Abstract: A universal drill guide system includes a universal drill guide, interchangeable drill tubes, and interchangeable drill bits. Each interchangeable drill tube corresponds to one of the interchangeable drill bits, and can be detachably coupled to the universal drill guide. A cannulated drill with K-wire retention features a drill bit with a retention mechanism that prevents axial advancement of a K-wire during drilling. A drill removal tool includes a drill remover that can be placed around a drill bit to remove it from bone after a hole is drilled, while leaving a K-wire in place in the bone. A bone screw driver with K-wire retention includes a shaft that can be passed over a K-wire, a distal end for attachment to a cannulated bone screw, and a K-wire retention module for preventing advancement of the K-wire as the screw driver drives the cannulated bone screw into bone.

Abstract: The embodiments provide various interbody fusion spacers, or cages, for insertion between adjacent vertebrae. The cages may have integrated ratchet assemblies that allow the cage to change size and angle as needed, with little effort. The cages may have a first, insertion configuration characterized by a reduced size to facilitate insertion through a narrow access passage and into the intervertebral space. The cages may be inserted in a first, reduced size and then expanded to a second, larger size once implanted. In their second configuration, the cages are able to maintain the proper disc height and stabilize the spine by restoring sagittal balance and alignment. Additionally, the intervertebral cages are configured to be able to adjust the angle of lordosis, and can accommodate larger lordotic angles in their second, expanded configuration. Further, these cages may promote fusion to further enhance spine stability by immobilizing the adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide technologies related to adaptive surgeon-specific instrumentation, unique preparatory tools and procedures for bone resection and implant devices, and systems for selection of implantation preparatory tools for implantation procedures. The embodiments described herein may, for example, be utilized in connection with knee arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a medical instrument includes a pinion and a face gear that move a push-pull element. The pinion has a mounting that permits rotation of the pinion by an external control system such as a robot. The face gear meshes with the pinion. The push-pull element may have a proximal end coupled to the face gear and a distal end coupled to a tool at a distal end of an instrument shaft. A manipulator coupled for manual rotation of the actuation mechanism may include a slip clutch to prevent manual application of excessive force to the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A method of navigating a cutting instrument, via a computer system, the method comprising: (a) mounting a patient-specific anatomical mapper (PAM) to a human in a single known location and orientation, where the PAM includes a surface precisely and correctly mating with a human surface correctly in only a single location and orientation; (b) mounting a reference inertial measurement unit (IMU) to the human; (c) operatively coupling a guide to the PAM, where the guide includes an instrument inertial measurement unit (IMU) and at least one of a cutting slot and a pin orifice; (d) outputting data from the reference IMU and the instrument IMU indicative of changes in position and orientation of the guide with respect to the human; (e) repositioning the guide with respect to the human to a position and an orientation consistent with a plan for carrying out at least one of a cut and pin placement; and, (f) visually displaying feedback concerning the position and orientation of the guide with respect to the human us

Abstract: The disclosure provides a patella joystick for tilting a knee cap in an operation of knee arthroscopy and a method of using the patella joystick. The patella joystick can include a handle, a shank, a tapered portion, and a screw portion. The tapered portion has a diminishing diameter and provides a structural transition between the shank and the screw portion. The screw portion can include a thread and a screw point. The thread can have a buttress form, and the screw point can have an inverted cone shape with a cone angle of at or about 90°. The method of using the patella joystick can include: drilling a pilot hole into the patella; screwing the patella joystick onto the pilot hole; and holding the patella joystick to tilt and/or lift the knee cap.

Abstract: A surgical system for transecting osseous tissue includes an ultrasonic waveform generator, a control unit, an ultrasonic instrument assembly including a electromechanical transducer and an ultrasonic blade, and a robotic system. The ultrasonic instrument assembly is attached to the robotic arm. The surgical system is configured so that the robotic arm moves the ultrasonic blade at a constant forward feed speed through the bone during a cutting operation and so that the forward motion is reduced, and preferably halted automatically upon a reduction in load per unit time or applied power, as monitored by a pickup or sensor.

Abstract: Devices, apparatus and methods for patient-specific MIS procedures. A patient-specific, MIS navigation guide device may include a main body having a proximal surface and a distal surface, wherein the distal surface is configured to face target tissue upon placement of said MIS navigation guide device. Anchors extend distally of the distal surface, and distal ends of the anchors lie on a three dimensional surface that matches contours of the target tissue in locations where the anchors are designed to contact. A position indicator on the device is interpretable by a surgeon to know when the anchors have not yet been contacted to the target tissue in a predetermined orientation and to know when the anchors have been contacted to the target tissue in the predetermined orientation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are device and methods for determining an orientation of an instrument for inserting a medical device. One such method includes simulating an insertion point and an orientation of a simulated surgical hardware installation on a diagnostic representation of the bone, and then using an electronic device to align an instrument for inserting a surgical hardware installation at a desired orientation through an insertion point by indicating when an orientation of the electronic device is within a threshold of the simulated orientation.

Abstract: A blade mounting assembly for coupling a saw blade to a surgical saw. The blade mounting assembly including a blade clamp guard and a blade clamp moveably coupled to a drive hub of the surgical saw. The blade clamp guard defining a recess and a blade clamp at least partially disposed within the recess. The blade clamp further comprising a safety indicator. The blade clamp may be configured to move relative to the blade camp guard, the blade clamp moving between a first position where the safety indicator is exposed and a second position where the safety indicator is concealed by the blade clamp guard. The blade mounting assembly may also comprise a biasing mechanism disposed between the blade clamp guard and the blade clamp. The biasing mechanism configured to urge the blade clamp guard away from the blade clamp.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a retractor. Specifically, this invention relates to a malleable retractor designed to retract soft tissue and create a surgical opening to provide visualization of and access to the spine.

Abstract: The present disclosure in one aspect provides an adjustable depth drill guide comprising a trigger assembly further comprising a trigger and a primary actuating element and a telescopic rotational assembly which abuts the primary actuating element and further comprises an intermediate actuating element. The drill guide described herein allows a surgeon to adjust the depth of the drill guide using only one hand while in-situ.

Abstract: A trial implant is provided. The implant includes a central portion. The central portion includes a top articulating surface extending between a first end and a second end and having a convex shape, a bottom surface configured to at least partially contact a first resected surface of a bone, and a first side surface extending between the top articulating surface and the bottom surface. The first side surface is sloped such that a width of the top articulating surface is greater than a width of the bottom surface. The implant further includes a first outer portion extending laterally from the central portion. The first side surface and the first outer portion are separated by a first opening shaped such that up to four resected surfaces of the bone are visible when the trial implant is seated on the bone.

Abstract: Disclosed are aspects of a hybrid plastic and co-molded metal cutting head and a method of forming same. The method includes forming a metal rasp head having a fluid pathway therethrough and molding an elongated body with support into the rasp head via said fluid pathway wherein the fluid pathway into one or more sides.

Abstract: A system and method for improving installation of a prosthesis. Devices include prosthesis installation tools, prosthesis assembly tools, site preparation systems, and improved power tools used in implant site preparation, the tools including a secondary motion that preferably includes an ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: A method for inserting an interspinous spinal implant into an opened gap between first and second spinous processes of adjacent superior and inferior vertebras, respectively includes the following. First forming an opened gap between a first spinous processes of a superior vertebra and a second spinous processes of an adjacent inferior vertebra by first inserting a decompression knife into diseased areas of the adjacent superior and inferior vertebras, then cutting fascia tissue, then separating soft tissue from bone by rocking the decompression knife back and forth, and then inserting a broach cutter into the diseased areas of the adjacent superior and inferior vertebras and cutting interspinous ligament between the adjacent superior and inferior vertebras. Next, determining and selecting an appropriate sized and shaped interspinous spinal implant for the opened gap by inserting a sizing tool into the opened gap, and sizing the opened gap with the sizing tool.

Abstract: A mixing and delivery system includes a compressible tube and a mixing apparatus. The compressible tube includes a reservoir configured for mixing and holding a surgical substance, an inlet portion for accommodating introduction of an element of the surgical substance into the compressible tube, and an exit port for enabling the delivery of the surgical substance to a target portion of an anatomy. The mixing apparatus is configured to be received through the inlet portion of the compressible tube for mixing elements of the surgical substance to form the surgical substance.

Abstract: Methods of joint repair employing sutures and attached fixation devices are discussed. For example, a bone block graft procedure (e.g., Latarjet) is discussed which employs fixation devices to secure contact between graft surfaces of two bones. A suture construct, including a continuous suture loop routed through a first fastener, is secured to a first bone. Looped ends of the suture loop are passed through passageways formed in the two bones. The looped suture ends are further routed through a second fastener. The second fastener is mounted to the second bone and a sliding knot, formed in the looped suture ends, is advanced into contact with the second fastener. The suture is further tensioned using a tensioner device to secure the two bones together.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant includes an insertion end, an opposing engagement end, and first and second opposed main surfaces configured to contact respective adjacent vertebral endplates. Each of the first and second main surfaces has an anterior edge, a posterior edge, and extends between the insertion and engagement ends. Anterior and posterior walls are formed between the first and second main surfaces and along the respective anterior and posterior edges and converge at the insertion and engagement ends. A slot is formed at the engagement end and extends continuously between and at least partially along the anterior and posterior walls. A post is positioned within the slot, spaced from at least one of the anterior and posterior walls and extending at least partially between the first and second main surfaces. The post includes a plurality of exposed facets and is configured for engagement with a pivotable insertion instrument.

Abstract: Surgical drill guides having a guide shaft and a set of distal guide teeth extending from the guide shaft. The guide shaft has proximal and distal portions having two distinct inner and outer diameters, with a tapered zone extending between the two portions. Wall thickness is maintained or increased from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the shaft, reinforcing the rigidity of both the shaft and the distal guide teeth.