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Abstract

A multipurpose template comprising: a Y-shaped element comprising a flat handle integrally extended at one end by two flat, elongated prongs, which elongated prongs are symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical plane passing through the axis of the Y-shaped element perpendicularly to the general plane thereof; an alignment rod fixable onto the flat handle near its integrally extended end, which alignment rod is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the Y-shaped element; and a set of provisional plateaus of different thicknesses for each prong, for determining the thickness of condylar bearing members to be used in the total knee prosthesis. This template is particularly useful in total knee arthroplasty for determining the desired location of the tibial prosthesis component on the patient's tibia, the width or the amount of tibial eminence to be preserved, the planes of tibial plateau osteotomies, the location of the fixation studs of the tibial prosthesis component and the appropriate thickness of the tibial prosthesis component to be used, as well as for testing the range of motion of the knee prior to installing the tibial component and testing the latter as such prior to fixing it on the patient's tibia.

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