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Abstract

A method is disclosed for the preoperative planning of a total knee replacement. Guide tools having guide members which are adjustable for placement on selected positions of the femur and tibia are used for locating the position of desired bone cuts defined by a cutting guide surface existing on the guide member. Selected regions of the femur and tibia are scanned by computed tomographic techniques to provide images of these regions. The respective centers of the femur head, distal femur, proximal tibia and distal tibia, or ankle joint are determined. The center points are then used to define a mechanical axis relative to which selected cuts are to be made corresponding to selected prostheses to be implanted. The CT scan representations are used to measure the desired location of the guide member cutting surface and the respective locations of guide members adjacent selected bone positions. These guide members are adjusted relative to the cutting surface prior to surgery. This provides for precise placement of the guide tools during surgery and the making of accurate and precise bone cuts conforming to the selected prostheses.

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First Claim