Hip surgery systems and methods

Abstract

Orthopedic systems and methods are provided for use in preparing joints for implants. Specifically, hip preparation systems and methods are disclosed which can include a surgical orientation device. The hip preparation systems and methods can be used, for example, to orient the hip during the procedure, determine the orientation of an anatomical plane or planes, and orient a prosthetic component or components.

1 . An apparatus for preparing a hip joint, comprising:
 a reference post having a distal end adapted to be driven into a portion of a pelvic bone, a proximal end, and a reference post body extending along a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends;   a coupling device disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the reference post adapted for connecting the reference post body to a second surgical component; and   an orientation sensor coupled with the reference post.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reference post body is adapted to displace soft tissues disposed adjacent to the pelvic bone to at least partially expose the hip joint. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the reference post is configured to facilitate axial alignment of the reference post and at least one other surgical component. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the coupling device comprises an annular recess defined between a proximally facing shoulder and a distally facing shoulder. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising an impactor having a fork-shaped member adapted to be received within the annular recess and to abut at least one of the proximal end of the reference post and the proximally facing shoulder to transfer a force to the reference post body. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an impactor having a distal end, a proximal end, and a rigid member extending therebetween, the distal end of the impactor adapted to dock with the coupling device such that a force applied to the proximal end of the impactor can be transferred to the distal end of the reference post. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 an angle assessment guide configured to couple with the proximal end of the impactor at a selected angular orientation relative to the reference post; and   a surgical orientation device configured to couple with the angle assessment guide.   
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the surgical orientation device is adapted to receive input from the orientation sensor coupled with the reference body. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a coupling device for mounting the surgical orientation device to the angle assessment guide. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the angle assessment guide comprises:
 a first elongate member adapted to couple with the proximal end of the impactor;   a second elongate member coupled with the first elongate member at a first end and disposed at an angle relative to the first elongate member; and   a third elongate member mounted to the second elongate member at a second end thereof, the third elongate member being oriented at substantially parallel to a plane including the longitudinal axis of the reference post body.   
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for preparing a hip joint, comprising:
 a mounting structure having a first end adapted to secure to a patient's anatomy and a second end disposed away from the first end;   an elongate member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongate member adapted to connect to the second end of the mounting structure;   a marking device coupled with the second end of the elongate member for visually indicating the position of an anatomical landmark during a procedure; and   a surgical orientation device coupled with the elongate member for movement therealong for measuring at least one of position and orientation along the elongate member.   
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising gradation markings along the elongate member for providing indications of measurement. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the marking device is a laser device. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , further comprising a first coupling device configured to adjustably position the marking device along a range of positions along the elongate member such that the marking device can be positioned above an anatomical landmark adjacent to a hip joint. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a second coupling device configured to adjustably position the marking device along a range of elevations below the elongate member such that the marking device can be brought into contact with an anatomical landmark adjacent to a hip joint. 
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , further comprising a third coupling device for connecting the elongate member to the second end of the mounting structure, such that the elongate member is permitted to be positioned about an axis extending through the mounting structure. 
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting structure is configured to be driven into an anatomical landmark on a patient's pelvis, the elongate member is of sufficient length to be positioned over an anatomical landmark on the patient's femur, and the marking device is configured to provide visible indication of the anatomical landmark on the patient's femur. 
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the mounting structure has an orientation sensor coupled therewith. 
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the anatomical landmark on the patient's pelvis is the iliac spine. 
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the anatomical landmark on the patient's femur is the lesser trochanter. 
   
   
       21 . An apparatus for assessing the orientation of an acetabular landmark or an acetabular implant, comprising:
 a handling device comprising a proximal end with a handle, a distal end, and an elongate member extending therebetween;   an acetabular landmark contacting device coupled with the distal end of the handling device; and   a surgical orientation device for detecting and recording an orientation of the acetabular landmark or the acetabular implant.   
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the acetabular landmark contacting device comprises three elongate contact members extending away from the distal end of the handling device at equal angles relative to each other. 
   
   
       23 . An acetabular surface preparation apparatus, comprising:
 a handling device comprising a proximal end with a handle, a distal end, and a rotatable shaft extending therebetween;   a surface preparation device coupled with the distal end and adapted to remove bone from the acetabulum to create a surface suitable for receiving an acetabular implant;   a sleeve disposed around the rotatable shaft and adapted to remain stationary while the shaft is rotating; and   a surgical orientation device coupled with the sleeve such that the orientation device can remain stationary while the rotatable shaft is rotated.   
   
   
       24 . The acetabular surface preparation apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the surface preparation device comprises a reamer. 
   
   
       25 . An acetabular implant placement device, comprising:
 a handling device comprising a proximal end with a handle, a distal end, and an elongate member extending therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an implant contacting structure adapted to couple with an acetabular implant; and   a surgical orientation device coupled with the handling device such that the orientation of at least one of the handling device and the surgical orientation device can be monitored as the acetabular implant is advanced into the acetabulum.   
   
   
       26 . The acetabular implant placement device of  claim 25 , further comprising a fixed orientation sensor adapted to provide orientation information about the patient independent of the surgical orientation device. 
   
   
       27 . The acetabular implant placement device of  claim 25 , wherein the surgical orientation device is adapted to receive the orientation information from the fixed position sensor. 
   
   
       28 - 57 . (canceled)