Abstract:
A surgical jig assembly that is configured to hold and manipulate a first bone segment and a second bone segment, including: a first member that is configured to be selectively coupled to the first bone segment; a second member coupled to the first member, wherein the second member selectively translates with respect to the first member along a first axis; a third member coupled to the second member, wherein the third member selectively translates with respect to the second member along a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis; and a fourth member coupled to the third member, wherein the fourth member selectively translates with respect to the third member along a third axis, wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, and wherein the fourth member is configured to be selectively coupled to the second bone segment.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a surgical jig assembly for use in the manipulation and fixation of bony structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a surgical jig assembly that may be used in calcaneal slide osteotomy procedures for the correction of hind foot deformities. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In a calcaneal slide osteotomy procedure for the correction of a hind foot deformity, as well as in many other surgical procedures, it is desirable that a first bone segment and a second bone segment be securely held by a surgical jig assembly or the like, such that the first bone segment and the second bone segment may be translated or otherwise moved relative to one another prior to subsequent fixation being performed. In such cases, it is desirable that the surgical jig assembly provide three axes of manipulation. To date, no such adequate surgical jig assembly has been developed or produced. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a surgical jig assembly that may be used in a calcaneal slide osteotomy procedure for the correction of a hind foot deformity, as well as in many other surgical procedures. The surgical jig assembly is configured to securely hold a first bone segment and a second bone segment, such that the first bone segment and the second bone segment may be translated or otherwise moved relative to one another prior to subsequent fixation being performed. The surgical jig assembly provides three axes of manipulation of the osteotomy fragments or the like. In general, the surgical jig assembly includes a first member that is threadedly coupled to a second member that is primarily arranged perpendicular to the first member. The first member and the second member translate with respect to one another along a first axis. The second member is threadedly coupled to a third member that is primarily arranged perpendicular to the second member. The second member and the third member translate with respect to one another along a second axis. The third member is threadedly coupled to a fourth member that is primarily arranged coaxial with the third member. The third member and the fourth member translate with respect to one another along a third axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are all arranged perpendicular with respect to one another. Optionally, rotational motion around any of the axes may also be provided. The first member and the fourth member each include bone engagement posts or apertures that are configured to receive bone engagement pins. The surgical jig assembly is designed to apply force to these bone engagement pins, thereby causing manipulation and/or fixation of the attached bone segments via threaded adjustment of the various members and coupling connections. 
         [0004]    In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention also provides enabling handles, drill guides, cut guides, implant devices, implant device inserters, depth gauges, and screws. 
         [0005]    In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a surgical jig assembly that is configured to hold and manipulate a first bone segment and a second bone segment, including: a first member that is configured to be selectively coupled to the first bone segment; a second member coupled to the first member, wherein the second member selectively translates with respect to the first member along a first axis; a third member coupled to the second member, wherein the third member selectively translates with respect to the second member along a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis; and a fourth member coupled to the third member, wherein the fourth member selectively translates with respect to the third member along a third axis, wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, and wherein the fourth member is configured to be selectively coupled to the second bone segment. The coupled pairs of the first member, the second member the third member, and the fourth member are threadedly coupled. Optionally, the coupled pairs of the first member, the second member the third member, and the fourth member also selectively rotate with respect one another about the various axes. The surgical jig assembly also includes alignment guides disposed on an outer surface of any of the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member. The surgical jig assembly further includes a drill guide for drilling holes in the first bone segment and the second bone segment corresponding to holes associated with the first member and the fourth member, thereby allowing the first member to be selectively coupled to the first bone segment and the fourth member to be selectively coupled to the second bone segment. The surgical jig assembly still further includes a cut guide for cutting the first bone segment and the second bone segment, wherein the cut guide comprises holes corresponding to holes associated with the first member and the fourth member, and wherein the holes are configured to receive pins, thereby coupling the cut guide to and aligning the cut guide with the first member and the fourth member. 
         [0006]    In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a surgical method, including: aligning and holding a first bone segment and a second bone segment using a surgical jig assembly, including: a first member that is configured to be selectively coupled to the first bone segment; a second member coupled to the first member, wherein the second member selectively translates with respect to the first member along a first axis; a third member coupled to the second member, wherein the third member selectively translates with respect to the second member along a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis; and a fourth member coupled to the third member, wherein the fourth member selectively translates with respect to the third member along a third axis, wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, and wherein the fourth member is configured to be selectively coupled to the second bone segment; and securing the first bone segment and the second bone segment as aligned using an implant device. The coupled pairs of the first member, the second member the third member, and the fourth member are threadedly coupled. Optionally, the coupled pairs of the first member, the second member the third member, and the fourth member also selectively rotate with respect one another about the various axes. The surgical jig assembly also includes alignment guides disposed on an outer surface of any of the first member, the second member, the third member, and the fourth member. The surgical jig assembly further includes a drill guide for drilling holes in the first bone segment and the second bone segment corresponding to holes associated with the first member and the fourth member, thereby allowing the first member to be selectively coupled to the first bone segment and the fourth member to be selectively coupled to the second bone segment. The surgical jig assembly still further includes a cut guide for cutting the first bone segment and the second bone segment, wherein the cut guide comprises holes corresponding to holes associated with the first member and the fourth member, and wherein the holes are configured to receive pins, thereby coupling the cut guide to and aligning the cut guide with the first member and the fourth member. 
         [0007]    In a further exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a surgical implant device, including: a first planar portion defining a plurality of screws holes configured to selectively receive a plurality of corresponding bone screws for selectively securing the first planar portion to a bone segment; and a second portion disposed at an angle to the first planar portion, wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of friction engagement arms for selectively securing the second portion to an adjacent bone segment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers are used to denote like assembly components/method steps, as appropriate, and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a planar view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is another planar view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a partial planar view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a further planar view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is another exploded perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is another partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is a further partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  is a still further partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly drill guide of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly drill guide of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  is a further perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly cut guide of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly cut guide of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  is a still further perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  is a still further perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device and implant device inserter of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device and implant device inserter of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 24  is a further perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device inserter of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 25  is a further perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 26  is a planar view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 27  is another planar view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device depth gauge of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; 
           [0037]      FIG. 29  is a partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device depth gauge of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 30  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures of the foot of a patient. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    As briefly described above, in various exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a surgical jig assembly that may be used in a calcaneal slide osteotomy procedure for the correction of a hind foot deformity, as well as in many other surgical procedures. The surgical jig assembly is configured to securely hold a first bone segment and a second bone segment, such that the first bone segment and the second bone segment may be translated or otherwise moved relative to one another prior to subsequent fixation being performed. The surgical jig assembly provides three axes of manipulation of the osteotomy fragments or the like. In general, the surgical jig assembly includes a first member that is threadedly coupled to a second member that is primarily arranged perpendicular to the first member. The first member and the second member translate with respect to one another along a first axis. The second member is threadedly coupled to a third member that is primarily arranged perpendicular to the second member. The second member and the third member translate with respect to one another along a second axis. The third member is threadedly coupled to a fourth member that is primarily arranged coaxial with the third member. The third member and the fourth member translate with respect to one another along a third axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are all arranged perpendicular with respect to one another. Optionally, rotational motion around any of the axes may also be provided. The first member and the fourth member each include bone engagement posts or apertures that are configured to receive bone engagement pins. The surgical jig assembly is designed to apply force to these bone engagement pins, thereby causing manipulation and/or fixation of the attached bone segments via threaded adjustment of the various members and coupling connections. 
         [0040]    In various exemplary embodiments, the present invention also provides enabling handles, drill guides, cut guides, implant devices, implant device inserters, depth gauges, and screws. It should be noted that all components of the present invention may be manufactured from any suitable surgically-compatible material using conventional techniques for making medical devices, in general. 
         [0041]    Referring now specifically to the figures,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. The surgical jig assembly  10  includes a first member  16  that is threadedly coupled to a second member  18  that is primarily arranged perpendicular to the first member  16 . The first member  16  and the second member  18  translate with respect to one another along a first axis. The second member  18  is threadedly coupled to a third member  20  that is primarily arranged perpendicular to the second member  18 . The second member  18  and the third member  20  translate with respect to one another along a second axis. The third member  20  is threadedly coupled to a fourth member  22  that is primarily arranged coaxial with the third member  20 . The third member  20  and the fourth member  22  translate with respect to one another along a third axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are all arranged perpendicular with respect to one another. Optionally, rotational motion around any of the axes may also be provided. The first member  16  and the fourth member  22  each include bone engagement posts or apertures  24  that are configured to receive bone engagement pins  26 . The surgical jig assembly  10  is designed to apply force to these bone engagement pins  26 , thereby causing manipulation and/or fixation of the attached bone segments  12  and  14  via threaded adjustment of the various members  16 ,  18 ,  20 , and  22  and coupling connections. 
         [0042]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention. Preferably, the first member  16  includes an elongate bone engaging portion  28  that extends from the bulk of the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  12  ( FIG. 1 ) engaged. This elongate bone engaging portion  28  includes the bone engagement apertures  24  through which the bone screws or pins  26  are disposed to couple the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  12 . Likewise, the fourth member  22  includes an elongate bone engaging portion  28  that extends from the bulk of the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  14  ( FIG. 1 ) engaged. This elongate bone engaging portion  28  includes the bone engagement apertures  24  through which the bone screws or pins  26  are disposed to couple the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  14 . The opposite end of the first member  16  includes an internal channel  30  that is configured to receive an end of the second member  18 , allowing the second member  18  to translate in an axial manner along the length of the internal channel  30 . This translation is accomplished via the rotation of a screw  32  that is disposed within the internal channel  30  and through the second member  18 , which is preferably internally threaded. When a surgeon rotates the head  34  of the screw  32 , the rotation of the screw  32  causes the second member  18  to translate axially along its length within the internal channel  30  and with respect to the first member  16  and the first axis. A plurality of alignment guides  36  printed on or manufactured into corresponding surfaces of the first member  16  and the second member  18  are provided for the surgeon to visually quantify the degree of this translation. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  is a planar view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  is another planar view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  is a partial planar view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a further planar view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a partial cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention. Again, the first member  16  includes an internal channel  30  that is configured to receive an end of the second member  18 , allowing the second member  18  to translate in an axial manner along the length of the internal channel  30 . This translation is accomplished via the rotation of a screw  32  that is disposed within the internal channel  30  and through the second member  18 , which is preferably internally threaded. When a surgeon rotates the head  34  of the screw  32 , the rotation of the screw  32  causes the second member  18  to translate axially along its length within the internal channel  30  and with respect to the first member  16  and the first axis. Likewise, the third member  20  includes an internal channel  38  that is configured to receive an opposite end of the second member  18 , allowing the second member  18  to translate in an axial manner along the length of the internal channel  38 . This translation is accomplished via the rotation of another screw  40  that is disposed within the internal channel  38  and through the second member  18 , which is preferably internally threaded. When a surgeon rotates the head  42  of the screw  40 , the rotation of the screw  40  causes the second member  18  to translate axially along its length within the internal channel  38  and with respect to the third member  20  and the second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis. As may be seen in  FIG. 7 , the head  42  of the screw  40  (and the heads of all screws of the present invention) may include some sort of retention mechanism that allows an actuation handle or other tool to be affixed to the head  42  for actuation and then removed. In this particular embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a depressible bearing  44  biased by a spring  46 , the depressible bearing  44  selectively mating with a corresponding recess associated with the actuation handle or other tool, although any suitable retention mechanism may be utilized. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention. The opposite end of the third member  20  also includes an internal channel  48  that is configured to receive an end of the fourth member  22 , allowing the fourth member to translate in an axial manner along the length of the internal channel  48 . This translation is accomplished via the rotation of another screw  50  that is disposed within the internal channel  48  and through the fourth member  22 , which is preferably internally threaded. When a surgeon rotates the head  52  of the screw  50 , the rotation of the screw  50  causes the fourth member  22  to translate axially along its length within the internal channel  48  and coaxially with respect to the third member  20  and the third axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. As may be seen in  FIG. 8 , the head  52  of the screw  50  (and the heads of all screws of the present invention) may include some sort of retention mechanism that allows an actuation handle or other tool to be affixed to the head  52  for actuation and then removed. In this particular embodiment, the retention mechanism includes a depressible bearing  54  biased by a spring  56 , the depressible bearing  54  selectively mating with a corresponding recess associated with the actuation handle or other tool, although any suitable retention mechanism may be utilized. 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly of the present invention. Again, a plurality of alignment guides  56  printed on or manufactured into corresponding surfaces of the second member  18  and the third member  20  are provided for the surgeon to visually quantify the degree of translation. Further, a plurality of alignment guides  58  printed on or manufactured into corresponding surfaces of the third member  20  and the fourth member  22  are provided for the surgeon to visually quantify the degree of translation. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  is another exploded perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly  10  ( FIGS. 1-10 ) of the present invention. Again, the first member  16  includes an elongate bone engaging portion  28  that extends from the bulk of the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  12  ( FIG. 1 ) engaged. This elongate bone engaging portion  28  includes the bone engagement apertures  24  through which the bone screws or pins  26  ( FIG. 1 ) are disposed to couple the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  12 . The opposite end of the first member  16  includes an internal channel  30  that is configured to receive an end of the second member  18  ( FIGS. 1-10 ), allowing the second member  18  to translate in an axial manner along the length of the internal channel  30 . This translation is accomplished via the rotation of a screw  32  ( FIGS. 2, 5, 7, 9, and 10 ) that is disposed within the internal channel  30  and through the second member  18 , which is preferably internally threaded. When a surgeon rotates the head  34  ( FIGS. 1-10 ) of the screw  32 , the rotation of the screw  32  causes the second member  18  to translate axially along its length within the internal channel  30  and with respect to the first member  16  and the first axis. A plurality of alignment guides  36  printed on or manufactured into corresponding surfaces of the first member  16  and the second member  18  are provided for the surgeon to visually quantify the degree of this translation. 
         [0052]      FIG. 12  is another partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly  10  ( FIGS. 1-10 ) of the present invention, highlighting the fact that the second member  18  may include a first arm or portion  58  and a second arm or portion  60 , each configured to couple with a different member (i.e. first  16  or third  20 ) via an internally threaded screw hole  62  configured to receive the corresponding screw  32  or  40 . In this exemplary embodiment, the first arm portion  58  and the second arm portion  60  are aligned substantially-perpendicularly to one another and represent a “double-L” configuration, although other suitable configurations may be utilized. 
         [0053]      FIG. 13  is a further partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly  10  ( FIGS. 1-10 ) of the present invention, highlighting the fact that the third member  20  may include a first arm or portion  64  and a second arm or portion  66 , each configured to couple with a different member (i.e. second  18  or fourth  22 ) via an internal aperture  68  configured to receive the corresponding member  18  or  22 . In this exemplary embodiment, the first arm portion  64  and the second arm portion  66  are aligned substantially-perpendicularly to one another and represent a “double-L” configuration, although other suitable configurations may be utilized. 
         [0054]      FIG. 14  is a still further partial perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly  10  ( FIGS. 1-10 ) of the present invention. Again, the fourth member  22  includes an elongate bone engaging portion  28  that extends from the bulk of the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  14  ( FIG. 1 ) engaged. This elongate bone engaging portion  28  includes the bone engagement apertures  24  through which the bone screws or pins  26  ( FIG. 1 ) are disposed to couple the surgical jig assembly  10  to the bone segment  14 . The opposite end of the fourth member  22  includes an internally threaded screw hole  70  for receiving the screw  50  ( FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 ) associated with the third member  20  ( FIGS. 1-10 and 13 ). Again, a plurality of alignment guides  58  printed on or manufactured into corresponding surfaces of the third member  20  and the fourth member  22  are provided for the surgeon to visually quantify the degree of translation. Finally, the fourth member  22  (and optionally all other members  16 ,  18 , and  20 ) include either a slot  72  or corresponding through hole configured to receive a pin that acts as a stop to prevent over-translation in either direction of one member with respect to another. 
         [0055]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly drill guide  80  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. The drill guide  80  includes a plurality of apertures  82  through which holes are drilled for the subsequent securement of the surgical jig assembly  10  ( FIGS. 1-10 ) of the present invention. Optionally, the drill guide  80  includes a central pin or screw  84  for initially securing the drill guide  80  to the bony structures  12  and  14  prior to the holes being drilled, thereby ensuring proper alignment of the holes with respect to one another. 
         [0056]      FIG. 16  is another perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly drill guide  80  of the present invention. 
         [0057]      FIG. 17  is a further perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. 
         [0058]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly cut guide  90  (which may optionally be the same as the drill guide  80  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 )) of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. The cut guide  90  is disposed over pins  92  inserted into the holes drilled into the bony structures  12  and  14  after the surgical jig assembly  10  is installed. The cut guide  90  includes one or more slots  94  disposed in predetermined locations through which the bony structures  12  and  14  are selectively cut, thereby providing movable bone segments  12  and  14  for alignment. 
         [0059]      FIG. 19  is another perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly cut guide  90  of the present invention. 
         [0060]      FIG. 20  is a still further perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. In this case, an actuation handle  100  is installed on the surgical jig assembly  10  for holding and actuating the surgical jig assembly  10 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 21  is a still further perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. In this case, an actuation handle  100  is installed on the surgical jig assembly  10  for holding and actuating the surgical jig assembly  10 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device  110  and implant device inserter  112  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. 
         [0063]      FIG. 23  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device  110  and implant device inserter  112  of the present invention. As may be appreciated from this figure, the device inserter  112  includes a handle portion  114  and an end portion  116  that is angled and slotted such that it may be used to retain and position the implant device  110 , which is correspondingly angled and slotted, while it is positioned, drilled, and secured. 
         [0064]      FIG. 24  is a further perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly implant device inserter  112  of the present invention. 
         [0065]      FIG. 25  is a further perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device  110  of the present invention. The implant device includes a first portion  118  incorporating a plurality of screws holes  120  for receiving a plurality of corresponding screws for securing the first portion  118  to the second bone segment  14 , for example, and a second portion  122  incorporating a plurality of friction engagement arms  124  or the like for securing the second portion  122  to the first bone segment  12 , for example. In this manner, the implant device  110  is used to hold the bone segments  12  and  14  in a predetermined alignment after that alignment has been established using the surgical jig assembly  10  of the present invention. 
         [0066]      FIG. 26  is a planar view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly implant device  110  of the present invention. 
         [0067]      FIG. 27  is another planar view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly implant device  110  of the present invention. 
         [0068]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device depth gauge  130  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. 
         [0069]      FIG. 29  is a partial perspective view further illustrating the surgical jig assembly implant device depth gauge  130  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. 
         [0070]      FIG. 30  is another perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of the surgical jig assembly implant device  110  of the present invention in use, coupled to the bony structures  12  and  14  of the foot of a patient. 
         [0071]    Although the present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that combinations of these embodiments and examples and other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered by the following claims.