Device and method for producing osteotomies

A method for producing osteotomy in a bone having a width and an angle of deformity, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a pivotable support structure to support the bone in position;
• (b) positioning the support structure along a surface of the bone parallel to a plane in which the angle of deformity is situated;
• (c) drilling a tunnel through the bone from the surface along which the structure is positioned, so that the tunnel is through to the plane in which the angle of deformity is situated;
• (d) forming a oblique cut partially across the bone, so as to intersect the tunnel at an angle;
• (e) positioning a bone anchor through the tunnel;
• (f) completing the oblique cut across the bone so that two bone pieces are formed;
• and
• (g) pivoting one bone piece about the bone anchor relative to the other bone piece until a desired alignment between the pieces is achieved.

A method for relieving contact pressure between a first bone having an angle of deformity and a second bone, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) drilling a tunnel through a surface of the first bone, such that the tunnel is transverse to a plane in which the angle is situated;
• (b) making an oblique cut partially across the first bone on a surface parallel to the tunnel, the cut being at an angle to the tunnel to permit the first bone, when realigned, to reduce the contact pressure between the first bone and the second bone;
• (c) securing the bone about the oblique cut;
• (d) determining the amount angular correction needed, so as to bring the contact pressure within a physiologic tolerance;
• (e) completing the oblique cut across the bone to form two bone pieces, each including a piece of the tunnel;
• and
• (f) rotating the bone pieces about the tunnel and relative to one another until a an alignment conforming to the determined angular correction is achieved.