Kenneth L Russell

US Patent:

47223308, Feb 2, 1988

Filed:

Apr 22, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/855016

Inventors:

Kenneth W. Russell - Maryland Heights MO
Leo A. Whiteside - Chesterfield MO

Assignee:

Dow Corning Wright Corporation - Arlington TN

International Classification:

A61F 504

US Classification:

128 92VW

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a distal femoral surface shaping guide for mounting on an intramedullary alignment guide which references the central long axis of the femur in shaping the distal femoral surface and a method for shaping the distal femur using that shaping guide. The alignment guide of the present invention is adjustable relative to the surface of the anterior femoral cortex to insure that the anterior aspect of the distal femoral condyles is resected relative to that surface and, preferably, at the same level as that surface. The alignment guide of the present invention provides a main body which remains attached to the intramedullary alignment guide throughout the entire shaping of the distal femur. It thus requires fewer cutting guides and alignment steps than other shaping guides while allowing greater accuracy in shaping the distal femur relative to the central long axis of the femur.