represented inFIG. 49and involves removing the trial femoral component40form the femur and removing the trial insert165,165′ from the trial base164,164′. With the trial base164,164′ in position on the planar resected surface of the tibial plateau, a tibial peg cutting member guide or drill guide having a handle attached thereto is applied to the trial base164,164′ so that an angled sleeve176of the guide175is aligned in communication with a posterior bore hole of the trial base164,164′. The posterior bore hole of trial base164,164′ corresponds in location to the posterior tibial fixation peg of the actual tibial component. The sleeve176of the guide175extends angularly from the posterior bore hole toward the anterior and, if necessary, the tibia138can be maximally flexed and externally rotated to facilitate placement of the guide. The guide175is releasably or removably secured to the trial base164,164′ by engaging at least one pin on the undersurface of the guide into at least one angled hole in the trial base164,164′. Preferably, two pins are provided on the guide175for engaging two angled holes, respectively, in the trial base164,164′. With the trial base164,164′ pinned in place, a tibial peg cutting member, drill or reamer177is inserted through the sleeve176and into the posterior bore hole in the trial base164,164′. The tibial peg cutting member177is advanced through the posterior bore hole to form a posterior peg hole in the tibia for the posterior tibial fixation peg, and a depth stop178on the tibial peg cutting member engages the sleeve176to ensure penetration of the cutting member177to the proper depth. The sleeve176is angled relative to the planar resected surface of the tibial plateau, and is preferably at a 50 degree angle to the resected tibial surface, to optimally facilitate preparation of the posterior peg hole.

Preparation of the tibia for the anterior tibial fixation peg is represented inFIG. 50. The tibial peg cutting member177is removed from the sleeve176upon completion of the posterior peg hole and the guide175is removed from the trial base164,164′. The femur142is kept flexed with the tibia externally rotated. The tibial peg cutting member177is inserted in an anterior bore hole located in tibial base164,164′ at a location corresponding to the anterior tibial fixation peg of the actual tibial component. The tibial peg cutting member177is advanced through the anterior bore hole to form an anterior peg hole in the tibia to receive the anterior tibial fixation peg. The tibia is penetrated, drilled or reamed to a depth stop179on the tibial peg cutting member, thereby limiting or controlling penetration to the required depth. The depth stop179may include indicia, such as a line or marking on the cutting member177and, as an example, penetration of the cutting member177to the proper depth can be associated with alignment of the indicia179with an upper surface of the trial base164,164′. The fixation elements155are removed from the eyelets156,156′ of the trial base164,164′ and the trial base is removed from the tibia.

Final trial reduction may be performed using pegged trial components as depicted inFIG. 51. An appropriate size monolithic trial tibial component or a modular trial tibial component having a trial insert265assembled on a pegged trial base264is positioned on the prepared tibial plateau with anterior and posterior tibial fixation pegs of the trial base received in the anterior and posterior peg holes previously formed in the tibia138. Component size, tracking and ease of insertion are confirmed. If difficulty is encountered during placement of the pegged trial tibial component, it may be necessary to chamfer the posterior peg hole with a round burr or other suitable instrument. A monolithic femoral trial component240is positioned on the prepared femoral condyle with its femoral fixation peg received in the previously formed femoral peg hole. Standard range of motion and stability testing are performed to confirm final implant alignment and to determine the appropriate thickness for the actual tibial component. Of course, final reduction could be performed using the actual tibial component and/or femoral component prior to cementitious fixation thereof. Once the femoral and tibial component sizes have been finally confirmed, all trial components are removed and the femoral and tibial surfaces are prepared for cement application. Multiple holes may be formed in the prepared surfaces of the femur and tibia, typically utilizing a 0.125 inch (3.2 mm) drill bit, for enhanced cement penetration. Both the femur and the tibia are thoroughly pulse lavaged and dried prior to cement application.

Prior to final implantation of the prosthetic tibial component, a dry sterile twisted gauze is applied along the posterior border of the tibia. In order to cement the actual one-piece prosthetic tibial component160, shown inFIG. 52, to the prepared surface of the tibia138, cement is applied to the tibial fixation surface to fill the cement pocket. The tibial component160is then positioned on the planar surface144in the position previously established using the trial tibial component. The anterior and posterior tibial fixation pegs of the actual tibial component are aligned with and inserted in the previously prepared anterior and posterior peg holes in the tibia. The continuously planar peripheral rim of the tibial fixation surface is continuously supported on the planar surface144without penetrating the bone. The dovetail surrounding the cement pocket captures cement in the cement pocket. Excess cement is removed once the tibial component160is in place.

The prosthetic femoral component162is implanted by applying cement to the femoral fixation surface, thereby filling the cement pocket. The femoral component162is positioned on the prepared femoral surface in the position previously established using the trial femoral component. The fixation peg and fin of the actual femoral component are aligned and inserted in the corresponding peg hole and slot previously formed in the femur. A femoral component impactor163may be used to fully seat the femoral component162. The planar rearward section of the femoral fixation surface is disposed in mating relation on the planar posterior surface153, and the curved intermediate section and planar forward section of the femoral fixation surface are disposed in mating relation on the distal resurfaced area157, the resurfaced area including a curved portion corresponding to the curved intermediate section and a planar portion corresponding to the planar forward section. All excess cement is removed. The implanted tibial and femoral components are irrigated thoroughly, and routine incision closure is performed.

Implantation of a modular tibial component as disclosed in the prior application incorporated herein by reference is similar to implantation of the one-piece tibial component except that a trial tibial component base164,164′ and a trial tibial component insert165,165′ are used to determine placement and size of the actual modular tibial component as shown inFIGS. 47 and 48. The selected size trial tibial component base164,164′ is pinned to the tibia, with a selected size tibial insert165,165′ being attached to the trial tibial component base. The knee is run through a range of motion to confirm desired implant tracking and component positioning, and the sizes of the trial base and/or the insert are adjusted as needed. In order to prepare the tibia for the fixation pegs of the actual base, a drill is inserted through pre-formed holes in the trial base component164,164′ corresponding to the pegs of the actual tibial component.

An alternative femoral resurfacing guide60ais shown inFIG. 53, and an alternative posterior resection block70ais shown inFIG. 54. Femoral resurfacing guide60ais similar to femoral resurfacing guide60except that the medical and lateral legs61aand62aof femoral resurfacing guide60aare angled five degrees from vertical. The femoral resurfacing guide60ahas through holes67afor receiving the alignment posts of a posterior resection block and has a recessed surface65afor supporting the tongue of the posterior resection block. The femoral resurfacing guide60ahas an inside surface64aforming a track for a femoral resurfacing instrument. The posterior resection block70ais similar to posterior resection block70except that opposing side walls of posterior resection block70aare angled five degrees from the vertical. Posterior resection block70ahas attachment posts76a, tongue75aand a resection slot81afor performing a planar resection.

An alternative femoral resurfacing instrument110afor use with the femoral resurfacing guides of the present invention is shown inFIG. 55and is an end mill cutter for resurfacing a femoral condyle within the inside surface of a femoral resurfacing guide. The end mill cutter includes a proximal shaft113afor connection with a powered handpiece, and a tissue removing member111ahaving a tissue removing or cutting surface116amechanically driven by the powered handpiece. Typically, the tissue removing or cutting surface will be rotatably driven by the powered handpiece. The tissue removing surface116acan have any suitable tissue removing or cutting edges.

FIG. 56illustrates another alternative femoral resurfacing instrument110bin the form of a reamer for use with a femoral resurfacing guide. The reamer includes a proximal shaft113bfor connection with a powered handpiece and a tissue removing member111bwith a distal tissue removing surface116bdriven, typically rotatably, by the powered handpiece. The tissue removing surface116bcan have any suitable tissue removing or cutting edges. The end mill cutter110aand the reamer110bhave ledges118aand118b, respectively, forming a stop with the abutment walls of the femoral resurfacing guides to control the depth of resurfacing of a femoral condyle.

A further alternative posterior resection block70bis depicted inFIGS. 57 and 58. The posterior resection block70bincludes a housing having an anterior or forward portion defined by a front surface71b, a top surface72band a back surface73b, and a base plate74bextending from the anterior portion. The base plate74bextends both forwardly and rearwardly from the anterior portion as best shown inFIG. 58. A resection slot81bextends through the anterior portion of the housing from a forward or anterior end of the base plate74bto the back surface73bto receive a cutting member as described above for posterior resection block70. The anterior portion of posterior resection block70bhas a peripheral edge or border97bdefining a configuration and size corresponding to the configuration and size of at least a distal portion of a prosthetic femoral component. Accordingly, the peripheral or perimetrical configuration of the anterior portion of resection block70bcorresponds to the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior configuration and size of at least part of the distal portion of the prosthetic femoral component. The posterior resection block70bcan be made available in different sizes corresponding to different sizes of femoral components and permits the surgeon to judge femoral component sizing and fit prior to forming the planar resection along the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle One or more fixation holes78bare formed through the anterior portion of resection block70bfor receiving fixation elements for fixating the resection block70bto the femur as discussed above for resection block70. Resection block70bis utilized independently of a resurfacing guide in a two-step procedure in which the resection block70bis first fixated to the femur and a cutting member is inserted through the resection slot81bto form the planar resected surface along the posterior aspect of a femoral condyle as described above for resection block70. When the resection block70bis positioned on the femoral condyle prior to establishing the planar surface along the posterior aspect thereof, the anterior portion of resection block70bprovides an indication of prosthetic femoral component sizing and fit. The bottom surface of base plate74bis planar and parallel to the resection slot81bso that the resection slot is parallel to a planar resected surface of the tibial plateau when the bottom surface is placed thereon. After the resected surface is formed a long the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle using a cutting member inserted through the resection slot81b, the resection block70bis removed from the femur and a resurfacing guide is thereafter attached to the femur to resurface the distal aspect of the femoral condyle as described above. The anterior portion of the resection block70bis angled in the medial-lateral direction relative to the resection slot81bto correspond to the angular sweep of the prosthetic femoral component disclosed in the applications incorporated herein by reference. It should be appreciated, however, that where the femoral component does not have an angular sweep, the central longitudinal axis of the anterior portion of the resection block70bcan be perpendicular to the resection slot81b.

FIGS. 59 and 60illustrate another alternative femoral resurfacing guide60b, which is representative of a femoral resurfacing guide in which the medial and lateral legs of the rail member have slots therein for movement of a slide96balong the rail member. The rail member for femoral resurfacing guide60bdelineates an area of a femoral condyle to be resurfaced and includes legs61band62bhaving posterior ends connected by a transverse connecting pad63b. The area delineated by the rail member of femoral resurfacing guide60bis similar to the area delineated by the rail member of femoral resurfacing guide60except that the delineated area for femoral resurfacing guide60bis more steeply tapered at the top of the rail member to correspond to the configuration of a prosthetic femoral component. Also, the femoral resurfacing guide60bhas a pair of fixation holes68blocated at the top of the rail member. The posterior portion of the rail member is adapted for positioning between a planar resected surface prepared along a tibial plateau and a posterior planar surface prepared along the posterior aspect of a corresponding femoral condyle, with the posterior portion of the rail member being of sufficient thickness and having top and bottom parallel planar surfaces98band99b, respectively, to abut with the previously prepared femoral and tibial surfaces. Of course, the rail member can be provided with a stylus as described above for femoral resurfacing guide60. The slide96bcomprises a front face166bdisposed over the front surface of the rail member and side flanges167bangled rearwardly therefrom such that the legs61band62bare disposed between the side flanges. The front face166bextends across the delineated area in the medial-lateral direction, and a window168bin the front face provides access to the delineated area. The slide96bis slidable along the rail member in the anterior-posterior direction via connector elements170bextending through side flanges167band through slots171bin legs61band62b. Connector elements170bmove within the slots171bas the slide is moved along the rail member while serving to secure the slide on the rail member. The femoral resurfacing guide60bis used to resurface a femoral condyle in a manner similar to that described above for femoral resurfacing guide60, except that a tissue removing member is inserted through the window168bto contact the femoral condyle for removal of anatomical tissue therefrom. Movement of the tissue removing member along the delineated area in the anterior-posterior direction causes the slide to move anteriorly-posteriorly therewith relative to and along the rail member as shown by an arrow inFIG. 59. Depending on the size of the tissue removing member, the tissue removing member may also be moved relative to and within the window. The front surface of the front face of the slide forms an abutment wall engageable with a ledge of the tissue removing instrument to control the depth of resurfacing as described above. The femoral resurfacing guide60bis particularly well adapted for use with a high speed burr as the tissue removing instrument.

An additional alternative femoral resurfacing guide60cis depicted inFIGS. 61–63. The femoral resurfacing guide60cis similar to femoral resurfacing guide60except that the top of the rail member for femoral resurfacing guide60cis formed by a cross member173cthat is recessed from or spaced behind the front surfaces of the legs61cand62cas best shown inFIGS. 62 and 63. The cross member also serves as a stylus similar to the stylus59. When the femoral resurfacing guide60cis affixed to a femoral condyle to effect resurfacing, the cross member173cis located on the femoral condyle further anteriorly than the top of the rail member for femoral resurfacing guide60. The cross member713cis disposed close to the surface of the femoral condyle at, near or beyond where the distal aspect of the femoral condyle begins to curve toward the anterior aspect of the femoral condyle. A tissue removing member used to resurface the femoral condyle can be moved anteriorly beyond the area of the femoral condyle delineated by the rail member of femoral resurfacing guide60csince the tissue removing member can be moved over the cross member173cout to where the femoral condyle curves away toward the anterior aspect thereof.

FIG. 64depicts another alternative femoral resurfacing instrument110cfor use with a femoral resurfacing guide. The instrument110cis in the form of a burr and particularly a burr designed to be rotated at relatively high speeds by a powered handpiece. The tissue removing instrument110ccomprises a tissue removing member111cmounted at the end of a shaft113cfor being coupled to a powered handpiece. The tissue removing member111cis substantially cylindrical in configuration with a plurality of flutes forming cutting edges137ctherealong. The cutting edges137cextend along the end face116cof the tissue removing member, the end face116cdefining a tissue removing surface for the tissue removing member. The tissue removing member111cis assembled to a fixture141cof the femoral resurfacing instrument110c, and the shaft113cis held in place in a passage of the fixture via a set screw. The tissue removing member11cis partially disposed in a recess of the fixture such that the fixture forms a ledge118ccooperable with an abutment wall of a femoral resurfacing guide to limit the depth of resurfacing as described above. Although the instrument110cis depicted as a two-part assembly, it should be appreciated that the burr can be provided without the fixture and can be a single member or part with the ledge integrally, unitarily formed therewith.

It should be appreciated that the area delineated by the rail members can be one continuous, unbroken delineated area or may comprise a plurality of individual delineated area segments as represented in dotted lines inFIG. 13. Using a rail member that delineates one continuous unbroken area has the advantage of simplifying procedural steps, thereby reducing the time and cost of surgery. The dotted lines inFIG. 13illustrate the femoral resurfacing guide60with a divider127extending anteriorly-posteriorly from the top of the rail member to the connecting pad63. The divider127, which may be formed integrally, unitarily with the rail member, is centered between the legs61and62but can be disposed at any suitable location. Also, the divider127follows the anterior-posterior contour of the legs61and62. The area delineated by the rail member having divider127comprises two delineated area segments, one on each side of the divider. The rail member thusly defines two tracks64′ on each side of divider127externally delineating the delineated area segments. In order to resurface a femoral condyle, a tissue removing member having a size to fit within the delineated area segments is moved along the surface of the femoral condyle as described above, except that the tissue removing member is moved with the track of each delineated area segment to resurface the femoral condyle along each delineated area segment. The front surface of the divider127cooperates with a ledge of the tissue removing instrument to form a stop for controlling the depth of resurfacing as described above for the rail members not having a divider. As a result of resurfacing, two resurfaced area segments are formed along the femoral condyle separated by an unfinished segment of the femoral condyle beneath the divider127. After the delineated are segments have been resurfaced and the femoral resurfacing guide has been removed from the femoral condyle, the unfinished segment of the femoral condyle previously covered by the divider is resurfaced to the depth of the resurfaced area segments using a tissue removing member, the previously formed resurfaced area segments serving as a guide to control the depth of resurfacing for the unfinished segment of the femoral condyle. The rail member can be provided with any number of dividers of various configurations such that the rail member can externally delineate any number of delineated area segments of various shapes and sizes.

The dotted lines inFIG. 13are also representative of a femoral resurfacing guide in which the fixation holes or eyelets may be located within the delineated area. IN the solid line view ofFIG. 13, the eyelets68,69and69′ are located along the legs of the rail member outside the area that is externally delineated by the rail member. In the dotted line view, eyelets68defining fixation holes are located along the divider127and are thusly within the area that is externally delineated by the rail member. Where the fixation holes are provided within the externally delineated area, the fixation holes located outside the delineated area may be eliminated.

With the present invention, femoral preparation is accomplished with minimally invasive instrumentation through a small incision without everting the patella. A minimal amount of bone is removed from a single femoral condyle that results in a plurality of tangential radii that match the geometry of the fixation surface of the prosthetic femoral component. Various instruments may be used as the femoral resurfacing instruments, including rasps, end mill cutters, reamers and burrs, to remove bone through a femoral resurfacing guide that matches the femoral component's sagittal geometry. The area from which bone is removed may be matched with the angular sweep of the prosthetic femoral component. The posterior resection block attaches and references from the femoral resurfacing guide without removing the femoral resurfacing guide. Femoral instrumentation also allows for anatomic extramedullary and intramedullary axis references. The femoral resurfacing instruments are controlled through a captured rail member that follows the configuration of the prosthetic femoral component. The inside surface of the rail member matches the outside dimensions of the prosthetic femoral component. Accordingly, the surgeon is able to template prior to bone removal. A controlled depth of resurfacing is achieved with the present invention while preventing over and under cutting with about 3 mm of bone typically being removed from the distal aspect of the condyle. The tissue removing members do not have to be perpendicular to the femoral resurfacing guides to create the controlled depth of resurfacing. The femoral resurfacing guides are advantageously referenced from an anterior-distal stylus that represents the position of the anterior-distal aspect of the femoral component. Femoral resurfacing guides having different medial-lateral angles relative to the resection slot of the posterior resection block may be provided. Resurfacing may be accomplished with the femoral resurfacing guides by resurfacing one continuous, unbroken delineated area or by resurfacing a plurality of delineated area segments. The resurfacing guides may be used to resurface the posterior aspect of the femoral condyle as well as the distal aspect. A significant area of contact is maintained between the implanted prosthetic femoral and tibial components, and the contact is maintained as the knee goes from extension into flexion without edge loading and abnormal stresses. The implanted prosthetic femoral component follows the normal tracking line of the femur, which start a little lateral on the prosthetic femoral component and tracks medially and posteriorly as the knee goes from extension into flexion.

Inasmuch as the present invention is subject to many variations, modifications and changes in detail, it is intended that all subject matter discussed above or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative only and not be taken in a limiting sense.