Joint replacement methods and apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.

1 .- 21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . A method of resecting the end of a bone having a longitudinal axis and medial and lateral sides, comprising: 
 providing an implant having a generally planar surface associated with fixation;    positioning a cutting guide relative to one of the medial or lateral sides of the bone; and    resecting the bone using the guide to create a surface that corresponds to the surface of the implant.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the resection and implant surface are distal.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the resection and implant surface are anterior.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the resection and implant surface are posterior.  
   
   
       26 . A method of the resecting the end of a bone having a longitudinal axis and medial and lateral sides, comprising: 
 positioning a cutting guide relative to the medial side of the bone; and    resecting the bone using the guide to create one or more planar surfaces that are generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.    
   
   
       27 . A method of the resecting the end of a bone having a longitudinal axis and medial and lateral sides, comprising: 
 positioning a cutting guide relative the lateral side of the bone; and    resecting the bone using the guide to create one or more plan ar surfaces that are generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.    
   
   
       28 .- 35 . (canceled)