Surgical implantation method and devices for an extra-articular mechanical energy absorbing apparatus

Abstract

A surgical implantation approach for preparing a patient and precisely and effectively placing an energy absorbing apparatus relative to the patient's anatomy. Various surgical implantation apparatus and methods for achieving proper device-to-anatomy juxtapositional relationships are employed in the implantation approach.

1 . A method of implanting a medical device at an interventional site of a patient, comprising:
 implanting a first component at the interventional site;   implanting a second component at the interventional site;   inserting a temporary component at the interventional site between the first and second components;   assessing kinematic characteristics for a link component based upon the configuration of the temporary component between the first and second components; and   removing the temporary component from the interventional site.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein implanting a first component and implanting a second component includes affixing the first and second components within the interventional site. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the patient is placed in a lateral decubitus position. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein legs of the patient are secured in place with an upper leg in flexion and a lower leg in extension. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising attaching the link component to each of the first and second components. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the link component spans an articulating joint. 
     
     
         7 . A method involving use of a guide to approximate a center of rotation of a femur, the guide including first and second sliding members each received within a distinct channel, the first and second sliding members moving in response to actuation of a respective slider knob and the channels moving in response to activation of a respective channel knob, comprising:
 selecting an approximate center of rotation of a femur;   inserting a member at the approximated center of rotation;   positioning the first sliding member and a first channel to overlay a periphery of the femur;   positioning the second sliding member and a second channel to overlay a second periphery of the femur adjacent a tibia; and   identifying a center of rotation of the femur based upon positioning of the first and second sliders and channels.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising attaching a link member to the first and second sliders. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the link member includes a through hole which overlays the center of rotation. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising inserting a K-wire or Steinmann pin into the through hole and fixing the K-wire or Steinmann pin to the femur. 
     
     
         11 . A method involving use of a guide to approximate a center of rotation of a femur, the guide including first and second sliding members each received within a distinct channel, the first and second sliding members moving in response to actuation of a respective slider knob and the channels moving in response to activation of a respective channel knob, comprising:
 selecting an approximate center of rotation of a femur;   inserting a member at the approximated center of rotation;   positioning the first sliding member and a first channel to overlay a periphery of the femur;   positioning the second sliding member and a second channel to overlay a second periphery of the femur adjacent a tibia; and   identifying a center of rotation of the femur based upon positioning of the first and second sliders and channels.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising attaching a link member to the first and second sliders. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the link member includes a through hole which overlays the center of rotation. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising inserting a K-wire or Steinmann pin into the through hole and fixing the K-wire or Steinmann pin to the femur. 
     
     
         15 . A method of implanting a medical device across an articulating knee joint, comprising:
 viewing a femur and a tibia of the articulating joint from a side vantage point;   positioning a first wire antero proximal to a midpoint of Blumensaat's line;   placing a guide over the first wire by configuring the first wire through a window formed in the guide, the guide including a center hole, an offset hole, a plurality of adjacently arranged variable sized arcs and a line traversing a portion of the guide;   determining which arc best fits inferior and posterior regions of a femoral condyle;   inserting a second wire through the center hole;   aligning the straight wire with a longitudinal axis of the femur; and   inserting a third wire through the offset hole.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising removing the guide and first and second wires. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising identifying a center of rotation of the femur. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising placing a femoral base over the third wire and affixing the femoral base to the femur. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising affixing a tibial base component to the tibia. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising attaching an absorber between the femoral and tibia bases.