Abstract: A system and method for detecting lubrication conditions, lubrication regimes, impingement, stick-slip, and/or surface damage allows the health of a joint to be monitored. The system and method provides in situ or in vivo real-time monitoring of dynamic and static conditions of the joint. The monitoring system may use both passive and active sensing approaches that employ strategically placed piezoelectric transducers on/in the articulating components of the joint. In some embodiments, the transducers may be Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers. Active sensing may be used to detect lubrication regimes under static and dynamic conditions. Passive sensing may be used to characterize the joint motion and abnormities, such as impingements and surface damages.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a tissue supplied in a configuration pre-shaped to the topography of the recipient surface for covering defects in the articulating surfaces of bones. Also discussed herein is a method of preparing a graft for reconstruction of a defect in an articular surface of a bone comprising determining the topography of the native articular surface and the corresponding underside of the cartilage layer; fabricating a pair of mating surfaces having the topography of the native articular surface and the underside of the cartilage layer; harvesting a cartilage graft from a cadaveric donor; and placing said graft between the mating surfaces and subjecting said graft to sufficient pressure for a sufficient duration to cause it to change shape to that of the deforming surfaces.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a tissue supplied in a configuration pre-shaped to the topography of the recipient surface for covering defects in the articulating surfaces of bones. Also discussed herein is a method of preparing a graft for reconstruction of a defect in an articular surface of a bone comprising determining the topography of the native articular surface and the corresponding underside of the cartilage layer; fabricating a pair of mating surfaces having the topography of the native articular surface and the underside of the cartilage layer; harvesting a cartilage graft from a cadaveric donor; and placing said graft between the mating surfaces and subjecting said graft to sufficient pressure for a sufficient duration to cause it to change shape to that of the deforming surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting lubrication conditions, lubrication regimes, impingement, stick-slip, and/or surface damage allows the health of a joint to be monitored. The system and method provides in situ or in vivo real-time monitoring of dynamic and static conditions of the joint. The monitoring system may use both passive and active sensing approaches that employ strategically placed piezoelectric transducers on/in the articulating components of the joint. In some embodiments, the transducers may be Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers. Active sensing may be used to detect lubrication regimes under static and dynamic conditions. Passive sensing may be used to characterize the joint motion and abnormities, such as impingements and surface damages.

Abstract: A displacement sensor based on the underlying principle that when the outer surface of a quartz fiber (fiber optic cable) is etched to form a series of regularly spaced lines (a Fiber Bragg grating), laser light of a wavelength matching the spacing of the lines which enters one end of the fiber will be preferentially reflected. If the fiber is deformed, causing the line spacing to change, the wavelength of the reflected light will also change. This shift can be accurately measured and so can be related to the magnitude of the deformation of the fiber. This fiber is potted with epoxy resin in a narrow tube fabricated from a shape-memory alloy (SMA), and pre-formed into a curved shape. This not only protects the quartz fiber from direct contact with other objects and excessive bending, but also causes it to deform in a predictable fashion, thereby generating a reproducible response to displacement.

Abstract: A displacement sensor based on the underlying principle that when the outer surface of a quartz fiber (fiber optic cable) is etched to form a series of regularly spaced lines (a Fiber Bragg grating), laser light of a wavelength matching the spacing of the lines which enters one end of the fiber will be preferentially reflected. If the fiber is deformed, causing the line spacing to change, the wavelength of the reflected light will also change. This shift can be accurately measured and so can be related to the magnitude of the deformation of the fiber. This fiber is potted with epoxy resin in a narrow tube fabricated from a shape-memory alloy (SMA), and pre-formed into a curved shape. This not only protects the quartz fiber from direct contact with other objects and excessive bending, but also causes it to deform in a predictable fashion, thereby generating a reproducible response to displacement.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing surgical techniques using a computer system for gathering and analyzing surgical data acquired during a surgical procedure on a body portion and comparing that data to pre-selected target values for the particular surgical procedure. The inventive method allows the surgeon, for example, to measure the technical success of a surgical procedure in terms of quantifiable geometric, spatial, kinematic or kinetic parameters. The method comprises calculation of these parameters from data collected during a surgical procedure and then comparing these results with values of the same parameters derived from target values defined by the surgeon, surgical convention, or computer simulation of the same procedure prior to the operation itself.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing surgical techniques using a computer system for gathering and analyzing surgical data acquired during a surgical procedure on a body portion and comparing that data to pre-selected target values for the particular surgical procedure. The inventive method allows the surgeon, for example, to measure the technical success of a surgical procedure in terms of quantifiable geometric, spatial, kinematic or kinetic parameters. The method comprises calculation of these parameters from data collected during a surgical procedure and then comparing these results with values of the same parameters derived from target values defined by the surgeon, surgical convention, or computer simulation of the same procedure prior to the operation itself.

Abstract: An improved asymmetric femoral hip stem component for use in cementless hip replacement procedures is described. The stem comprises a proximal region having a novel three-dimensional configuration to allow for better fit and stability of the stem within the femoral intramedullary canal with minimal removal of strong bone therefrom. The stem further includes a twist isolated in the mid-stem region to improve fit while minimizing enlargement of the femoral canal. A distal end comprising a rotated internal slot is also described, wherein the slot reduces bending stiffness of the stem in both the coronal and sagittal planes.

Abstract: An improved asymmetric femoral hip stem component for use in cementless hip replacement procedures is described. The stem comprises a proximal region having a novel three-dimensional configuration to allow for better fit and stability of the stem within the femoral intramedullary canal with minimal removal of strong bone therefrom. The stem further includes a twist isolated in the mid-stem region to improve fit while minimizing enlargement of the femoral canal. A distal end comprising a rotated internal slot is also described, wherein the slot reduces bending stiffness of the stem in both the coronal and sagittal planes.

Abstract: A machining assembly, including a novel broach design, are disclosed for preparing a femoral medullary cavity for receipt of a femoral prosthetic stem, wherein the configuration of the implantation site allows for the neutral alignment of the prothesis within the medullary cavity for improved rigid fixation of the prosthetic stem therein. Aspects of the inventive machining assembly include a novel broach comprising a proximal lateral recess that allows for initial avoidance of the greater trochanter during implantation, thereby resulting in the preparation of a neutrally aligned cavity with respect to the broach. The machining assembly also includes a means for subsequently removing the bone of the greater trochanter once neutral alignment between the medullary cavity and broach are achieved for the subsequent implantation of a neutrally aligned femoral prosthesis.

Abstract: A machining assembly, including a of the disclosure novel broach design, are disclosed for preparing a femoral medullary cavity for receipt of a femoral prosthetic stem, wherein the configuration of the implantation site allows for the neutral alignment of the prothesis within the medullary cavity for improved rigid fixation of the prosthetic stem therein. Aspects of the inventive machining assembly include a novel broach comprising a proximal lateral recess that allows for initial avoidance of the greater trochanter during implantation, thereby resulting in the preparation of a neutrally aligned cavity with respect to the broach. The machining assembly also includes a guide and a second cutting instrument for removing the bone of the greater trochanter once neutral alignment between the medullary cavity and broach are achieved for the subsequent implantation of a neutrally aligned femoral prosthesis.

Abstract: An improved asymmetric femoral hip stem component for use in cementless hip replacement procedures is described. The stem comprises a proximal region having a novel three-dimensional configuration to allow for better fit and stability of the stem within the femoral intramedullary canal with minimal removal of strong bone therefrom. The stem further includes a twist isolated in the mid-stem region to improve fit while minimizing enlargement of the femoral canal. A distal end comprising a rotated internal slot is also described, wherein the slot reduces bending stiffness of the stem in both the coronal and sagittal planes.

Abstract: An improved surgical broach for preparing an intramedullary canal of a bone for receiving a prosthesis is described, wherein the broach comprises a plurality of cutting teeth having different configurations and placement upon the broach for optimizing cutting efficiency and speed for improved surgical ease-of-use while minimizing gap formation between the prosthesis and the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: Prosthetic systems, specifically acetabular implant systems, each comprising a preformed modular mantle designed to secure an acetabular implant within the acetabulum are disclosed.

Abstract: A centralizer for the stem of a cementable prosthetic orthopedic implant that is implanted into the medullary canal of a bone has a hollow annular body with a tapered interior surface for receiving a tapered stem of the implant. The centralizer has four fins spaced around the exterior surface of its annular body with the fins extending radially outwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending along the stem in a proximal-distal direction. The annular body of the centralizer has a proximal and a distal end surface spaced a predetermined distance apart with the fins having a base adjacent the body extending over a substantial portion of the predetermined distance. Adjacent fins are offset from neighboring fins in a proximal-distal direction so that when the proximal-distal dimension of the annular body is maintained, it generates a wavelike structure for the centralizer body.

Abstract: The bone prosthesis of the present invention comprises a first body member or stem for placement into a bone cavity, such as an intramedullary canal. The body member is configured and dimensioned so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit. The apparatus further comprises a second body member or broach for placement into and removal from a bone cavity, the broach configured and dimensioned so as to prepare the bone cavity so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit with the stem. The apparatus further comprises a distal sleeve configured and dimensioned so as to be attached to the stem so as to centralize the stem in the bone cavity. The distal sleeve preferably is provided with an interior conical slope and an exterior conical slope on a portion thereof to aid in insertion into the canal. The stem further comprises at least one groove and preferably a plurality of grooves along its corners.

Abstract: The bone prosthesis of the present invention comprises a first body member or stem for placement into a bone cavity, such as an intramedullary canal. The body member is configured and dimensioned so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit. The apparatus further comprises a second body member or broach for placement into and removal from a bone cavity, the broach configured and dimensioned so as to prepare the bone cavity so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit with the stem. The apparatus further comprises a distal sleeve configured and dimensioned so as to be attached to the stem so as to centralize the stem in the bone cavity. The distal sleeve preferably is provided with an interior conical slope and an exterior conical slope on a portion thereof to aid in insertion into the canal. The stem further comprises at least one groove and preferably a plurality of grooves along its corners.

Abstract: The bone prosthesis of the present invention comprises a first body member or stem for placement into a bone cavity, such as an intramedullary canal. The body member is configured and dimensioned so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit. The apparatus further comprises a second body member or broach for placement into the broach configured and dimensioned so as to prepare and removal from a bone cavity, the bone cavity so as to provide a nonuniform interference press-fit with the stem. THe apparatus further comprises a distal sleeve configured and dimensioned so as to be attached to the stem so as to centralize the stem in the bone cavity. The distal sleeve preferably is provided with an interior conical slope and an exterior conical slope on a portion thereof to aid in insertion into the canal. The stem further comprises at least one groove and preferably a plurality of grooves along its corners.

Abstract: A proximal femoral sealing device is disclosed for use in the application of bone cement under pressure to a surgically prepared medullary canal of a femur prior to the implantation of a hip prostesis. The proximal femoral sealing device is formed of a generally solid body member with a passageway and a flexible annular wall member extending from the body member. The sealing device has an anatomically shaped outer surface, corresponding to the exposed endosteal surface of a prepared medullary canal. A chamber defined by a flexible annular wall and the body member opens into the medullary canal. In turn, the passageway communicates with the chamber and permits insertion of a cement nozzle therethrough into the chamber. In operation, the proximal femoral sealing device is placed within the proximal end of a surgically prepared medullary canal.