Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of designing a template for use in a joint arthroplasty, comprising:
 obtaining electronic image data of a surface associated with a joint of a patient;   virtually removing at least one deformity of the joint of the patient, and   designing a template including guides based, at least in part, on the removal of the deformity.