Method and apparatus for positioning an implant

A method for using a jig to position an implant at an implantation site of a bone comprising:

• analyzing the implantation site to determine the appropriate size and position of the implant, and selecting a reference surface of the bone at the implantation site for reference during positioning of the implant;
• selecting a trial implant that is substantially the same size as the implant, the trial implant having a trial stem and a trial head;
• referencing a position of an inferior portion of the trial head against one of a plurality of score marks on the trial stem, the trial stem is properly positioned at the implantation site when the score mark corresponding to the inferior portion of the trial head is proximate to the reference surface of the bone;
• preparing the implantation site using a tapping device having a shank with a control surface operable to engage a control device, a cutting implement having a cutting surface, and an elongated shaft connecting the cutting implement to the shank, the elongated shaft having a series of tick marks that correspond to the score marks on the trial stem, preparation of the implantation site includes driving the tapping device into the implantation site to a depth such that a tick mark corresponding to the score mark referenced against the inferior portion of the trial head is proximate to the reference surface of the bone;
• positioning a jig at the implantation site using an insertion tool, the insertion tool having a series of reference marks that correspond to the score marks and the tick marks and a head operable to mate with the jig, the jig is positioned at the implantation site to a depth such that a reference mark corresponding to the score mark referenced against the inferior portion of the trial head is proximate to the reference surface of the bone;
• inserting the trial stem into the jig such that the score mark of the trial stem corresponding to the position of the inferior portion of the trial head is proximate to the reference surface of the bone, thereby positioning the trial stem at an optimum height at the implantation site;
• adjusting the position of the trial stem as necessary by screwing the jig up or down in the implantation site using the insertion tool;
• and
• inserting the implant into the jig and securing the implant in position.

A method for using a jig to position an implant in an intramedullary canal of a humerus comprising:

• selecting an exterior reference surface of the humerus for reference during positioning of the implant;
• tapping the intramedullary canal using a tapping device;
• axially threading the jig into the intramedullary canal using an insertion tool;
• substantially centering the implant in the intramedullary canal by axially inserting the implant through both a first end of the jig having a first diameter and a second end of the jig that is opposite to the first end and has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, whereby the implant contacts a substantially smooth inner surface of the jig;
• adjusting the position of the jig in the intramedullary canal as necessary so that a point on a stem of the implant aligned with an inferior portion of a head of the implant is proximate to the exterior reference surface of the humerus when the implant is seated in the jig;
• and
• securing the implant in the intramedullary canal using bone cement.