Patent ID: 8182489

Claim:
A method for performing an open wedge osteotomy, the method comprising: forming a cut in a bone; manipulating the portions of the bone adjacent to the cut so as to open the cut into a wedge-like opening; providing an osteotomy implant, wherein the osteotomy implant comprises: an elongated body characterized by a distal end and proximal end, the elongated body having a screw thread thereon; positioning at least the distal end of the elongated body into the wedge-like opening so that the screw thread engages the surrounding bone; and an osteotomy plate for covering at least a portion of the entrance of the wedge-like opening; and threadingly advancing the elongated body into the wedge-like opening until the portions of the bone assume the desired positioning, with the elongated body stabilizing the bone portions in this position.