Method and system for determining resection guidelines for joint replacement surgical procedures

摘要

A method and system for utilizing a plurality of linear laser beams to project guidelines onto a skeletal joint for resection of the joint during surgical joint replacement procedures. The method comprises projecting a linear laser beam along the long axis of a limb at one end of the joint, utilizing the first beam as a benchmark for a second linear laser beam that is projected in an angular orientation to the first beam, and projecting a third beam in a parallel orientation to the second beam, which third beam provides the guideline for the resection procedure. The system comprises linear laser beam generating means with integrated leveling devices to allow for neutral positioning of the system prior to use. The system further includes a separate cutting block with a removable handle, wherein the handle includes its own integrated leveling devices. The cutting block is attached to the joint that is being resected in an orientation that is established by the linear laser beam guidelines.