Abstract: A system that includes: a force sensor assembly adapted to monitor a load as applied on a subject’s knee joint when the force sensor assembly remains in direct contact with the subject’s lower extremity and the load is monitored from inside a main magnet of an MRI scanner; a mobile unit comprising tracks configured to adjust a position of the force sensor assembly; a stationary base on which the mobile unit and the force sensor assembly are located, the mobile unit translatable solely axially on the stationary base; and a processor coupled to the force sensor assembly and programmed to read information encoding the load being monitored by the force sensor assembly, wherein an MRI scan of the knee j oint is initiated only when a predetermined load has been applied to the subject’s knee joint for a pre-determined period of time.

Abstract: A system that includes: a force sensor assembly adapted to monitor a load as applied on a subject's knee joint when the force sensor assembly remains in direct contact with the subject's lower extremity and the load is monitored from inside a main magnet of an MRI scanner; a mobile unit comprising tracks configured to adjust a position of the force sensor assembly; a stationary base on which the mobile unit and the force sensor assembly are located, the mobile unit translatable solely axially on the stationary base; and a processor coupled to the force sensor assembly and programmed to read information encoding the load being monitored by the force sensor assembly, wherein an MRI scan of the knee joint is initiated only when a pre-determined load has been applied to the subject's knee joint for a pre-determined period of time.

Abstract: A two piece humeral component for use in joint arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a joint and engaged by a socket component of the joint. The joint component includes a body having a first articulating surface and a second medial surface opposite the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to be engaged by the socket and the second medial surface is adapted to be secured to mounting portion. The mounting portion has a first surface and a second medial surface. The first surface is adapted to be fixably engaged to the second mounting portion of the humeral component. The second medial surface is adapted to be secured to the humerus. A peg which has a first end adapted to engage a cavity found in the humerus is disposed on the mounting portion's second medial surface.

Abstract: A system that includes: a force sensor assembly adapted to monitor a load as applied on a subject's knee joint when the force sensor assembly remains in direct contact with the subject's lower extremity and the load is monitored from inside a main magnet of an MRI scanner; a mobile unit comprising tracks configured to adjust a position of the force sensor assembly; a stationary base on which the mobile unit and the force sensor assembly are located, the mobile unit translatable solely axially on the stationary base; and a processor coupled to the force sensor assembly and programmed to read information encoding the load being monitored by the force sensor assembly, wherein an MRI scan of the knee joint is initiated only when a pre-determined load has been applied to the subject's knee joint for a pre-determined period of time.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular glenoid prosthesis for replacing a portion of the anatomy. The prosthesis can comprise a platform having a coupling portion, a base and a central bore that extends from the coupling portion through the base. The central bore can define a tapered region, and the coupling portion can include a plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenoid component having a plurality of pegs. Each of the plurality of pegs can be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenosphere including a tapered stem couplable to the tapered region. The glenoid component and the glenosphere are selectively couplable to the platform for replacing the portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: A two piece humeral component for use in joint arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a joint and engaged by a socket component of the joint. The joint component includes a body having a first articulating surface and a second medial surface opposite the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to be engaged by the socket and the second medial surface is adapted to be secured to mounting portion. The mounting portion has a first surface and a second medial surface. The first surface is adapted to be fixably engaged to the second mounting portion of the humeral component. The second medial surface is adapted to be secured to the humerus. A peg which has a first end adapted to engage a cavity found in the humerus is disposed on the mounting portion's second medial surface.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular glenoid prosthesis for replacing a portion of the anatomy. The prosthesis can comprise a platform having a coupling portion, a base and a central bore that extends from the coupling portion through the base. The central bore can define a tapered region, and the coupling portion can include a plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenoid component having a plurality of pegs. Each of the plurality of pegs can be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenosphere including a tapered stem couplable to the tapered region. The glenoid component and the glenosphere are selectively couplable to the platform for replacing the portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: The present teachings provide a modular glenoid prosthesis for replacing a portion of the anatomy. The prosthesis can comprise a platform having a coupling portion, a base and a central bore that extends from the coupling portion through the base. The central bore can define a tapered region, and the coupling portion can include a plurality of bores and a groove coupling feature. The prosthesis can include a glenoid component having a plurality of pegs. Each of the plurality of pegs in combination with at least one tab, the tab configured to engage the groove coupling feature of the platform can be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of bores. The prosthesis can include a glenosphere including a tapered stem couplable to the tapered region. The glenoid component and the glenosphere are selectively couplable to the platform for replacing the portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: The present invention includes tailored fiber-reinforced hydrogel composites for implantation into a subject. The present invention also includes systems and methods for controlling the relative percent volume of the hydrogel and fibers, cross-linking, fiber orientation, weave and density, such that the material properties of the composite can be controlled and/or customized to match particular tissue types. The composites of the present invention are suitable for repairing or replacing musculoskeletal tissues and/or fibrocartilage, such as the meniscus, ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: A modular humeral implant for implantation into a humerus that includes a natural humeral shaft and a natural humeral head. The implant includes a humeral stem implantable into the natural humeral shaft, and an adapter couplable to the humeral stem, the adapter including an anchoring projection forming a disk directly insertable into an underside of the natural humeral head.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a knee is made with an insert sandwiched between a femoral component and a tibial tray. The parts are shaped so that both the femoral component and the tibial tray will slidingly interface with the insert during motion of the knee. At regions where the femoral component interfaces with the insert during extension and during an initial range of flexion of the knee, the femoral component's radius of curvature (R1) for flexion rotation is larger than its radius of curvature (R3) for varus/valgus rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the tibial tray is convex and spherically curved, and the insert is free to move in both the posterior-anterior direction and the medial-lateral direction with respect to the tibial tray.

Abstract: A dual-radius glenoid component of a shoulder joint prosthesis for use in total shoulder arthroplasty has two radii of curvature. At substantially the center of the articulating surface a first non-conforming radius of curvature is provided, while a second conforming radius of curvature, smaller than that of the first radius of curvature and more closely conforming to the curvature of the humeral component, is disposed about the periphery of the articulating surface. The central non-conforming radius of curvature provides reduced constraint of the humeral component. In contrast, the conforming peripheral radius of curvature provides maximum constraint of the humeral component. When the humeral component is substantially centered on the articulating surface reduced constraint is placed on the prosthesis and less load is transferred to the bone-implant interface. As the humeral component translates towards the periphery, constraint on the prosthesis increases to prevent dislocation.

Abstract: A dual-radius glenoid component of a shoulder joint prosthesis for use in total shoulder arthroplasty has two radii of curvature. At substantially the center of the articulating surface a first non-conforming radius of curvature is provided, while a second conforming radius of curvature, smaller than that of the first radius of curvature and more closely conforming to the curvature of the humeral component, is disposed about the periphery of the articulating surface. The central non-conforming radius of curvature provides reduced constraint of the humeral component. In contrast, the conforming peripheral radius of curvature provides maximum constraint of the humeral component. When the humeral component is substantially centered on the articulating surface reduced constraint is placed on the prosthesis and less load is transferred to the bone-implant interface. As the humeral component translates towards the periphery, constraint on the prosthesis increases to prevent dislocation.

Abstract: A prosthesis for repairing a knee is made with an insert sandwiched between a femoral component and a tibial tray. The parts are shaped so that both the femoral component and the tibial tray will slidingly interface with the insert during motion of the knee. At regions where the femoral component interfaces with the insert during extension and during an initial range of flexion of the knee, the femoral component's radius of curvature (R1) for flexion rotation is larger than its radius of curvature (R3) for varus/valgus rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the tibial tray is convex and spherically curved, and the insert is free to move in both the posterior-anterior direction and the medial-lateral direction with respect to the tibial tray.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the treatment of defects and disease involving the functional attachment of connective tissue, such as tendon or ligament, to bone. Preferred methods comprise administering a composition containing a bone morphogenetic protein and a suitable carrier. The method results in the regeneration of functional attachment between the connective tissue and bone, such that minimal fibrous or granulation tissue is formed at the interface between the regenerated bone and connective tissue. The method and composition are useful for augmenting tissue grafts in reconstructive surgery. The method and compositions result in closer apposition of bone to the connective tissue at earlier time points and increased strength of fixation at earlier time points.

Abstract: A suture anchor and anchor driver device for securely and accurately positioning and installing the suture anchor in place. The anchor has a rounded or pointed head and one or more ridges around it to help force fit the anchor into a hole and to hold it in place. A suture is positioned through the anchor for subsequent use during the surgical procedure. The driver device has a handle and an elongated shaft and is used to position and install the anchor in place. The anchor preferably snap fits onto the end of the shaft. A depth guide can be integrally or removably positioned on the shaft to ensure correct depth of placement. Alternately, the driver shaft is hollow and the anchor is positioned inside it and is implanted with a pusher member. The ends of the suture are affixed to the driver handle. Grooves can be provided on the driver and the anchor to prevent the suture from interfering with the positioning and installation procedure.

Abstract: A suture anchor and anchor driver device for securely and accurately positioning and installing the suture anchor in place. The anchor has a rounded or pointed head and one or more ridges around it to help force fit the anchor into a hole and to hold it in place. A suture is positioned through the anchor for subsequent use during the surgical procedure. The driver device has a handle and an elongated shaft and is used to position and install the anchor in place. The anchor preferably snap fits onto the end of the shaft. A depth guide can be integrally or removably positioned on the shaft to ensure correct depth of placement. Alternately, the driver shaft is hollow and the anchor is positioned inside it and is implanted with a pusher member. The ends of the suture are affixed to the driver handle. Grooves can be provided on the driver and the anchor to prevent the suture from interfering with the positioning and installation procedure.

Abstract: An anchor and anchor driver device for securely and accurately positioning and installing a bone (suture) anchor in place are disclosed. The bone anchor has a rounded or pointed head and a series of ridges around it which are used to help force fit the anchor into a hole and to hold it in place. A suture is positioned through the anchor for subsequent use during the surgical procedure. The driver device has a handle and elongated shaft and is used to position and install the anchor in place. The anchor snap fits onto the end of the shaft over an anti-rotation pin which mates with slots in the anchor. The ends of the suture are affixed to the driver handle. Means are provided on the driver to prevent the suture from interfering with the positioning and installation procedure.

Abstract: A delivery device for depositing an exogenous fibrin clot into a wound site during an arthroscopic surgical operation. The delivery device having a tubular body and plunger. The body including a large internal diameter collection chamber and a small internal diameter ejection chamber with an internal frusto-conical transition chamber positioned therebetween. The plunger having a rear tamping knob on one end and an ejection tip on the other end. The rear knob having a matching frusto-conical portion used for tamping the fibrin clot material from the collection chamber into the ejection chamber. The tip of the plunger being insertable into the injection chamber to push the fibrin clot material out of the delivery device. The plunger also having a forward stop knob which limits the depth of insertion of the plunger into the body. The tip of the plunger when fully inserted extends axially beyond the end of the ejection chamber.