Modular acetabular reconstruction plate

Abstract

Modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus includes a generally cup-shaped portion adapted for fixation within a human pelvis and one or malleable extension arms adjustable in multiple dimensions. Each arm preferably includes one or more apertured sections spaced apart from one another by a necked-down section enabling each arm to be manipulated in three dimensions for intimate physical conformity with surrounding bone. The back surface of the generally cup-shaped portion may be adapted for a cemented or a non-cemented interface within a human pelvis; as such, the back surface may be adapted for porous bone in-growth. According to a disclosed method, the step of bending each arm in multiple dimensions may be carried out a part of a trial joint reduction. Various bending tools and techniques are also set forth.

I claim:  
     
         1 . Modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus, comprising: 
 a generally cup-shaped portion having a peripheral rim and back surface adapted for fixation within a human pelvis; and    one or malleable extension arms connected to the rim of the cup-shaped portion, each arm including one or more apertured sections spaced apart from one another by a necked-down section enabling each arm to be manipulated in three dimensions in intimate conformity with surrounding bone.    
     
     
         2 . The modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus of  claim 1 , including: 
 at least one malleable extension arm adapted for overlying contact with the illium of a human pelvis.    
     
     
         3 . The modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus of  claim 1  including: 
 at least one malleable extension arm adapted for overlying contact with the ischium of a human pelvis.  
 
     
     
         4 . The modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus of  claim 1 , including: 
 two adjacent malleable extension arms adapted for overlying contact with the bone surrounding the acetabulum; and    an apertured bridge element between the two arms.    
     
     
         5 . The modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the back surface of the generally cup-shaped portion is adapted for a non-cemented interface within a human pelvis.  
     
     
         6 . The modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the non-cemented interface is configured for porous bone in-growth.  
     
     
         7 . The modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a bearing surface adapted for cementation within the cup-shaped portion.  
     
     
         8 . The modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a bearing surface adapted for cementless installation within the cup-shaped portion.  
     
     
         9 . A method of treating a human acetabulum, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a prosthetic element having a generally cup-shaped portion back surface adapted for fixation within the acetabulum and a peripheral rim including one or malleable arms extending outwardly therefrom, each arm including one or more apertured sections spaced apart from one another by a necked-down section enabling each arm to be manipulated in three dimensions in intimate conformity with surrounding bone;    installing the cup-shaped portion such that the back surface thereof is in physical conformity with the acetabulum and the extension arms generally overly surrounding bone;    bending each arm in multiple dimensions, as required, so that each arm is in intimate physical conformity with the surrounding bone; and    fastening each arm to the surrounding bone, thereby stabilizing the position of the cup-shaped portion with the acetabulum.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of bending each arm in multiple dimensions is carried out a part of a trial joint reduction.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of bending each arm in multiple dimensions is carried out by applying a tool to adjacent apertured sections of a particular arm and manipulating the tools to bend the arm.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein each tool includes a distal end adapted for engagement with an aperture and a protrusion which interacts with the protrusion of the other tool to provide leverage during bending.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein: 
 each apertured section includes an outer shape; and    each tool includes a socket portion configured to engage with the outer shape.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the steps of: 
 providing a bearing surface; and    cementing the bearing surface into the cup-shaped portion.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the steps of: 
 providing a bearing surface; and    installing the bearing surface into the cup-shaped portion without the use of cement.