Importance

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Abstract

The guide of this invention provides an alternative to a system requiring a plurality of guides or for a guide with a plurality of slots by providing a single guide which slides along the distal femur and which articulates to accommodate a variety of angles. The guide includes a base portion defining a pair of parallel rails having a dove-tail shaped groove formed therein. The base is fixed to the distal end of the femur after an initial cut has been made to flatten the distal end. The device further includes an upper frame which is carried by the base and slides along the rails. The upper frame pivotally supports a carriage assembly in a plurality of discrete angles as determined by detents. The carriage includes a pair of parallel rods which extend in a direction transverse to the parallel rails of the base portion. In the preferred embodiment, the parallel rods support a milling guide which is slidable along the rods. The milling guide is configured to accommodate an elongated milling burr extending therethrough for removal of a portion of the patient's bone.

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First Claim