Telescopic guide for hip replacement method

Abstract

A tool and method for locating a proper position for a portal incision for hip arthroplasty, the tool having at least one generally straight body defining an axis, the generally straight body having a slot at one end, the slot being angled at an approximately 45 degree angle relative to the axis of the generally straight body, the slot configured to receive a cutting member or guide tool. A second generally straight body may be connected to the first generally straight body to form a right angle. If the lengths of the two generally straight bodies are substantially equivalent, then when the second generally straight body is inserted into the acetabulum, the first generally straight body positions the slot in the proper location such that sliding a guide tool or cutting member through the slot allows a portal incision to be created in the proper location. In some embodiments, the generally straight bodies may have adjustable lengths.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A measuring tool for creating a portal incision in a hip arthroplasty, the measuring tool comprising:
 a first elongated body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first elongated body defining a first axis through the first and second ends of the first body;   a plurality of markings evenly spaced apart on the first body along the first axis; and   a slot at the second end of the body, the slot defining a slot axis forming an approximately 45 degree angle with the first axis.   
     
     
         22 . The measuring tool of  claim 21 , further comprising
 a second elongated body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the second elongated body defining a second axis through the first and second ends of the second elongated body,   wherein the second elongated body comprises a plurality of markings evenly spaced apart on the second elongated body along the second axis,   wherein the second end of the second elongated body is connected to the first end of the first elongated body so that the first and second elongated bodies form a generally right angle.   
     
     
         23 . The measuring tool of  claim 22 , wherein the slot axis forms an approximately 45 degree angle with the second axis. 
     
     
         24 . The measuring tool of  claim 22 , wherein the first elongated body is telescopic. 
     
     
         25 . The measuring tool of  claim 24 , wherein the second elongated body is telescopic. 
     
     
         26 . The measuring tool of  claim 22 , further comprising a hinge connecting the first elongated body to the second elongated body in an adjustable manner. 
     
     
         27 . The measuring tool of  claim 21 , wherein the first elongated body is telescopic. 
     
     
         28 . A measuring tool for creating a portal incision in a hip arthroplasty, the measuring tool comprising:
 a first elongated body, comprising:
 a first end, 
 a second end opposite the first end, the first elongated body defining a first axis through the first and second ends of the first elongated body, and 
 a slot at the second end of the first elongated body, the slot defining a slot axis forming an approximately 45 degree angle with the first axis; and 
   a second elongated body, comprising:
 a first end, and 
 a second end opposite the first end, the second elongated body defining a second axis through the first and second ends of the second elongated body, wherein the second end of the second elongated body is connected to the first end of the first body so that the first and second elongated bodies form a generally right angle. 
   
     
     
         29 . The measuring tool of  claim 28 , wherein at least one of the first elongated body or the second elongated body has a plurality of markings evenly spaced apart on its respective body along its respective axis. 
     
     
         30 . The measuring tool of  claim 28 , wherein the second end of the first elongated body is adjustable relative to the second axis and along the first axis. 
     
     
         31 . The measuring tool of  claim 30 , wherein the first elongated body is telescopic. 
     
     
         32 . The measuring tool of  claim 28 , wherein the first elongated body is adjustable relative to the first end of the second elongated body along the second axis. 
     
     
         33 . The measuring tool of  claim 28 , wherein the second elongated body is telescopic. 
     
     
         34 . The measuring tool of  claim 28 , further comprising a hinge connecting the first elongated body to the second elongated body in an adjustable manner.