Systems and methods for producing osteotomies

Abstract

Systems and methods for producing minimally invasive osteotomies to correct angular deformities of bones in and about the knee are disclosed. A method includes locating a plane in which the angle exhibited by the deformity is situated. An oblique cut is then made along a surface of the bone, such that the cut is transverse to the plane in which the angle is situated. Thereafter, the bone pieces are rotated about the cut relative to one another until a desired alignment between the bone pieces is achieved. To maintain the bone pieces in alignment, a device having an elongated body for extending into a tunnel between the bone pieces is provided. The system also includes a rigid member fixedly positioned at one end of the body. The rigid member is transverse to the body to engage one bone piece. The system further includes a locking mechanism at an opposite end of the body to engage the other bone piece. The system permits the bone pieces to be pulled against one another between the rigid member and the locking mechanism.

1 . A device for angle adjustment during an osteotomy of a bone, the device comprising: 
 a plurality of pins for engaging the bone    a support structure having a first portion and a second portion wherein    the first portion and the second portion are pivotally attached such that pivoting may occur in only one plane wherein the first portion is attached by a pin to the bone and the second portion is attached by a pin to the bone; and    an angle measurer positioned between the first and the second portions to provide a relative angle between the first and second portions.    
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the angle measurer is a goniometer.  
   
   
       3 . A device according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a locking mechanism for restraining the first and second portions from pivoting.    
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 3  wherein the locking mechanism includes a protrusion from the angle measurer and a pin that passes through the protrusion.  
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first portion is attached at a point above a point where the bone is to be separated and wherein the second portion is attached at a point below where the bone is to be separated.  
   
   
       6 . A support for aligning bone pieces comprising: 
 a first end to which one bone piece is coupled, a second end to which another bone piece is coupled, a point of pivot between the first and second ends to move the bone pieces into alignment, and a device positioned at the point of pivot to determine the angle of alignment.    
   
   
       7 . A support according to  6 , wherein the support includes a frame having two opposing members connected to one another at each of the first and second ends.  
   
   
       8 . A support according to  claim 6 , wherein the device is a goniometer.