Abstract: A cutting instrument having a body, a blade at a distal end of the body, and a mechanism for rotating the blade from a first to a second position. The instrument can be used in a method of retrograde drilling a hole in bone. The cutting instrument is provided with a mechanism (for example, a pin and a slot) that converts linear motion into rotational motion and locks the blade into position. The cutting blade is configured to engage the shaft of the instrument and to lock into the shaft. The cutting blade is articulated between at least a first “straight” position (for example, about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument cuts in an antegrade manner, and at least a second “flip” position (for example, a non-parallel position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument cuts in a retrograde manner. The cutting blade may be provided with a suture passing notch.

Abstract: A humeral prosthesis includes a stem component and a partial humeral head component. The partial humeral head component has a configuration that is similar to the curvature of the humeral head to allow the head to reconstruct the anatomy of the damaged humerus. The stem component is threaded and cannulated and engages the partial humeral head component. The stem component is configured to be inserted within the humeral diaphyseal channel.

Abstract: Suprapatellar systems, system components, and methods of operating on a tibial fracture of a patient are disclosed. A method can include making an incision proximal to a patella of a knee joint, forming an operation space, and inserting a portion of a retractor in the operation space to define an entry canal. The retractor can be inserted in a low profile configuration and, once positioned as desired by a surgeon, expanded to a high profile configuration. Expansion of the retractor can expand the operation space in at least one of an anterior-posterior direction or a medial-lateral direction and can increase a diameter of the entry canal. The method can further include inserting a trocar, having at least one guide hole, in the entry canal and guiding a guide pin through the at least one guide hole and into a tibia.

Abstract: A bone, cartilage, and disk removal tool assembly is provided with a motor mounted in a housing. A spindle is mounted for rotation to the housing. A rack-and-pinion mechanism is operably driven by the motor and connected to the spindle to oscillate the spindle for providing a rotary oscillating cutting operation. According to at least another embodiment, a plurality of cams is supported in the housing and driven for rotation by the motor. A plurality of followers is mounted for rotation to the housing, in engagement with the plurality of cams so that one rotation of the plurality of cams oscillates the plurality of followers more than once while preventing over-rotation of the plurality of followers. A peak angular acceleration of the spindle is less than nine million radians per second squared.

Abstract: Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling a hole in material, the apparatus comprising: an angled drill guide comprising a curved distal section, a less-curved proximal section, and a lumen extending therebetween, wherein the less-curved proximal section comprises a flat extending therealong for reducing the effective diameter of the less-curved proximal section so as to minimize interference between the angled drill guide and the side wall of an access cannula.

Abstract: Oscillating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such oscillating rasps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill bit including a shaft which has a pyramidal shaped end defining a drill tip with a plurality of edges defining the pyramidal shape. One or more recesses are provided for directing away debris produced whilst drilling, the at least one recess having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion having a first portion extending along the shaft and a second portion which extends along the drill tip; wherein the. The second portion which extends along the drill tip. The second portion of the at least one recess extends along an edge of the drill tip.

Abstract: A method of fixating allogeneic bone to an area of deficient bone in the jaws comprising: exposing the area of deficient bone by incising and retracting soft tissue; selecting a drill bit having a diameter corresponding to the area of deficient bone to receive donor bone; contacting the selected drill bit with the exposed deficient bone to form a generally cylindrical seat for receiving the donor bone; selecting a section of donor bone having a generally cylindrical shape and circular cross-section corresponding to said formed seat; fixating the donor bone to the formed seat with at least one screw; and closing the soft tissue to cover the previously exposed deficient bone.

Abstract: A bone implant device includes a barrel having a sharpened distal end for advancing into bone and a proximal end portion configured to engage a driver end for advancing and turning the barrel to implant the barrel into bone. A channel is formed longitudinally through at least a portion of the barrel and is open ended on the proximal end portion. A permeable material is disposed within the channel that permits fluid communication therethrough between the distal end and the channel. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes positioning a media delivery device between a first vertebra and a second vertebra. A visualization media can be delivered from an outlet of the media delivery device while the outlet to the media delivery device is positioned outside of an epidural sac of the subject. The media delivery device can be spaced apart from a portion of the epidural sac between a spinal cord and a ligamentum flavum. A series of instruments can be used to perform a decompression procedure on the subject.

Abstract: A kit includes an orthopaedic implant stem, and a reamer assembly for reaming a proximal portion of a cavity, said reamer assembly cooperating with a proximal portion of the orthopaedic implant stem, said reamer assembly comprising, a sleeve defining an inner periphery, said sleeve configured to fit over the proximal portion of the orthopaedic implant stem, said sleeve defining an outer periphery, and a reamer including a body defining a cavity formed therein for receiving at least a portion of the outer periphery of said sleeve, a plurality of cutting edges extending outwardly from said body, said cutting edges adapted for cooperation with bone, and a stem extending from an end of the body, wherein the sleeve comprises a locking feature and the stem comprises a connection feature to removably secure the sleeve to the proximal portion of the orthopaedic implant stem when assembled together.

Abstract: A device for introduction into a body in a straight configuration and assuming within the body a predefined curved configuration, includes an elongated element formed from a number of segments interconnected so as to form effective hinges therebetween. When the elongated element is confined to a straight state, the effective hinges transfer compressive forces from each segment to the next so that the elongated element can be pushed to advance it through a conduit. When the elongated element is not confined to a straight state, the effective hinges allow deflection of each segment relative to adjacent segments until abutment surfaces of the segments come into abutment, thereby defining a fully flexed state of the elongated element with a predefined curved configuration. The device can be produced with a wide range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curved forms, and has both medical and non-medical applications.

Abstract: A drill sleeve is provided for guiding a bone drill in alignment with the screw holes and drill guides. The drill sleeve includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The cylindrical body includes a longitudinal bore therethrough that is sized for passage of a bone drill. The drill sleeve also includes a frictional retaining element for exerting a bearing force against the surface of the bone drill, such that the frictional retaining element may support at least the weight of the drill sleeve on the bone drill. The bone drill has graduated indicia, and a portion of the drill sleeve may be referenced relative to the indicia so as to be used as a depth gauge for determining the length of a drilled hole in order to select a screw fastener having the appropriate length.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an articulating tool having a head that articulates and is capable of maintaining an angle for drilling or placing a fastener into a bone. The articulating tool includes a housing, an articulating head, a rotatable drive shaft, and a driver tip connected to the distal shaft portion. The articulating tool may be constructed and arranged to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position and the second position the articulating head and the rotatable drive shaft are at different angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A rotation sensor system is included with a surgical instrument having an outer tube, an inner rotating member rotatably disposed within the outer tube and a handpiece coupled to proximal ends of the outer tube and the inner rotating member. The rotation sensor system includes a magnetic member provided on the inner rotating member near the proximal end of the inner rotating member, a magnetically permeable member provided on the outer tube near the proximal end of the outer tube, and a sensor provided on the handpiece to sense magnetic flux of the magnetically permeable member adjacent to the sensor. This sensed magnetic flux can be used to determine the rotational position of the inner rotating member relative to the outer. tube. Such information can be used to control the position of the cutting member relative to the cutting window when a surgeon stops rotating the inner rotating member.

Abstract: Improved tools and procedures relate to the immobilization of the sacroiliac joint for the treatment of pain associated with the joint. Kits comprise, for example, a guide element and an immobilization element of a biocompatible material with a size and shape suitable for placement within the sacroiliac joint. Suitable immobilization elements include, for example, pins, nails, screws, darts, wedges, shims and hardening material. A bioactive agent can be delivered into the joint to compliment the immobilization and promote healing. Suitable procedures can be done in a less invasive procedure through a cannula or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides instruments and methods for prophylactic treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral body or for treating a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). In one exemplary method, a probe system uses a high speed rotational cutter for abrading or cutting a plane within vertebral cancellous bone. Optional irrigation and aspiration sources are included in the probe system for removing abraded bone debris. In one embodiment, the high speed cutter uses a tissue-selective abrading surface that abrades or cuts bone but does not cut soft tissue. After the creation of a weakened cut plane in the bone, reduction of the fracture requires reduced forces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A surgical drill bit can include a body portion that defines a central axis that extends along a first direction. The body portion can be separated along the first direction into a distal cutting segment, and a guiding segment. The body portion can include a helical flute that winds about the central axis. The helical flute can define a first outer profile along the cutting segment and a second outer profile along the guiding segment, the first outer profile has a first leading edge and a first bearing surface and the second outer profile has a second leading edge and a second bearing surface. The first leading edge can be configured to cut into bone and can be spaced from the central axis by a first length. The second leading edge can be spaced from the central axis by a second length that is less than the first length.

Abstract: A distal tip wire relief section may be applied to any cannulated instrument or implant requiring the use of a guidewire with an enlarged head, such as a ball tip guidewire used in conjunction with an intramedullary nail. The implant incorporates an enlarged opening at the leading or distal portion of the cannula. The enlarged opening is selectively placed about the periphery of the distal portion to allow opening relief in areas where guidewire removal will be facilitated. Thus, a surgeon can reliably and repeatedly remove the guidewire after implantation of the implant by pulling the enlarged head of the guidewire proximally into and through the cannula.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument comprising an internal support about which a plastic substrate is disposed, and which includes exposed cutting surfaces relative to the plastic substrate. The surgical instrument may have a generally hemispherical shape and the internal support may comprise a non-planar shim. In particular embodiments the shim includes multiple interconnected limbs with multiple holes or slots disposed in the limbs and with the holes or slots including the cutting surfaces.

Abstract: A method of implanting a revision glenoid component in one embodiment includes accessing a previously implanted glenoid component in a scapula, removing the previously implanted glenoid component, identifying an inferior glenoid circle center of the scapula, preparing a glenoid fossa of the scapula to receive a revision glenoid component, selecting a revision glenoid component, and implanting the selected revision glenoid component based upon the identified inferior glenoid circle center in the prepared glenoid fossa.

Abstract: A flexible drill bit comprising: a proximal shaft portion for connecting to a source of turning; a distal cutting tip portion for boring into a material; and an intermediate shaft portion extending between the proximal shaft portion and the distal cutting tip portion, the intermediate shaft portion being characterized by (i) sufficient longitudinal flexibility so as to permit the flexible drill bit to be passed along a curve, and (ii) sufficient torsional strength to permit the flexible drill bit to bore into the material.

Abstract: A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill bit (1) has a central axis (A) and comprises a tapered cutting end part (2) terminating in a drill tip (3) at one end of the drill bit (1), a shank (4) extending from an opposing end of the drill bit (1), and a body (4a) extending between the cutting end part (2) and the shank (4). A plurality of flutes (5) are formed in the drill bit (1) and helically extend along the body (4a) into the cutting end part (2). Each flute (5) has a flute leading side wall (6) and a flute trailing side wall (7). A land (9) is defined on the body (4a) between each of the flutes (5) and extends to the cutting end part (2). In any body cross-sectional plane extending perpendicular to the central axis (A) through the body (4a), a land leading edge region (11) of each land (9) adjoining the flute trailing side wall (7) of a leading adjacent flute (5) is convexly curved.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting a bone screw in bone which includes the use of a bone cutting tool with expanding bone cutting blades that create a bore in the bone of a desired shape and size. Then a bone screw is introduced into the bore and bone cement is positioned between the bone screw and the bore to fix the position of the bone screw relative to the bone.

Abstract: An adapter for a surgical reamer driver having one of a crossbar and a crossbridge reamer driver. The adapter includes a base having an interface for connecting with one of the crossbar and crossbridge reamer drivers. The adapter further includes at least one recess on the opposite end of the base opening in an axial direction. The recess is configured to receive a reamer of a style unlike the given style interface. A pair of hooks or tabs resiliently hold the reamer in place in the recesses.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting a bone screw in bone which includes the use of a bone cutting tool with expanding bone cutting blades that create a bore in the bone of a desired shape and size. Then a bone screw is introduced into the bore and bone cement is positioned between the bone screw and the bore to fix the position of the bone screw relative to the bone.

Abstract: A procedure for implanting a bone anchor which has thread characteristics on the distal shaft adjacent the tip suitable for engaging bone cement and different thread characteristics on the proximal shaft adjacent the head suitable to engage and secure the anchor to natural cancellous and cortical bone. The thread on the distal shaft is designed to engage and secure the anchor to bone cement embedded within the bone without fracture of the bone cement. In particular embodiments, the distal shaft bears two threads which merge to form a single proximal thread on the proximal shaft, the distal threads having half the pitch of the proximal thread.

Abstract: A system for repairing a defect on a patient's articular surface comprising a guide, a guide pin, a reamer, and an implant. The guide is configured to be disposed about the defect and includes a passageway configured to establish a reference axis extending generally outwardly from the articular surface. The guide pin is configured to be received through the guide passageway along the reference axis and into bone beneath the articular surface. The reamer comprises a cannulated shaft configured to be advanced over the guide pin along the reference axis and further comprises a cutting surface configured to be rotated about the guide pin to form an excision site. The implant comprises a bone facing surface configured to be received in the excision site and a load bearing surface having a contour approximating a contour of the patient's articular surface.

Abstract: A low cost disposable reamer shaft is made from a rod or tube stock of stainless steel, Nitinol or fiber reinforced polymer having a precise outer diameter in the range of 4 to 14 millimeter and is cut to a shaft length of 250 to 400 millimeters. An attachment piece with male or female thread matching a spherical hollow or tapered hollow reamer is machined and glued with epoxy on one end of the rod of tube stock using a precision centerline aligning jig. An attachment piece for connecting to a drive power unit is machined and glued with epoxy to the other end of the rod or tube stock thus forming a low cost disposable reamer shaft that aligns the centerline of the shaft with that of the reamer. The shaft contacts the reamer at two attachment locations that are displaced from each other, providing precise centerline alignment.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for use with a surgical drill. The chuck assembly is configured to receive a drill bit. The chuck assembly includes an input drive shaft and a linear clutch coupled to the input drive shaft. The linear clutch has an inner coupler. The linear clutch transfers rotary motion from the input drive shaft to the inner coupler when the inner coupler is exposed to a displacing force that causes the inner coupler into engagement with the input drive shaft. A rotary clutch is coupled to the input drive shaft. The rotary clutch has an outer coupler. The rotary clutch transfers rotary motion from the input drive shaft to the outer coupler only when the input drive shaft rotates in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A surgical power tool has a head portion having a tool with a tool axis, a shaft which is connected to the head portion for guiding the head portion to the surgical site and a handle portion for exerting pressure to the head portion along the tool axis. The shaft has a longitudinal axis that is angled with respect to the tool axis. A second handle is coupled to the shaft intermediate the head portion and a gripping portion of the shaft for applying a force along the tool axis.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided with a cutting surface on a first side of the cutting tool and an attachment member on a second side of the cutting tool. The cutting surface can have cutting edges with characteristics that vary along the cutting tool. Novel methods of manufacturing such cutting tools are also provided.

Abstract: A reamer for medical applications includes an elongated shaft portion and a disposable hollow cutter assembly. The shaft portion's distal end has a coupling portion appointed for attachment to a drilling device, and the proximal end has a threaded portion. The cutter assembly includes a disposable hollow cutter sleeve and a pilot tip. The cutter sleeve has an outer surface and a hollow construction, and is preferably appointed for a single use. In addition, the disposable cutter sleeve portion has a plurality of cutting teeth and a plurality of apertures on the outer surface. The pilot tip has a threaded inner surface and is attached to the disposable cutter sleeve. The cutter assembly is adapted to slide over the proximal end of the shaft portion, thereby enabling the pilot tip to be threaded with the threaded portion of the proximal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A surgical device of a drill/driver with bit recognition to set a desired application mode and a method of utilization thereof is provided. Various operating modes of the drill/driver are automatically set by a sensor which recognizes the bit applied to the drill/driver. A method of utilizing the drill/driver allows the drill driver to apply surgical screws at very high speeds while automatically preventing excessive torque levels that would strip out the surgical screw from the patient's bone.

Abstract: An instrument set for fixing a cord-like implant in a bone comprises a retaining element which can be inserted into the bone. The retaining element comprises a recess for receiving a transverse pin and is also used to fix the implant. In addition, the retaining element comprises a guide for receiving the implant, the guide being configured in such a way that the implant can be guided in a loop formation around the transverse pin distally from the retaining element.

Abstract: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.

Abstract: An orthopaedic reamer is provided for preparing a bone socket, such as the glenoid of the scapula, to receive a prosthetic glenoid component. The orthopaedic reamer includes an elongate shaft and an oblong cutting head, such as a cutting head having an oval or elliptical shape.

Abstract: A reamer for medical applications comprising a shaft portion, a disposable tapered hollow reamer sleeve and a modular pilot. The shaft portion has a proximal end for attachment to a drill, a central cone element with one or more slots and a distal threaded end. The reamer sleeve has attached one or more torque transmitting tabs at the larger end and a collet taper at the smaller end and slides over the shaft engaging tabs with the slots. The modular pilot has a threaded central aperture engaging shaft thread and a collet taper mating with the collet taper of the reamer sleeve substantially coinciding their centerlines. The disposable hollow cutter sleeve has a plurality of cutting elements and apertures that discharge bone and bone cement debris into the space between the reamer and the shaft. With this construction, the reamer transmits reliable reaming torque in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A method for providing joint arthroplasty includes resecting an end portion of a long bone, preparing a central longitudinal opening in a medullary canal of the long bone, providing a prosthetic stem component, installing the prosthetic stem component into the opening in a medullary canal, providing a reamer including an opening for receiving the prosthetic stem component, positioning the reamer onto the prosthetic stem component with the opening of the reamer positioned at least partially over the prosthetic stem component, reaming a portion of the long bone with the reamer, removing the reamer, and installing a prosthetic body component onto the prosthetic stem component.

Abstract: A ready-for-use surgical kit and a facilitated protocol for the implantation of acetabular prosthesis in hip replacement surgery have been introduced. In particularly, a ready-for-use package includes both a set of the artificial acetabular prosthesis and a set of specific reamer(s) with a predefined spherical cutting profile. According to a protocol, surgeon could accurately select a package including both a size of acetabular prosthesis and a corresponding finishing reamer according to a pre-measurement and bone condition of a respective patient, and then patient-specifically remedy a defected acetabulum into a full hemispherical form having a personalized dimension by the reamer(s) within the package during operation.

Abstract: A joint replacement kit for use in a joint replacement procedure replacing a portion of a body joint. The kit includes a cutting guide and a trial component wherein the cutting guide and trial component are packaged together. There is also provided a method for replacing a portion of a body joint. The method includes providing a joint replacement kit having a cutting guide and a trial component, positioning the cutting guide against an end portion of a bone, cutting the end portion of the bone with a cutting instrument, positioning the trial component to the cut end portion of the bone, and disposing of the cutting guide and trial component.

Abstract: A low cost disposable spherical hollow reamer for medical applications includes a reusable shaft and a disposable spherical hollow reamer. The hollow reamer is thin sheet metal with 0.125 mm to 0.812 mm thickness and has plurality of cutters and apertures that extend through its thickness. The shaft has a proximal end for attachment to a drill and a distal precision threaded screw end. The spherical hollow reamer has welded first plate in its interior with a precision threaded aperture engaging with the threaded end of the reusable shaft. The spherical hollow reamer has a welded second plate with a central precision aperture that slides over the shaft external surface. The threaded attachment and sliding fit attachment provides wobble free reaming action. The welded second plate in combination with the interior surface of the spherical hollow reamer forms enclosed space for capturing bone fragment and bone cement debris.

Abstract: A low cost disposable flexible reamer shaft has a flexible cylindrical braided tube shaft with an outer diameter in the range of 4 to 14 millimeters and 250 to 400 mm length, and a central aperture for insertion of a flexible polymeric tube. The braided tube shaft is permanently attached to a first end element and a second end element. The threaded end of the first end element attaches to female threads of modular tapered, cylindrical or spherical, hollow or solid reamer assembly. The second end element fits into a chuck of a drive motor. The threaded attachment of the first end provides local centerline matching. A guide pin is inserted in the bone cavity, which enters the reamer. The central aperture of the flexible polymeric tube provides centerline matched, wobble-free reaming. The reaming end point is precisely the guide pin inserted location while the reaming direction is controlled by the surgeon by flexing the flexible reamer shaft.

Abstract: A drill bit for drilling into bone, including at least a first, second and third longitudinally extending substantially straight flute blades, wherein the drill bit has an extrapolated outer profile established by rotation of the first, second and third flute blades 360 degrees about a longitudinal axis thereof, the extrapolated outer profile includes a first surface having tangents more perpendicular than parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the extrapolated outer profile includes a second surface having tangents more parallel than perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tool, in particular for use as a surgical drill, has a main tool body which, in order to be connected to a tool attachment unit, has a fixing unit which is provided to be at least partly unusable after the main tool body has been detached from the tool attachment unit. The fixing unit has at least one form-fit element, which is provided to accept axial tensile forces in order to axially secure the main tool body to the tool attachment unit. The fixing unit has an assembly direction and a deflection element which points in the assembly direction, and which is provided for movably attaching the form-fit element to the main tool body. It is proposed that the form-fit element and the deflection element have different directions of extension.

Abstract: A rotary surgical tool includes a driving shaft. A cutting head, connected to the driving shaft, is configured to cut into a surface. Driving means, connected to the driving shaft, rotate the driving shaft and the cutting head. A depth-limiting feature includes an adjustable stud extending from one of the cutting head and the surface toward the other one of the cutting head and the surface. The stud has a protrusion length that is greater than and/or equal to the length of a desired amount of final penetration of the cutting head into the surface. An aperture, provided in the other one of the cutting head and the surface, has an aperture depth that is greater than and/or equal to the desired amount of final penetration of the cutting head into the surface. Interaction between the aperture and the stud limits longitudinal advancement of the cutting head into the surface.

Abstract: A cutting tool (1) for cutting bone, comprising: a body (2) having a proximal end (4) and a distal end (6); and at least one primary cutting surface (8) disposed at the distal end (6); wherein the at least one primary cutting surface (8) is shaped so that when, in use, a torque is applied to the proximal end (4) of the body (2), the at least one primary cutting surface (8) cuts a conical or frustoconical shaped cavity in the bone. A method for cutting bone using such a cutting tool (1).