Abstract: A bone fixation screw system and method of utilization thereof is provided for a bone having first and second sections with a fracture interface there between. A preferred embodiment of the bone fixation screw system includes a side plate having a first part for placement adjacent the bone second section and a second part angled from the first part providing a barrel. The barrel is adapted for insertion into a transsectionally extending bore into the bone in at least the second section of the bone. A lag screw is also provided for positional retention of the first section of the bone with respect to the second section of the bone. The lag screw also has a first part of a resorbable material for threaded connection of the lag screw within the bore of the bone in at least the first section of the bone, the lag screw having a second part connected with the first part made from a stronger nonresorbable material.

Abstract: A medical implant device being operable to replace at least a portion of the natural joint in a human. The medical implant device includes a structural member being composed of a composite material. The medical implant device further includes a metallic porous coating disposed on at least a portion of the exterior of the structural member.

Abstract: A glenoid component for use in shoulder arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a scapula and engaged by a head of a humeral component. The glenoid component includes a body having a first articulating surface and second textured medial surface opposite to the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to be engaged by the head of the humeral component and the second textured medial surface is adapted to be secured to the scapula. A plurality of circular base members extends from the second textured medial surface and provides a circular base pad having a first diameter. A plurality of cylindrical pegs each have a first end adapted to engage a cavity formed in the scapula and a second end extending from one of the circular base members. Each of the cylindrical pegs is partially defined by a sidewall having a second diameter such that the first diameter of the cylindrical base pads is larger than the second diameter of the cylindrical pegs to increase peg shear strength.

Abstract: A method of implanting a hip prosthesis includes utilization of a device at the implantation site to confirm that the femoral prosthesis will have a neck length corresponding to a preoperative plan. First, a desired neck size for the femoral prosthesis is determined. Then, the femoral prosthesis is positioned in the femur. Next, a locator rod component is advanced toward the femoral prosthesis along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the femoral prosthesis until a greater trochanter locator mounted on the side of the locator rod component is as close as possible to contacting the greater trochanter of the femur. Next, a neck sizing component, which has neck size markings on its outer surface, is placed on the neck projection of the femoral prosthesis.

Abstract: Instrumentation and method for surgically preparing the natural capitellum of an elbow joint to receive a capitellum prosthesis in elbow arthroplasty, including a reference pin that is first inserted into the natural capitellum along an axis extending through its spherical articulating surface and the approximate center of the partial sphere generally defining the natural capitellum. Cutting instruments, including an end cutting mill, an anterior/posterior cutting guide, and a chamfer jig cooperate with the reference pin to permit resurfacing of the natural capitellum in a manner to create a surface geometry corresponding in shape to the mounting surface of a capitellum prosthesis. The reference pin and cutting instruments are removed, after which the capitellum prosthesis is attached to the natural capitellum by fitting the mounting surface of the capitellum prosthesis to the mounting surface established on the natural capitellum.

Abstract: A method for reducing the number of free radicals in an implantable medical component requiring sterilization includes the steps of packaging the component in an oxygen-resistant container, sterilizing the packaged component, and exposing the packaged and sterilized component to a gas capable of combining with free radicals. The step of packaging includes vacuum sealing the component in an oxygen barrier bag. The step of sterilizing includes exposing the packaged component to radiation such as gamma radiation. The step of exposing the packaged and sterilized component to a gas capable of combining with free radicals includes placing the packaged and sterilized component in a pressure vessel and introducing pressurized hydrogen gas into the vessel for a period of time.

Abstract: A scissor action low profile hand instrument includes a first member pivotably attached to a second member at a pivot point. The instrument has a surgical tip separated from a handle by a middle section. A centerline passing through the pivot point separates each half of the handle and each half of the surgical tip. The middle section of the instrument includes switchback segments that are positioned on opposite sides of the centerline. The switchback segments allow the instrument to retain a relatively small maximum width over a large portion of its middle section when moved from a closed position to a spread position.

Abstract: In a method of making an entry hole for implanting a retrograde humeral nail across a fracture in a humerus comprises the initial step of providing a pin placement guide having a base with a bone contact surface and a guide portion attached to the base. A guide bore with a guide axis extends through the guide portion and the bone contact portion of the base. The pin placement guide is clamped on the humerus so that the guide axis is at a relatively small angle of less than 20.degree. with respect to the bone axis of the humerus, and the bone contact surface is substantially aligned with the bone axis. Next, a guide pin with a tip is inserted through the guide bore. A guide hole is bored into the bone along the guide axis with the guide pin. Next, the clamp and pin placement guide are removed. Finally, the guide hole is reamed to enlarge it into an entry hole that is at an angle with respect to the bone axis equal or less than that of the guide axis.

Abstract: A system for storing and sterilizing orthopedic devices in a series of cases that may be attached together to provide a custom type container for a particular end user. The containers have modular compartments for housing the orthopedic devices. The containers may be shipped with the orthopedic devices in a sterilized environment as well as be resterilized in an autoclave for future use. A method of use and inventory control is also disclosed wherein a container using a generic marking system is used on the lid for the container. An inventory control sheet is used to record the part number and manufacturing lot number of the components housed in the compartments. The sheet corresponds to the generic marking system. A more accurate accounting of the inventory is achieved.

Abstract: Processes for fabricating substantially void-free polymeric articles are provided. In one embodiment, a polymer melt is formed followed by extrusion through a die to form a polymeric extrudate. The polymeric extrudate is directly discharged vertically upward into an open-ended mold the open-ended mold having a longitudinal axis oriented substantially vertically. The polymeric article is cooled and removed from the mold. In a further embodiment, a mold is loaded with polymeric particles. The mold is oriented such that its longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. A vacuum is drawn on the loaded mold followed by heating the loaded mold above the melting point of the polymeric particles. After the polymeric particles are melted, the loaded mold is charged with an inert gas to above ambient pressure to collapse any remaining voids. The loaded mold is slowly cooled to form a polymeric article. Oriented polymeric bioabsorbable cannulated surgical articles and a method of making same are provided.

Abstract: A method for forming biocompatible components from a stock of substantially completely consolidated material. The method includes the step of forming an incompletely consolidated stock from a powder. The substantially completely consolidated stock is then formed from the incompletely consolidated stock. Finally, the substantially completely consolidated stock is then machined to form the biocompatible component.

Abstract: A bone stabilization implant comprises a single piece of material machined to include a bone plate portion having a length with a center line, a bone contact surface and an outer surface. The bone plate portion has a plurality of openings extending through the outer surface and the bone contact surface and are located at positions along the length of material. The openings are sized to receive a conventional bone screw. The outer surface is machined to include a plurality of integral bosses positioned at locations along the length. Each of the bosses has crimping surfaces and a pair of holes therethrough that are sized to receive cable. Each of the bosses is deformable to clamp cable received in the pair of holes when the crimping surfaces are crimped. The integration of the bosses with the underlying bone plate portion better facilitates handling of the implant during implantation procedures and substantially reduces the breakage and wear problems associated with prior art bone stabilization implants.

Abstract: A biocompatible prosthetic device for the replacement of the temporomandibular joint is provided. The prosthetic device includes an artificial condylar component having a substantially spherical convex articular surface of a first spherical radius for replacing the articular surface of the condylar head. The prosthetic device further includes artificial mandibular fossa component having a substantially spherical concave articular surface of a second spherical radius greater than the first spherical radius. The present invention further includes a surgical method for installation of this prosthetic device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assessing and determining proper alignment and placement of implant components during joint reconstruction surgery, particularly in the knee joint. Provisional components with force transducers 150, 240 are positioned in the joint 40 and used to determine the precise forces and decide how to balance the forces in the joint. In the knee joint, a provisional tibial component 80 and a provisional patella component 85 are used. The tibial component has a base member 84 and a pair of bearing elements 88, 90 held loosely in place by a clamping frame 86. Rocker members 130, 132 allow the bearing elements to move or rock relative to the base member. The patella component has a base plate 220 and a bearing element 222 held loosely in place by a plurality of pins 228. A rocker member 232 allows the bearing element to move or rock relative to the base plate.

Abstract: A femoral sizing apparatus includes a plurality of flat templates, each having specific anterior to posterior first dimensions and medial to lateral second dimensions. Each of the plurality of plates correspond to a specific femoral component size. A handle is attached to each of the templates and is used for lifting and placing the plate against the distal femur after the distal femoral cut is made. When the template is placed against the distal femur, both the anterior to posterior dimension and the medial to lateral dimension are considered in determining the appropriate femoral component size. The template includes anchoring pin holes for receiving anchoring pins therethrough and attaching the template to the femur distal end. Drill guide holes are also provided. The template is flat and generally U-shaped for slipping over an intramedullary rod.

Abstract: Ultrasonic vibrations are employed for forming a cavity into which a prosthesis is implanted. This technique includes vibrating the prosthesis itself as it is inserted to enlarge the cavity and assure a tight fit.

Abstract: A blade for a surgical saw has an elongate body with distal and proximal ends, and a plurality of teeth formed on an outwardly facing edge surface of the distal end. The spaces between adjacent teeth are defined by surfaces which lie in planes which are non-perpendicular to the substantially flat surfaces which define the body of the blade. These non-perpendicular surfaces guide cuttings generated by the teeth laterally toward the flat surfaces of the blade and outwardly toward the proximal end of the blade as the blade advances in a cut. Each of the teeth formed on the edge of the blade has a pointed form. Approximately half of the teeth lie in a row in which the respective points lie in a first cutting plane which extends in parallel with, and lies adjacent a first side of, a plane which extends longitudinally through the center of the blade body.

Abstract: A planer for shaping a bone prior to receiving a prosthetic device. The planer includes a surface which is able to abrade the bone. In addition, the planer is operable to engage one of a plurality of positioning members which are able to orient the surface of the planer at an angle which corresponds to the valgus angle of the bone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for removing a polymethylmethacrylate or other cement plug from the medullary canal during hip-revision surgery. In accordance with the method, a portion of the PMMA plug is softened and a plug removal tool is advanced through the softened portion to become imbedded in the plug. The plug is permitted to harden around the tool, and the tool is withdrawn thereby pulling the plug with it. Softening may be accomplished by conducting ultrasonic energy through the removal tool tip, or by other means. Hardening is accomplished by removing the heat source and permitting passive cooling of the material, or by accelerating cooling of the material through the use of a heat sink or a circulating media such as a compressed gas. Also disclosed is a self-cooling tool tip.

Abstract: A biocompatible implant for forming a barrier within a cavity formed in living tissue, the living tissue being at a first thermochemical state. The biocompatible implant includes a main body which is able to be inserted into the cavity. The biocompatible implant further includes a flange for securing the main body in a substantially stationary position within the cavity. The flange is relatively rigid at the first thermochemical state but is relatively deformable at a second thermochemical state.