Apparatus for positioning a prosthetic element to achieve a desired orientation for cementation

A method of positioning a trial or final prosthetic element having an outer convex articulating surface configured to interact with a corresponding concave joint surface relative to a bone so as to achieve a desired orientation, the method comprising the steps of:

• attaching an adjustable, lockable structural assembly to the bone, the assembly having an end adapted for attachment to the prosthetic element;
• reducing the bone with the assembly attached into a joint so as to test the interaction between the outer convex articulating surface of the element and the corresponding concave joint surface;
• adjusting the position of the prosthetic element in one or more dimensions so as to achieve the desired orientation;
• and
• locking the prosthetic element into place once the desired orientation is achieved.

Apparatus for positioning a trial or final prosthetic element relative to a bone so as to achieve a desired orientation, comprising:

• a device which rigidly and removably attaches to the bone;
• a removable mechanism for connecting either a trial or final prosthetic element to the device, the mechanism including a plurality of fasteners for:
• a) adjusting the positioning of the prosthetic element in one or more dimension,
• b) rigidly locking the prosthetic element into place upon achieving a desired orientation,
• c) temporarily disconnecting the prosthetic element from the mechanism for cement injection,
• d) reconnecting the prosthetic element to the mechanism in the desired orientation for cement curing and fixation, and
• e) removing the mechanism