APPARATUS FOR ALIGNMENT OF KNEE ARTHROPLASTY TIBIAL CUTTING BLOCK

摘要

Errors can occur at each stage when preparing the two sets of cuts, femoral and tibial, required for knee arthroplasty. Errors can cause deviation from the desired coronal plane alignment. If errors in the two sets of cuts are cumulative, a serious mal-alignment in the coronal plane may result. This apparatus and method allows the tibial cut to be referenced directly from the fully-prepared femoral cuts, with the limb aligned by ligamentous traction, using a closely-fitting component on the distal femur, and an extension arm extending to the tibial cut. Error in varus-valgus (coronal plane) orientation of the distal femoral cut is translated across the joint line as an equal and opposite compensatory adjustment in the varus- valgus orientation of the tibial cut. The chance of cumulative error is reduced.