Extracapsular Surgical Procedure and Surgical Referencing Instrument Therefor

Abstract

A method and device for finding isometric points in the joints of mammals for use in surgical repair of a joint. Isometric points are first identified in radiographic or other two dimensional images and then located in the actual joint. A method for repairing a cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle employing the method and device for finding isometric points is described. A method and apparatus for locating the axis of rotation of a joint is also described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for locating a pair of isometric points in a mammalian joint, comprising: (a) two arms interconnected with each other, and each said arm having a distal end; (b) each of said distal ends having a locating portion associated therewith, and said arms being movable with respect to each other so as to adjust a separation distance between said locating portions; and (c) a fastener associated with at least one of said arms and arranged to hold said locating portions at a selected said separation distance from each other. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein each said locating portion has a marking element associated therewith. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said marking element is capable of being temporarily affixed to an isometric point. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said marking elements are substantially perpendicular to said arms. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2  wherein said marking elements are wires. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said mammalian joint is a non-human mammalian joint. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said mammalian joint is a canine stifle joint. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said locating portions include respective receptacles each capable of holding a respective marking element. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a scale associated with said arms and providing an indication of said separation distance between said locating portions. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said receptacles are oriented parallel with each other. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  including a releasable fastener arranged to hold said locating portions selectively at a predetermined distance from each other. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said body has a second arm attached thereto. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11  wherein said pivot joint defines a pivot axis and said locating portions include respective receptacles that are oriented to hold said marking members parallel with said pivot axis. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  including a pair of marking elements capable of forming an opening in a bone and being inserted into said opening. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said locating portions is carried on a distal end of a first arm connected with said body through a pivot joint. 
     
     
         16 . A device for locating a pair of isometric points in a mammalian joint, comprising: (a) a body; (b) a pair of locating portions associated with a said body, at least one of said locating portions being adjustably located with respect to said body; and (c) a scale capable of providing an indication of a separation distance between said locating portions. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16  wherein each said locating portion has a marking element associated therewith. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17  wherein each said marking element is capable of being temporarily affixed to an isometric point. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 17  wherein each said marking element is substantially perpendicular to said arms. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 16  wherein said locating portions include respective receptacles each capable of holding a respective marking element.