Total wrist prosthesis and related methods

Abstract

A tool for locating the insertion point of a radial component of a wrist prosthesis on a human distal radius bone, the guide comprising a handle; a guide face attached to the handle, the guide face being of a shape configured to engage an articular surface of the distal radius bone; the guide face comprising three visual cues respectively adapted to align with a palmar corner of a radio-ulnar joint located on the distal radius, a dorsal corner of a radio-ulnar joint located on the distal radius, and a tip of a radial styloid located on the distal radius; the guide face further comprising an opening designating the insertion point, the opening being at a designated location on the guide face relative to the visual cues; and the opening adapted to facilitate the marking of the insertion point on the articular surface of the distal radius bone.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A tool for locating the insertion point of a radial component of a wrist prosthesis on a human distal radius bone, the guide comprising:
 a handle;   a guide face attached to the handle, the guide face being of a shape configured to engage an articular surface of the distal radius bone;   the guide face comprising first, second, and third visual cues;   the first visual cue adapted to substantially align with a palmar corner of a radio-ulnar joint located on the distal radius;   the second visual cue adapted to substantially align with a dorsal corner of a radio-ulnar joint located on the distal radius;   the third visual cue adapted to substantially align with a tip of a radial styloid located on the distal radius;   the guide face further comprising an opening designating the insertion point, the opening placed at a location on the guide face relative to the visual cues; and   the opening adapted to facilitate the marking or drilling of the insertion point on the articular surface of the distal radius bone.