Orthopedic implant having mechanical interlocking subunits and related methods

Abstract

A tibial implant may include a plurality of geometrically conformal implant subunits. The implant subunits may be configured for individual insertion within a wedge-shaped-void of the tibia. The implant subunits may further be configured for assembly in order to provide an implant substantially covering an exposed portion of cortical bone formed when performing a surgical osteotomy. In some embodiments, some or all of the plurality of subunits may be mechanically interlocked with each other. Methods and kits for insertion and assembly of implants are further described.

1 . A method of installing an orthopedic implant comprising:
 creating an opening in a patient's tissue in order to expose a portion of the patient's tibia;   cutting a portion of the patient's tibia to create a wedge-shaped void in the patient's tibia;   individually inserting each of a plurality of implant subunits through the opening in the patient's tissue; and   positioning the plurality of implant subunits within the wedge-shaped void such that at least one of the plurality of implant subunits is substantially prevented from moving in a plurality of directions with respect to an adjacent one of the plurality of subunits by a mechanical interlocking configuration.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical interlocking configuration comprises geometrically conformal surfaces. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the geometrically conformal surfaces comprise a dovetail shape. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the mechanical interlocking configuration comprises a snap-fit connection. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical interlocking configuration comprises a jigsaw puzzle type connection. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said positioning comprises arranging the plurality of implant subunits in a wedge-shaped configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising securing the plurality of implant subunits together using one or more cables or wires. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising securing the plurality of implant subunits together using one or more screws or pins. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising installing a compression plate to assist in maintaining positioning of the plurality of implant subunits. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said orthopedic implant is configured to maintain positioning of said plurality of implant subunits without use of a compression plate. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said orthopedic implant comprises a titanium alloy. 
     
     
         12 - 37 . (canceled)