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Abstract

Instrumentation and method for surgically preparing the natural capitellum of an elbow joint to receive a capitellum prosthesis in elbow arthroplasty, including a reference pin that is first inserted into the natural capitellum along an axis extending through its spherical articulating surface and the approximate center of the partial sphere generally defining the natural capitellum. Cutting instruments, including an end cutting mill, an anterior/posterior cutting guide, and a chamfer jig cooperate with the reference pin to permit resurfacing of the natural capitellum in a manner to create a surface geometry corresponding in shape to the mounting surface of a capitellum prosthesis. The reference pin and cutting instruments are removed, after which the capitellum prosthesis is attached to the natural capitellum by fitting the mounting surface of the capitellum prosthesis to the mounting surface established on the natural capitellum.

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First Claim