Abstract:
A distal femur cutting block comprising a first portion defining a first external surface, the first external surface including one or more first passages therethrough; and a second portion defining a second external surface, the second external surface including one or more second passages therethrough, the first portion hingedly connected to the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion may be rotated relative to each other through the hinged connection; and a third surface opposite one of the first surface or the second surface, the third surface comprising contours configured to substantially mate with at least one condyle of the distal femur.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/700,410, filed Sep. 13, 2012. The entire disclosure of the foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Within the last decade, orthopedic surgeons have successfully attached an implant to distal femurs to replace the medial joint and the patellofemoral joint. While such an implant has provided some patients with substantial relief from knee ailments, many patients have not benefitted from the implant. There are several reasons why such implants are not effective with some patients. One reason is based on the sizing of the implant, particularly relating to the medial, lateral, and the AP dimensions of the implant. Currently, there are only a limited number of standard sizes of implants for use by surgeons. Because of the limited selection of implants, surgeons are often unable to provide patients with correctly sized implants. Another reason for ineffective implants is the inability of the implant to properly rotate. The implant must be able to properly rotate for proper patellar tracking and for balancing the knee through a full range of motion. Unfortunately, the placement of a femoral implant in the proper rotation can be difficult for surgeons to accomplish in a reproducible fashion. As a result, the risk of surgeon error in the placement of femoral implants is relatively high. A third reason for ineffective implants is the lack of instrumentation available to surgeons to make cuts to the distal femur in a reproducible fashion. 
         [0003]    Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus and method of using the apparatus to prepare the distal femur for a joint replacement in a customizable manner such that all patients can benefit from the implant. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present disclosure includes disclosure of a distal femur cutting block and method of using the same. In at least one embodiment, such a distal femur cutting block comprises a first portion defining a first external surface, the first external surface including one or more first passages therethrough; and a second portion defining a second external surface, the second external surface including one or more second passages therethrough, the first portion hingedly connected to the second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion may be rotated relative to each other through the hinged connection; and a third surface opposite one of the first surface or the second surface, the third surface comprising contours configured to substantially mate with at least one condyle of the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the first passages comprises a cylindrical passage sized to receive a pin for fastening the first portion to the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the second passages comprises a cylindrical passage sized to receive a drill for removing bone from the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the second passages comprises a slot sized to receive an orthopedic bone saw blade for cutting the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, the second passages comprise slots for receiving one or more orthopedic bone saw blades, the slots being sufficient in number and arrangement to enable the distal femur in contact with the third portion to be shaped for receiving a femoral implant without removing the distal femur from the distal femur cutting block. In an aspect of such an embodiment, the first portion, the second portion, and the hinged connection are constructed from a single nylon article. 
         [0005]    In at least one embodiment, such a distal femur cutting block comprises a first portion defining a first external surface, the first external surface containing one or more first passages therethrough, the first portion comprising a seam along a longitudinal axis thereof, the seam dividing the first portion into two substantially similar sections; a second portion defining a second external surface, the second external surface containing one or more second passages therethrough, the second portion being integral with and arranged at substantially a right angle to the first portion, the seam continuing into the second portion but not through the second external surface thereby forming a hinge at the second external surface; and a third surface opposite one of the first surface or the second surface, the third surface comprising contours configured to substantially mate with at least one condyle of the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the first passages comprises a cylindrical passage sized to receive a pin for fastening the first portion to the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the second passages comprises a cylindrical passage sized to receive a drill for removing bone from the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the second passages comprises a slot sized to receive an orthopedic bone saw blade for cutting the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, the second passages comprise slots for receiving one or more orthopedic bone saw blades, the slots being sufficient in number and arrangement to enable the distal femur in contact with the third portion to be shaped for receiving a femoral implant without removing the distal femur from the distal femur cutting block. In an aspect of such an embodiment, the first portion and the second portion are constructed from a single nylon article, 
         [0006]    In at least one embodiment, such a distal femur cutting block comprises a block having a first surface, the first surface comprising contours configured to substantially mate with at least one condyle of a distal femur, and a second surface opposing the first surface; and at least one passage through the block, the at least one passage configured to permit a medical instrument introduced into the passage at the first surface to emerge from the passage at the second surface, wherein when the second surface is adjacent the at least one condyle of the distal femur, the medical instrument is aligned by the passage into a position to contact the at least one condyle. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the passages comprises a cylindrical passage sized to receive a pin for fastening the first block to the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the passage comprises a cylindrical passage sized to receive a drill for removing bone from the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, at least one of the passages comprises a slot sized to receive an orthopedic bone saw blade for cutting the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, the passages comprise slots for receiving one or more orthopedic bone saw blades, the slots being sufficient in number and arrangement to enable the distal femur in contact with the first surface to be shaped for receiving a femoral implant without removing the distal femur from the contact with the first surface. In an aspect of such an embodiment, the distal femur cutting block further comprises a seam along the first surface, the seam dividing the first surface into two substantially similar sections, the seam continuing into the block but not through the second surface thereby forming a hinge at the second external surface. 
         [0007]    In at least one embodiment, such a method for utilizing a distal femur cutting block comprises the steps of receiving at least a portion of a distal femur in a distal femur cutting block; performing operations on the distal femur using guides on the distal femur cutting block; removing the distal femur cutting block from the distal femur; and applying an implant to the distal femur. In an aspect of such an embodiment, the distal femur cutting block comprises a flexible hinge, and the step of receiving at least a portion of a distal femur in a distal femur cutting block comprises the step of bending the distal femur cutting block at the flexible hinge. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will be more apparent and better understood by reference to the following descriptions of the disclosed methods and systems, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  shows a top perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  shows an anterior view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  shows an end view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0027]      FIG. 19  shows a front view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0028]      FIG. 20  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0029]      FIG. 21  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0030]      FIG. 22  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0031]      FIG. 23  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0032]      FIG. 24  shows a top perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0033]      FIG. 25  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0034]      FIG. 26  shows a flowchart illustrating a method of utilizing a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0035]      FIG. 27  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0036]      FIG. 28  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0037]      FIG. 29  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0038]      FIG. 30  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0039]      FIG. 31  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0040]      FIG. 32  shows a side view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0041]      FIG. 33  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0042]      FIG. 34  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0043]      FIG. 35  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0044]      FIG. 36  shows an anterior view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0045]      FIG. 37  shows an anterior view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; 
           [0046]      FIG. 38  shows an anterior view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 39  shows an anterior view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in the presence of a distal femur. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  shows a distal femur cutting block  100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. A distal femur cutting block  100  of the present disclosure can be used by surgeons or other medical professionals to prepare a patient&#39;s distal femur for various types of knee surgery, such as the replacement of the medial joint and the patellofemoral joint, a total knee replacement, a unicompartmental replacement, and the like. As described herein, a distal femur cutting block  100  of the present disclosure is designed to fit over a portion of the distal femur and act as a guide for surgeons or other medical professionals when performing full or partial knee replacement surgeries. 
         [0050]    The size and shape of the distal femur cutting block  100  according to the present disclosure are based upon the size and shape of the implant for the knee procedure. In at least one embodiment, the size and shape of the distal femur cutting block  100  according to the present disclosure may be chosen based upon the results of a CT scan and/or MRI of the patient&#39;s distal femur. That is, the distal femur cutting block  100  according to the present disclosure can be customized to substantially match the outer surface of the patient&#39;s distal femur using results from CT scans and/or MRIs of the distal femur. In order to further reduce the chance for surgeon errors and improve patient outcomes, the location, orientation, number of, and configuration of guides for cuts and pin placements may also be determined based upon CT scans and/or MRIs of the patient&#39;s distal femur. By having all of the cuts performed with the guidance of a single distal femur cutting block  100  (instead of multiple blocks used sequentially to carry out the needed cuts), the errors associated with cutting the distal femur can be reduced and patient outcomes can be improved. A distal femur cutting block  100  of the present disclosure can improve the selection of a properly sized femoral implant, improve the ability of the implant to properly rotate (leading to a better range of motion for the patient), and decrease operative time since surgeons can rely on the distal femur cutting block  100  for guidance. A distal femur cutting block  100  according to the present disclosure may be formed of a variety of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, nylon. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a distal femur cutting block  100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is a monolithic cutting block including anterior portion  110  with anterior surface  150 , and distal portion  120  with distal surface  160 . Anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  are connected through hinge  130 , which is formed of the same material as anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120 . When hinge  130  is in a closed position, anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  are substantially perpendicular to one another. However, in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure when hinge  130  is in a closed position anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  may be arranged relative to each other in a relationship that is less than or greater than perpendicular. 
         [0052]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block  100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 2  is receiving portion  105  comprising the internal surfaces of anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120 . Receiving portion  105  is configured to fit around the distal femur of a patient such that a surgeon or other medical professional can prepare the femur for receiving an implant. The internal surfaces of anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  that form receiving portion  105  are contoured to fit snugly around the femoral condyles. Through the use of CT scans and/or MRIs, the contours of receiving portion  105  may be designed to closely match at least a portion of the femoral condyles. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 3  shows anterior portion  110  including anterior surface  150 , and distal portion  120  including distal surface  160 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , hinge  130  is in a closed position with anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  at a substantially right angle.  FIG. 4  shows a front view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0054]    Shown in  FIGS. 3-4  are pin guides  112  and  124 . Pin guides  122  extend completely through anterior portion  110 . Pin guides  124  extend completely through distal portion  120 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of pin guides  112  and  124  may comprise a countersink configuration. As discussed herein, when distal femur cutting block  100  is positioned around a patient&#39;s distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  112  and  124  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  100  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. Also shown in  FIG. 3  are cutting guides  122 . Cutting guides  122  extend through distal portion  120 . In at least one embodiment, one or more cutting guides  122  may extend through distal portion  120  in an alignment that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of distal portion  120 . In at least one embodiment, one or more cutting guides  122  may extend through distal portion  120  in an alignment that is not perpendicular to the bottom surface of distal portion  120 . As discussed herein, after distal femur cutting block  100  is positioned around and secured to a patient&#39;s distal femur, cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guides  122  in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant. The placement of pin guides  112  and  124  and cutting guides  122  may be determined through the use of CT scans and/or MRI scans in order to ensure that once the block  100  is attached to the distal femur, the surgeon or other medical professional will have the correct locations to cut the femoral condyles and/or insert pins. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 5-10  show a step-by-step process of applying distal femur cutting block  100  to a distal femur DF, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  are rotated relative to one another around hinge  130  to form an open configuration such that the distal femur DF can be received within the receiving portion  105  of distal femur cutting block  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , distal femur DF is inserted within the receiving portion  105  of the distal femur cutting block  100 , which is still in the flexed configuration. As shown in  FIG. 8 , anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  are rotated relative to one another around hinge  130  to close anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  around distal femur cutting block  100  around distal femur DF. As shown in  FIG. 8 , hinge.  130  is in a closed position and anterior portion  110  and distal portion  120  are substantially perpendicular to one another. 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  shows a top perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure closed around a distal femur. After distal femur cutting block  100  is closed around a distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  112  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  100  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure closed around a distal femur. After distal femur cutting block  100  is closed around a distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  124  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  100  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. As discussed herein, after distal femur cutting block  100  is positioned around a patient&#39;s distal femur and after distal femur cutting block  100  is secured to a patient&#39;s distal femur by pins or screws inserted through pin guides  112  and  124  into the patient&#39;s distal femur, cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guides  122  in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant. Such cuts may include one or more of posterior cut, posterior chamber cut, anterior chamber cut, anterior cut, distal femoral cut, and transition cut. 
         [0058]      FIG. 11  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. A distal femur cutting block  1100  according to the present disclosure may be formed of a variety of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, nylon. Shown in  FIG. 11  are pin guides  302  and  304 . Pin guides  302  and  304  extend completely through distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of pin guides  302  and  304  may comprise a countersink configuration. When distal femur cutting block  1100  is positioned on a patient&#39;s distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  302  and  304  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  1100  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. Also shown in  FIG. 11  are cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314 . Cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  extend through distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of cutting guides  224 ,  306 , and  308  may extend through distal femur cutting block  1100  in an alignment that is substantially perpendicular to bottom surface  1160  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of cutting guides  310  and  312  may extend through distal femur cutting block  1100  in an alignment that is not perpendicular to the bottom surface  1160  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, cutting guide  314  may extend through distal femur cutting block  1100  in an alignment that is substantially perpendicular to front surface  1162  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . As discussed herein, after distal femur cutting block  1100  is positioned on and secured to a patient&#39;s distal femur, cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant, or to accurately drill holes into the femoral condyles to facilitate attachment of a knee implant. The placement of pin guides  302  and  304 , and cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  may be determined through the use of CT scans and/or MRI scans in order to ensure that once distal femur cutting block  1100  is attached to the distal femur, the surgeon or other medical professional will have the correct locations to cut the femoral condyles and/or insert pins. By having all of the cuts performed with the guidance of a single distal femur cutting block  1100  (instead of multiple blocks used sequentially to carry out the needed cuts), the errors associated with cutting the distal femur can be reduced and patient outcomes can be improved. 
         [0059]      FIG. 12  shows a bottom view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, including front surface  1162  and rear surface  1163 . Shown in  FIG. 12  are pin guides  302  and  304 , and cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 13  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, including top surface  1161 , front surface  1162 , and rear surface  1163 . Shown in  FIG. 13  are pin guides  302  and  304 , and cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312 . Also shown in  FIG. 13  are impressions  316 . Impressions  316  comprise contoured portions of the top surface  1161  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . Impressions  316  are contoured to fit against the femoral condyles. Through the use of CT scans and/or MRIs, the contours of impressions  316  may be configured to closely match at least a portion of the femoral condyles. 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  shows an anterior view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 14  is front surface  1162  with cutting guide  314  extending therethrough. 
         [0062]      FIG. 15  shows an end view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 14  are pin guides  302 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 16  shows a distal femur cutting block  200  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As described herein, a distal femur cutting block  200  of the present disclosure is designed to fit over a portion of the distal femur and act as a guide for surgeons or other medical professionals when performing full knee replacement surgeries. 
         [0064]    The size and shape of the distal femur cutting block  200  according to the present disclosure are based upon the size and shape of the implant for the knee procedure. In at least one embodiment, the size and shape of the distal femur cutting block  200  according to the present disclosure may be chosen based upon the results of a CT scan and/or MRI of the patient&#39;s distal femur, That is, the distal femur cutting block  200  according to the present disclosure can be customized to substantially match the outer surface of the patient&#39;s distal femur using results from CT scans and/or MRIs of the distal femur. In order to further reduce the chance for surgeon errors and improve patient outcomes, the location, orientation, number of, and configuration of guides for cuts and pin placements may also be determined based upon CT scans and/or MRIs of the patient&#39;s distal femur. By having all of the cuts performed with the guidance of a single distal femur cutting block  200  (instead of multiple blocks used sequentially to carry out the needed cuts), the errors associated with cutting the distal femur can be reduced and patient outcomes can be improved. A distal femur cutting block  200  of the present disclosure can improve the selection of a properly sized femoral implant, improve the ability of the implant to properly rotate (leading to a better range of motion for the patient), and decrease operative time since surgeons can rely on the distal femur cutting block  200  for guidance. A distal femur cutting block  200  according to the present disclosure may be formed of a variety of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, nylon. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , a distal femur cutting block  200  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is a monolithic cutting block including anterior portion  210  with anterior surface  250 , and distal portion  220  with distal surface  260 . Anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  are connected through hinge  230 , which is formed of the same material as anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220 . When hinge  230  is in a closed position, anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  are substantially perpendicular to one another. However, in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure when hinge  230  is in a closed position anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  may be arranged relative to each other in a relationship that is less than or greater than perpendicular. 
         [0066]      FIG. 17  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block  200  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 17  is receiving portion  205  comprising the internal surfaces of anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220 , Receiving portion  205  is configured to fit around the distal femur of a patient such that a surgeon or other medical professional can prepare the femur for receiving an implant. The internal surfaces of anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  that form receiving portion  205  are contoured to fit snugly around the femoral condyles. Through the use of CT scans and/or MRIs, the contours of receiving portion  205  may be designed to closely match at least a portion of the femoral condyles. 
         [0067]      FIG. 18  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  200  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 18  shows anterior portion  210  including anterior surface  250 , and distal portion  220  including distal surface  260 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , hinge  230  is in a closed position with anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  at a substantially right angle.  FIG. 19  shows a front view of a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0068]    Shown in  FIGS. 18-19  are pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304 . Pin guides  212  extend completely through anterior portion  210 . Pin guides  302  and  304  extend completely through distal portion  220 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304  may comprise a countersink configuration. As discussed herein, when distal femur cutting block  200  is positioned around a patient&#39;s distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  200  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. Also shown in  FIG. 18  are cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312 . Cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312  extend through distal portion  220 . In at least one embodiment, cutting guides  224 ,  306 , and  308  may extend through distal portion  220  in an alignment that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of distal portion  220 . In at least one embodiment, a cutting guides  310  and  312  may extend through distal portion  220  in an alignment that is not perpendicular to the bottom surface of distal portion  220 . As discussed herein, after distal femur cutting block  200  is positioned around and secured to a patient&#39;s distal femur, cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312  in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant, or to accurately drill holes into the femoral condyles to facilitate attachment of a knee implant. The placement of pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304 , and cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312  may be determined through the use of CT scans and/or MRI scans in order to ensure that once the block  200  is attached to the distal femur, the surgeon or other medical professional will have the correct locations to cut the femoral condyles and/or insert pins. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 20-25  show a step-by-step process of applying distal femur cutting block  200  to a distal femur DF, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 20 , anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  are rotated relative to one another around hinge  230  to form an open configuration such that the distal femur DF can be received within the receiving portion  205  of distal femur cutting block  200 . As shown in  FIGS. 21-22 , distal femur DF is inserted within the receiving portion  205  of the distal femur cutting block  200 , which is still in the flexed configuration. As shown in  FIG. 23 , anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  are rotated relative to one another around hinge  230  distal femur cutting block  200  around distal femur DF. As shown in  FIG. 23 , hinge  230  is in a closed position and anterior portion  210  and distal portion  220  are substantially perpendicular to one another. 
         [0070]      FIG. 24  shows a top perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  200  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure closed around a distal femur. After distal femur cutting block  200  is closed around a distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  212  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  200  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. 
         [0071]      FIG. 25  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  200  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure closed around a distal femur. After distal femur cutting block  200  is closed around a distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  302  and  304  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  200  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. As discussed herein, after distal femur cutting block  200  is positioned around a patient&#39;s distal femur and after distal femur cutting block  200  is secured to a patient&#39;s distal femur by pins or screws inserted through pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304  into the patient&#39;s distal femur, cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312  in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant or to accurately drill holes into the femoral condyles to facilitate attachment of a knee implant. Such cuts may include one or more of posterior cut, posterior chamber cut, anterior chamber cut, anterior cut, distal femoral cut, and transition cut. 
         [0072]      FIG. 26  shows a method  2600  of utilizing a distal femur cutting block according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 26 , such a method includes the step  2610  of applying the distal femur cutting block to the patient&#39;s distal femur. In particular, the distal femur cutting block may be arranged into an open configuration (as described herein) such that the distal femur can be received by the distal femur cutting block. After at least a portion of the distal femur is received by the distal femur cutting block, the block is adjusted to be in a closed configuration (as described herein) in order to closely mate with the distal femur and substantially lock the block in place relative to the distal femur. As shown in  FIG. 26 , the method  2600  also includes the step  2620  of performing procedures on the distal femur using the guides on the surfaces of the block, such as, for example, pinning down the block anteriorly and/or distally to the distal femur and carrying out a series of cuts to the distal femur including one or more of posterior cut, posterior chamber cut, anterior chamber cut, anterior cut, distal femoral cut, and transition cut. As shown in  FIG. 26 , the method  2600  also includes the step  2630  of taking the block off of the distal femur. This step  2630  may include removing one or more pins that were applied in step  2620 .  FIG. 26  also shows that the method  2600  may optionally include the step  2635  of applying an implant to the distal femur. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 27-32  show sides view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  illustrating its use cutting instruments. As shown in  FIGS. 27-32 , distal femur cutting block  1100  is attached to distal femur by pins  303  inserted through pin guides  302 , and also by pins inserted through other pin guides not shown in  FIGS. 27-32 . 
         [0074]    In  FIG. 27 , cutting tool  224 A is inserted into cutting guide  224 . Cutting tool  224 A in this example is a drill. In  FIG. 28 , cutting tool  306 A is inserted into cutting guide  306 . Cutting tool  306 A in this example is a saw, In  FIG. 29 , cutting tool  308 A is inserted into cutting guide  308 . Cutting tool  308 A in this example is a saw. In  FIG. 30 , cutting tool  310 A is inserted into cutting guide  310 . Cutting tool  310 A in this example is a saw. In  FIG. 31 , cutting tool  312 A is inserted into cutting guide  312 . Cutting tool  312 A in this example is a saw. In  FIG. 32 , cutting tool  314 A is inserted into cutting guide  314 . Cutting tool  314 A in this example is a saw. 
         [0075]      FIG. 33  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed elsewhere herein, distal femur cutting block  1100  according to the present disclosure may be formed of a variety of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, nylon. Shown in  FIG. 33  are pin guides  302  and  304 . Pin guides  302  and  304  extend completely through distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of pin guides  302  and  304  may comprise a countersink configuration. Also shown in  FIG. 33  is hinge  430 , which is formed in distal femur cutting block  1100  at approximately the midpoint of front surface  1162 . Although hinge  430  is shown in  FIG. 33  at approximately the midpoint of front surface  1162 , the location of hinge  430  is not limited to this position. Hinge  430  may be offset toward one end of distal femur cutting block  1100  or the other. Hinge  430  may be formed across the longer dimension of distal femur cutting block  1100  (i.e., perpendicular to the orientation shown in  FIG. 33 ), at or near the midpoint or offset toward one end of distal femur cutting block  1100  or the other. Hinge  430  also may be formed at a diagonal between opposing surfaces of distal femur cutting block  1100 . When distal femur cutting block  1100  is positioned on a patient&#39;s distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  302  and  304  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  1100  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. Also shown in  FIG. 33  are cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314 . Cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  extend through distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of cutting guides  224 ,  306 , and  308  may extend through distal femur cutting block  1100  in an alignment that is substantially perpendicular to bottom surface  1160  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of cutting guides  310  and  312  may extend through distal femur cutting block  1100  in an alignment that is not perpendicular to the bottom surface  1160  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . In at least one embodiment, cutting guide  314  may extend through distal femur cutting block  1100  in an alignment that is substantially perpendicular to front surface  1162  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . As discussed herein, distal femur cutting block  1100  can be flexed at hinge  430  in order to position on distal femur cutting block  1100  on a patient&#39;s distal femur. Distal femur cutting block  1100  then can be secured to the patient&#39;s distal femur, and cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant, or to accurately drill holes into the femoral condyles to facilitate attachment of a knee implant. The placement of pin guides  302  and  304 , and cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 ,  312 , and  314  may be determined through the use of CT scans and/or MRI scans in order to ensure that once distal femur cutting block  1100  is attached to the distal femur, the surgeon or other medical professional will have the correct locations to cut the femoral condyles and/or insert pins. By having all of the cuts performed with the guidance of a single distal femur cutting block  1100  (instead of multiple blocks used sequentially to carry out the needed cuts), the errors associated with cutting the distal femur can be reduced and patient outcomes can be improved. 
         [0076]      FIG. 34  shows a top view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, including top surface  1161 , front surface  1162 , and rear surface  1163 . Shown in  FIG. 34  are pin guides  302  and  304 , and cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312 . Also shown in  FIG. 34  are impressions  316 . Impressions  316  comprise contoured portions of the top surface  1161  of distal femur cutting block  1100 . Impressions  316  are contoured to fit against the femoral condyles. Through the use of CT scans and/or MRIs, the contours of impressions  316  may be configured to closely match at least a portion of the femoral condyles. Also shown in  FIG. 34  is the location of hinge  430 , which is formed in distal femur cutting block  1100  at approximately the midpoint of top surface  1161 . Although hinge  430  is shown in  FIG. 34  at approximately the midpoint of top surface  1161 , the location of hinge  430  is not limited to this position. Hinge  430  may be offset toward one end of distal femur cutting block  1100  or the other. Hinge  430  may be formed across the longer dimension of distal femur cutting block  1100  (i.e., perpendicular to the orientation shown in  FIG. 34 ), at or near the midpoint or offset toward one end of distal femur cutting block  1100  or the other. Hinge  430  also may be formed at a diagonal between opposing surfaces of distal femur cutting block  1100 . As discussed herein, distal femur cutting block  1100  can be flexed at hinge  430 , thereby separating top surface  1161  in order to facilitate positioning of distal femur cutting block  1100  on a patien&#39;s distal femur. 
         [0077]      FIG. 35  shows a bottom perspective view of a distal femur cutting block  200  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 35  shows anterior portion  210  including anterior surface  250 , and distal portion  220  including distal surface  260 . Shown in  FIG. 35  are pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304 . Pin guides  212  extend completely through anterior portion  210 . Pin guides  302  and  304  extend completely through distal portion  220 . In at least one embodiment, one or more of pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304  may comprise a countersink configuration. Also shown in  FIG. 35  is the location of hinge  530 , which is formed in distal femur cutting block  200  at approximately the midpoint of distal portion  220 . Although hinge  530  is shown in  FIG. 35  at approximately the midpoint of distal portion  220 , the location of hinge  530  is not limited to this position. Hinge  530  may be offset toward one end of distal femur cutting block  200  or the other. Hinge  530  also may be formed at a diagonal. As discussed herein, distal femur cutting block  200  can be flexed at hinge  530 , thereby separating anterior portion  210  in order to facilitate positioning of distal femur cutting block  200  on a patient&#39;s distal femur. As discussed herein, when distal femur cutting block  200  is positioned around a patient&#39;s distal femur, pins or screws may be inserted through pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304  into the patient&#39;s distal femur in order to securely mount distal femur cutting block  200  to the patient&#39;s distal femur for a knee implant surgical procedure. Also shown in  FIG. 35  are cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312 . Cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312  extend through distal portion  220 . In at least one embodiment, cutting guides  224 ,  306 , and  308  may extend through distal portion  220  in an alignment that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of distal portion  220 . In at least one embodiment, a cutting guides  310  and  312  may extend through distal portion  220  in an alignment that is not perpendicular to the bottom surface of distal portion  220 . As discussed herein, after distal femur cutting block  200  is positioned around and secured to a patient&#39;s distal femur, cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312  in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant, or to accurately drill holes into the femoral condyles to facilitate attachment of a knee implant. The placement of pin guides  212 ,  302 , and  304 , and cutting guides  224 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310 , and  312  may be determined through the use of CT scans and/or MRI scans in order to ensure that once the block  200  is attached to the distal femur, the surgeon or other medical professional will have the correct locations to cut the femoral condyles and/or insert pins. 
         [0078]      FIG. 36  shows an anterior view of a distal femur cutting block  1100  according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown in  FIG. 36  is front surface  1162  with cutting guide  314  extending therethrough. Also shown in  FIG. 36  is hinge  430 , which is formed in distal femur cutting block  1100  at approximately the midpoint of front surface  1162 . As discussed herein, distal femur cutting block  1100  can be flexed at hinge  430  in order to position on distal femur cutting block  1100  on a patient&#39;s distal femur. Distal femur cutting block  1100  then can be secured to the patient&#39;s distal femur, and cutting instruments may be inserted thorough cutting guide in order to accurately cut the femoral condyles into the shape needed to receive a knee implant, or to accurately drill holes into the femoral condyles to facilitate attachment of a knee implant. The placement of cutting guide  314  may be determined through the use of CT scans and/or MRI scans in order to ensure that once distal femur cutting block  1100  is attached to the distal femur, the surgeon or other medical professional will have the correct locations to cut the femoral condyles and/or insert pins. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 37-39  show a step-by-step process of applying distal femur cutting block  1100  to a distal femur DF, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 37 , distal femur cutting block  1100  is flexed at hinge  430  to form an open configuration such that the distal femur DF can be received within distal femur cutting block  1100 . As shown in  FIG. 38 , distal femur DF is inserted within the distal femur cutting block  1100 , which is still in the flexed configuration. As shown in  FIG. 39 , distal femur cutting block  1100  is flexed back around hinge  430  and distal femur cutting block  1100  is closed around distal femur DF. As shown in  FIG. 39 , hinge  430  is in a closed position and distal femur cutting block  1100  is closed around distal femur DF. Distal femur cutting block  1100  then can be secured to distal femur DF. 
         [0080]    While this disclosure has been described as having various embodiments, these embodiments according to the present disclosure can be further modified within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. For example, any methods disclosed herein represent one possible sequence of performing the steps thereof. A practitioner may determine in a particular implementation that a plurality of steps of one or more of the disclosed methods may be combinable, or that a different sequence of steps may be employed to accomplish the same results. Each such implementation falls within the scope of the present disclosure as disclosed herein and in the appended claims. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.