Abstract: The invention describes new synthetic medical adhesives and films which exploit the key components of natural marine mussel adhesive proteins.

Abstract: The invention describes new synthetic medical adhesives and films which exploit the key components of natural marine mussel adhesive proteins.

Abstract: A knee implant for use in total knee arthroplasty, the implant including a femoral component having a trochlear groove and an intercondylar notch, a tibial component engaged with the femoral component, and a patellar component having an upper domed surface, wherein the domed surface is configured for at least line contact articulation with the trochlear groove of the femoral component.

Abstract: The invention describes new synthetic medical adhesives and films which exploit the key components of natural marine mussel adhesive proteins.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotating track cutting guide system that maintains precise alignment of a bone saw with bone tissue. The rotating track cutting guide generally includes a track subassembly and cutting guide subassemblies attachable to the bone that is to be cut. The track subassembly supports an oscillating surgical saw driver. The track subassembly is removably securable to cutting guide subassemblies which are attachable to the desired bone to facilitate a series of controlled cuts. The design of the track subassembly stabilizes the oscillating saw driver and enables it to both rotate in the plane of the saw blade and move linearly along the track.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical resection instruments, and methods of use, for facilitating accurately cut surfaces for the placement of femoral prosthesis components. The posterior condyles and anterior femoral cortex provide reference points for measurement and cuts of the femur with these instruments. One embodiment of the femoral resection instrument provides for precise anterior cuts of the femur appropriate for one of several sizes of prosthesis components without the need for separate cutting guides. Another embodiment provides for shifting the cutting location of both the posterior and anterior cuts by a portion of the distance between sizes of the prosthesis components while maintaining the reference position relative to the posterior part of the condyles and corresponding intercondylar notch. A third embodiment has an adjustable paddle so that the femoral resection instrument can be adjusted to the correct orientation when the femoral condyles are worn unequally.

Abstract: An adjustable trial prosthesis or prosthetic component provides a surgeon with the capability of efficiently and accurately examining a joint's functioning without having to remove a trial prosthesis insert and replace it with another sterilized insert. The adjustable trial has a first surface that approximates the top surface of the corresponding permanent prosthesis and a second surface that engages a bone. A distance adjustment mechanism can alter the distance between the first and second surfaces. The distance adjustment mechanism can include a screw oriented generally between the two surfaces or other distance adjustment mechanisms such as a fluid filled bladder. The adjustable trial can include force transducers to provide information on forces within the joint. To assist a surgeon with the alignment of portions of the musculo-skeletal system, a line of strong light is provided. The light source can be a laser or other suitable light source which is combined with appropriate optics.

Abstract: A knee reconstruction apparatus and method provides for controlling and adjusting the point of fixation of a ligament graft, for example a replacement for the anterior cruciate ligament, which permits precisely and repeatably adjusting the length of the ligament graft or graft components with the joint under a prescribed load prior to fixation. A fixture is fixed on the tibia and includes an adjustable clamp that holds a ligament graft anchored or held in the femur. The clamp can be moved for adjusting the length of the ligament graft, or individual segments of a composite ligament graft while the joint is under a prescribed load. The load carried by one or more individual graft components also can be measured prior to fixation to ensure that each of the segments of a composite ligament graft will carry the desired or selected load for a joint under a prescribed load.

Abstract: An orthotic joint, and the orthosis with which it is used, for the protective treatment of ligamentous injuries or deficiencies, or as a supplement to total joint replacement. The joint includes coacting guide members that are both slidable and pivotal with respect to each other and, when assembled and supported in pairs on opposite sides of a patient's knee, allow freedom of movement of the knee except for those movements that would normally be controlled by the ligament or ligaments requiring protection. An arrangement of straps connect each pair of guide members and are tensioned (and untensioned) in sequence to perform operations in conjunction with the articulating surfaces of the members that would otherwise be demanded from the protected ligament(s).