Patent ID: 8702715

Claim:
A method for performing an open wedge, high tibial osteotomy, the method comprising: positioning a targeting apparatus for identifying a cutting plane through the tibia, defining an upper tibia portion and a lower tibia portion, and a boundary line for terminating a cut made along the cutting plane, wherein the boundary line is located within the tibia, parallel to the anterior-posterior slope of the tibia and at a selected angle to the sagittal plane of the patient; cutting the bone along the cutting plane, with the cut terminating at the boundary line; inserting a frontal pin into the upper bone portion; inserting a distal pin into the lower bone portion; arranging a jack to engage the frontal pin and the distal pin; operating the jack to move the bone on either side of the cut apart by exerting force against the frontal pin and the distal pin so as to form the wedge-like opening in the bone; and stabilizing the bone.