Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
A femoral trial implant comprising: (a) a modular bracket defining a structure having an internal surface adapted to be seated on the distal aspect of a resected femur and an external surface with a shape resembling the normal distal condyle of the femur, including an elongated central opening appointed to expose a selected portion of the resected femur; (b) means for guiding a tool along a predetermined arcuate path for controlled shaping of a patellar groove in the exposed portion of the femur through the opening; (c) means for guiding a second tool for forming a deep recess in the distal femur to accommodate an intercondylar housing of a posterior-stabilized femoral component; and (d) an insert covering the opening and provided with a posterior-stabilizing housing which articulates with a proximal aspect of the tibia for interoperative trial reduction of the knee joint without removal of the bracket from the resected distal surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
A femoral trial implant comprising: (a) a modular bracket defining a structure having an internal surface adapted to be seated on the distal aspect of a resected femur and an external surface with a shape resembling the normal distal condyle of the femur, including an elongated central opening appointed to expose a selected portion of the resected femur; (b) means for guiding a tool along a predetermined arcuate path for controlled shaping of a patellar groove in the exposed portion of the femur through the opening; (c) means for guiding a second tool for forming a deep recess in the distal femur to accommodate an intercondylar housing of a posterior-stabilized femoral component; and (d) an insert covering the opening and provided with a posterior-stabilizing housing which articulates with a proximal aspect of the tibia for interoperative trial reduction of the knee joint without removal of the bracket from the resected distal surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The trail implant of claim 1 wherein the means described in (b) further comprises a track extending along a side of the opening and adapted to contact the tool as the tool moves along the track.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The trial implant of claim 2 wherein the track further comprises a pair of channels formed along opposed sides of the opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The trial implant of claim 1 further comprising means for reversibly interlocking the insert with the guide means of (b).
Claim 6
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of implanting a condylar prosthesis onto the proximal aspect of a resected femur comprising the steps of: (a) resecting the distal aspect of the femur to receive a trial implant thereon; (b) providing a trial implant including, in combination bracket defining a modular structure with an internal surface adapted to be seated on the distal aspect of the femur and an external surface formed with a shape resembling the normal distal condyle, including an elongated central opening appointed to expose a selected portion of the anterior distal resected surface of the femur to a shaping tool and means for guiding the tool along a predetermined arcuate path, and an insert which is replaceable to cover the opening; (c) moving the shaping tool along the guide means, cutting or abrading a patellar groove in the selected portion of the femur exposed through the opening; (d) providing a means for guiding a second tool to form a deep recess in the distal femur for accommodating a posterior-stabilizing housing of the femoral component; (e) forming the deep recess with the second tool; (f) placing a trial insert formed with a posterior-stabilizing housing securely over the opening; and (g) performing a trial reduction of the knee joint, without removing the modular bracket.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
210 words
A method of implanting a condylar prosthesis onto the proximal aspect of a resected femur comprising the steps of: (a) resecting the distal aspect of the femur to receive a trial implant thereon; (b) providing a trial implant including, in combination bracket defining a modular structure with an internal surface adapted to be seated on the distal aspect of the femur and an external surface formed with a shape resembling the normal distal condyle, including an elongated central opening appointed to expose a selected portion of the anterior distal resected surface of the femur to a shaping tool and means for guiding the tool along a predetermined arcuate path, and an insert which is replaceable to cover the opening; (c) moving the shaping tool along the guide means, cutting or abrading a patellar groove in the selected portion of the femur exposed through the opening; (d) providing a means for guiding a second tool to form a deep recess in the distal femur for accommodating a posterior-stabilizing housing of the femoral component; (e) forming the deep recess with the second tool; (f) placing a trial insert formed with a posterior-stabilizing housing securely over the opening; and (g) performing a trial reduction of the knee joint, without removing the modular bracket.