Abstract: Discectomy instruments and methods thereof. The discectomy instrument may include a cutter tip configured to release disc material between adjacent vertebrae. The cutter tip may be pivotable such that the cutter tip is positionable off-axis from an access port. The discectomy instrument may be a powered instrument with a constant velocity joint that acts as a point of articulation as well as drive transfer.

Abstract: A bone screw cutting system can include a cutting assembly having a plurality of blades. The system can further include a position adjustment assembly coupled to the cutting assembly and configured to receive a bone screw blank and position the bone screw blank relative to the cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is configured to cut a bone screw blank received by the position adjustment assembly and to form a self-tapping end portion at a cut end of a resulting cut bone screw.

Abstract: A robotic control system employs a robot unit (10) and a control unit (20). The robot unit (10) includes an endoscope (12) for generating an endoscope image (14), and a robot (11) for moving the endoscope (12) within an anatomical region. The control unit (20) includes an endoscope controller (22) for a determination of an endoscope pose within the anatomical region for an intraoperative visualization of the anatomical feature within the endoscope image (14), wherein the endoscope path is derived from a delineation of a volume coordinate position of the anatomical feature within a pre-operative image (43) of the anatomical region. The control unit (20) further includes a robot controller (21) for commanding the robot (11) to move the endoscope (12) to the endoscope pose within the anatomical region to visualize the anatomical feature within the endoscope image (14).

Abstract: A scalpel that safely and efficiently removes excess dental composite from the surfaces of teeth. A method for removing excess dental composite from a dental surface using this dental scalpel.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in a system for removing bone from vertebrae to relieve stenosis is provided. In one embodiment, the surgical tool includes a drill bit having a proximal end and a distal end, a drive shaft having a proximal rod portion and a distal tubular portion, the drill bit and the drive shaft configured to rotate about a horizontal axis in a clockwise direction; and an engagement system disposed between the drill bit and the drive shaft; wherein the engagement system is configured to selectively engage the drill bit to the drive shaft for powered rotation when the drill bit contacts a first material at a first predetermined resistance and to disengage the drill bit from the drive shaft when the drill bit engages a second material at a second predetermined resistance; and wherein the first predetermined resistance is greater than the second predetermined resistance.

Abstract: A medical suction apparatus may include a wand having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus may further include a lumen defined within the wand, the lumen configured to couple to a suction source. The apparatus may also include a mouth defined at the distal end of the wand and placing the lumen in communication with an exterior of the wand, where the mouth has an upper edge and a lower edge, where the mouth is elongated horizontally between the upper edge and the lower edge, and where at least the upper edge or the lower edge is beveled to enable scraping of a surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the position and length of a bone tunnel, including a first member configured to couple with a drill guide; and a second member in spaced relation to the first member, the second member comprising an indicator configured to provide an indication of thickness of a boney member with the first member disposed on a first side of the boney member and the second member disposed on a second side of the boney member.

Abstract: A surgical milling cutter designed to remove bone and/or cartilage tissue includes a shaft which extends along a longitudinal axis, can rotate about same, and can be releasably connected to a drive device and which has a proximal end that can be rotationally fixed to a drive unit and a distal end lying opposite the proximal end. A milling surface circumferentially surrounds the shaft (2) and extends on the distal end along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The milling surface protrudes radially from the shaft and has a milling surface maximum radius. The surgical milling cutter prevents unwanted damage to delicate body structures via an atraumatic design having a protective assembly provided on the distal end. The protective assembly has a distal support surface and a protective assembly maximum radius in order to form a protective ring which surrounds the milling surface maximum radius in a circular manner.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems related to computer-assisted joint replacement surgery, and corresponding instrumentation systems. In one example, there is provided a system for guided surgery comprising: a sensor for coupling to a first bone to receive positional signals; a beacon for coupling to an object to provide the positional signals to the sensor, the object comprising one of a second bone and a surgical tool; a patient-specific jig (PSJ) for guiding a relative position of the sensor and the first bone during coupling to position the sensor in a predetermined pose in an anatomical coordinate frame; and an intra-operative computing unit in communication with the sensor, the intra-operative computing unit configured to calculate poses of the beacon with respect to the anatomical coordinate frame utilizing pre-operative data representing the PSJ and display positional information for the object in real time.

Abstract: Devices having a shaft for creating cavities within tissue and articulating without twisting of the articulated shaft and methods for using such devices. Where such devices and methods include using of a device with keyed portions and key receiving portions that nest together upon articulation and optionally a torque limiter to allow for rotation of the shaft upon exceeding a torque limit. Method and devices also including such devices with energy application portions.

Abstract: An elongated-shaped chisel used for bone manipulation during oral surgery. The chisel has a body with a top edge at one end that is configured to interface with a hammer, and a pointed edge at the other end to interface with the bone. An elongated-shaped sleeve surrounds the body of the chisel. A movement-control mechanism that is configured to control the movement of the chisel in relationship to the sleeve, wherein the movement-control mechanism comprises a first section that is associated with the elongated-shaped chisel and a second section that is associated with the elongated-shaped sleeve.

Abstract: A patient matched surgical component including a body having a surface that is preoperatively shaped to substantially mate with the shape of an anatomical feature of a patient in a predefined spatial relationship, the surface being shaped by preoperatively identifying a finite number of bony anatomical landmarks on a representative model of the anatomical feature, and a reference array preoperatively integrated with a surgical navigation tracking system in a predefined spatial orientation relative to the anatomical feature, the reference array being couplable to the body such that when the surgical component is installed onto the anatomical feature intraoperatively, the position of the anatomical feature relative to the reference array is automatically recognized by the surgical navigation system.

Abstract: Described herein are elongate devices for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue.

Abstract: A device for removing tissue from a patient may include an elongate flexible body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, the elongate body having opposed first and second major surfaces with a lateral orientation across the axis, and a plurality of blades distributed laterally across the first major surface. Each blade may have a first end adjacent the first surface and extending to a cantilevered second end, a first edge between the first and second ends of the blade being oriented toward the distal end of the elongate body, a second edge between the first and second ends of the blade being oriented toward the proximal end of the elongate body, a height of the blade between its first and second ends, and an axial length of the blade between its first and second edges.

Abstract: An instrument and method for creating a precise capsulorhexis as a step in cataract surgery is described. The instrument has a curvilinear cutting band attached to a longitudinal support component and cutting band extending on two sides of the support. In an embodiment, the cutting band has a sinusoidal shape. The support is coupled to a supporting structure, and then to a handle, the supporting structure is shaped to permit it to pass through an incision at a side of a cornea of the eye while positioning the cutting band on an anterior surface of an anterior capsule of a lens of the eye. In an embodiment of the method, the incision in the anterior capsule is formed by pressing the cutting band into the anterior capsule, and capsulorhexis is extended by tearing away the two tabs formed and defined by curvature of the cutting band.

Abstract: A discectomy instrument capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. The discectomy instrument may include a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip.

Abstract: A medical puncturing serves for penetrating into a bone or a cartilage. It has a shaft and a tool carrier connected with its proximal end to a distal end of the shaft. The tool carrier has a puncturing tool being a punch or a multi-fracture chisel. The tool carrier is connected at its proximal end via a freely articulated joint to the distal end of said shaft. A stop limits a laterally pivoting movement of said tool carrier to a maximum angle of 45°.

Abstract: A bone preparation system, such as a broach, includes at least a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member may be connected. Both the first member and the second member, when attached to the first member, are configured to directly contact and broach an anatomy.

Abstract: A plurality of osteotomes that are linked together via a recess and a matching projection such that the osteotomes remain linked when used to manipulate bone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include instruments, implants, and methods for surgically treating facet joints of vertebrae. An instrument may be advanced into one or more facet joints to one or both separate vertebrae and remove tissue from one or more articular processes. A stop on the instrument may be used to terminate advancement of the instrument by contacting a vertebra, and one or more implants may be placed into one or more facet joints.

Abstract: A system for preparing a bone implant includes a cutting guide having a body including a plurality of sides that together define a cavity that is accessible via an opening defined by a first side of the plurality of sides. A second side of the plurality of sides defines a plurality of slots and is disposed adjacent to the first side. Each of the plurality of slots is in communication with the cavity that is sized and configured to receive a bone implant therein, and each of the plurality of slots is located at a different location of the second wall to facilitate cutting a bone implant into one of a plurality of sizes.

Abstract: A discectomy instrument capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. The discectomy instrument may include a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip.

Abstract: Reciprocating 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 reciprocating rasps are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes a conduit, a segmented expansion media configured to pass through the conduit, and an expandable node comprising a plurality of abrading strands and operably connected to the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit so as to receive the segmented expansion media therein, the expandable node expandable from a first condition whereat the plurality of abrading strands define at least one opening having a first maximum diameter, to an expanded condition whereat the at least one opening has a second maximum diameter larger than the first maximum diameter, wherein the second maximum diameter is less than a minimum diameter of the segmented expansion media, such that insertion of the segmented expansion media through the intervertebral tissue removal system conduit and into the expandable node causes the expandable node to expand from the first condition to the expanded condition.

Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting cancellous bone are disclosed. The bone-harvesting device may include a cannula and a bone receptacle in communication with the cannula, wherein the cannula including a cutting surface positioned at or adjacent the distal end, the cutting surface being oriented at an angle, the angle being greater than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula, and the harvested bone is adapted to move from a position adjacent to the cutting surface through the cannula into the bone receptacle. The cutting surface of the cannula may be positioned at or adjacent the distal end, and positioned at least in part radially outward of the outer face of the cannula. The cannula may include a cutting surface positioned at or adjacent the distal end and an occluding geometry that partially occludes the distal end of the cannula adjacent the cutting surface. In addition, a suction port may be provided in communication with the bone receptacle.

Abstract: A biological graft transferring instrument for transferring a biological graft includes a main body, a displacement member capable of being displaced relative to the main body, and a belt-shaped member which is wound around the forward end and base end of the displacement member and is joined to the main body. The biological graft is placed on the belt-shaped member at the forward end of the displacement member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a discectomy instrument that is capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. In an exemplary embodiment, the discectomy instrument includes a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip.

Abstract: The present application is directed to instruments and methods for preparing a space between vertebral members. One embodiment of the instrument may include an elongated shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. A blade may be positioned at an end of the shaft and may rotate about an axis. The blade may include one or more teeth that include a height and/or contour. During rotation of the blade, the teeth contact and cut into one of the vertebral members. The instrument may also include a depth stop that limits a depth that the teeth can cut into the vertebral member. In some embodiments, the instrument includes a second blade that is configured to cut into the second vertebral member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaping instrument for shaping a bone as well as an impaction/extraction device for use with the shaping instrument is disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic osteotome in accordance with the present invention comprises a shaft having a distal end portion with a lateral outer surface and further comprises a cutting blade connected to the distal end portion of the shaft at least in part at the lateral outer surface. The lateral outer surface extends so far on opposite sides of the blade as to block or stop penetration of the shaft into an incision formed in bone tissue by the blade. The blade can include a cutting notch or have a variable cutting depth depending on the angle of the distal end of the instrument to the surface of a target tissue mass.

Abstract: A single use bone cutter comprised of two concentric cylinders and a series of insert blades or cutter disc is described. The cutter blades or cutter disc is preferably positioned at the distal end of the cutter. The bone cutter also comprises a guide rod that aids in the line of sight when using the cutter device.

Abstract: An instrument for preparing a surface of a vertebra, such as a vertebral endplate, for receipt of a spinal disc implant. The instrument includes a working tool with implements on one or more surfaces of the working tool that act on the vertebral surface. The instrument includes a rotary-to-linear translation system to cause the working tool to move; for example, from side-to-side, top-to-bottom, or along a path that includes side-to-side and top-to-bottom aspects. The rotary-to-linear translation system may include a drive shaft having a cam pin at a distal end, and a cam follower slot at an anterior end of the working tool.

Abstract: A tool (1, 31) for cutting bone comprises an elongate blade (7, 37) connectable to a generator of longitudinal-mode ultrasonic vibrations. The blade (7, 37) has two lateral cutting edges (9, 10) linked by a rounded distal tip (8). A series of triangular teeth (13) extends along each cutting edge (9, 10) and the distal tip (8). The blade (37) may taper towards each cutting edge (9,10) and the distal tip (8). A variant of the tool (21) comprises an elongate part-cylindrical blade (27) connectable to a generator of torsional-mode ultrasonic vibrations. The blade (27) has a cutting edge at its distal tip (28) provided with a plurality of triangular teeth (23). All forms of the tool (1, 21, 31) are particularly suitable for cutting cancellous hone around an implant to be removed during revision of a joint arthroplasty.

Abstract: An orthopedic cutting tool for reshaping the end of a femur is described. The cutting tool comprises three separate cutting blades that are positioned within different locations within a housing to reshape the end of the femur to thus receive a femur head prosthetic. The cutting tool forms the reshaped femur end in one cutting motion.

Abstract: A percutaneous surgical device and method for creating a cavity within tissue during a minimally invasive procedure. A cavitation device includes a shaft interconnected to a flexible cutting element. A flexible cutting element has a first shape suitable for minimally invasive passage into tissue. The flexible cutting element has a means to move toward a second shape suitable for forming a cavity in tissue. When used in bone, the resulting cavity is usually filled with bone cement or suitable bone replacement material that is injectable and hardens in situ. The disclosed cavitation device and methods can be used for the following applications: (1) treatment or prevention of bone fracture, (2) joint fusion, (3) implant fixation, (4) tissue harvesting (especially bone), (5) removal of diseased tissue (hard or soft tissue), and (6) general tissue removal (hard or soft tissue).

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly that includes a handle and a keel punch configured to be inserted into a proximal end of a surgically-prepared tibia of a patient. The handle includes a lever configured to secure the keel punch to the handle.

Abstract: Described is a medical assembly and delivery devices for performing minimally invasive medical procedures. In particular, described is a controllable articulating directional tip assembly consisting of interlocking segments creating an articulating directional tip and various components utilized with the directional tip for various tissue alterations and/or viewing within a tissue cavity such as, for example, non-soft tissue alterations such as bone within a non-soft tissue cavity. In particular, the disclosed device could be utilized as an osteotome device for altering, such as cutting, bone.

Abstract: A system for removing an implant from bone can include a guidepin that can be attached to the implant; an osteotome having a flat, elongate body and a sharp, blade portion for cutting bone; an osteotome guide having a elongate body having a plurality of planar faces and a rectilinear cross-section that corresponds in shape to the rectilinear cross-section of the implant, a lumen extending through the elongate body of the osteotome for receiving the guidepin, and a plurality of channels for receiving the osteotome, wherein one of the plurality of channels is disposed along each one of the plurality of planar faces.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly includes an instrument handle configured to clamp a broach and femoral stem trial assembly. A depth stop is configured to removably couple to the instrument handle. When the broach and femoral stem trial are advanced into a medullary canal of a patient's femur, a substantially planar proximal surface of the depth stop is configured to engage the distal surface of the femur, determining the depth of the broach in the medullary canal. The proximal surface of the depth stop is parallel to the joint line, defining an oblique angle to the anatomical axis of the femur. The depth stop may be attached to the instrument handle at a number of positions to control the depth of the broach. The assembly may include a spacer plate removably coupled to the depth stop that distalizes the broach in the medullary canal.

Abstract: A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.

Abstract: A method for applying bone graft to an orthopaedic implant. The method includes using a bone graft applicator including a pair of arms, a bone graft receptacle coupled to the arms, and a linking mechanism coupled to the bone graft receptacle. The linking mechanism is slid over a portion of the orthopaedic implant. Bone graft is scraped into the bone graft receptacle. The user closes the bone graft receptacle over the portion of the orthopaedic implant and then removes one of the bone graft applicator and the orthopaedic implant from the other of the bone graft applicator and the orthopaedic implant.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as cartilage on the femoral head. A microfracture pick system for repairing cartilage on a femoral head is provided. The system can include a handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The system can also include an arcuate arm shaped to extend from the distal end of the handle and adapted to extend around the femoral head. The arcuate arm can have a distal tip extending toward the handle along a longitudinal axis of the handle. The system can also include an impaction member at the proximal end of the handle.

Abstract: An acetabular reaming system is disclosed of the type having a driver and a tool held together by a quick-release coupling mechanism. The tool (10) has a hollow body (12) defining a domed shape with a rotational axis (14), an apex (16) aligned with the axis (14) and a hemispherical wall (18) extending from the apex (16) to an equatorial rim (20) spaced 90 degrees from the axis (14). The rim (20) has an edge (22) visible to the user that indicates the position of the tool (10) relative to the bone. A first plurality of cutting sites (24) is arrayed along the body (12) and a second plurality of cutting sites (28) is arrayed circumferentially along the edge (22). Preferably, the first plurality of cutting sites (24) present raised first teeth (30, 130, 230, 330) having a profile selected from continuous squared (30), continuous rounded (130), discontinuous squared (230) and tongued (330) profiles.

Abstract: Instruments for use in anterior approach total hip arthroplasty. Instruments according to certain embodiments of the invention connect to a shaping member such as a broach, reamer or osteotome that is used to prepare the intramedullary canal of a desired femur or other bone for total hip arthroplasty. Such an instrument according to such embodiments can be configurable to allow operation on either the left or right leg, and in doing so to provide lateral offset and anterior offset of the instrument handle relative to the shaping member so that the patient's gut, musculature or other bodily portions may be avoided while still providing desired leverage and control over the shaping member to prepare the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: A trialing and preparation system for preparing a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae is provided. The system includes a guide shaft, a trialing cage or spacer, a scraper and a driving shaft. The guide shaft supports the trialing spacer within the disc space and may include an angular adjustment for such access. The scraper sleeves over the guide shaft into an abutting relationship with the adjacent vertebrae. The driving shaft is coupled to the scraper by a pivoting and reciprocation mechanism that allows angular adjustment of the scraper. Also, reciprocation of the driving shaft reciprocates the scraper through a limited sweep of motion to remove osteophytes from the vertebrae.

Abstract: Improved instruments for modifying a shape of a proximal femur of a patient for installation of a stem of a femoral component of a prosthetic hip during hip replacement surgery, comprising a handle including an elongated shaft extending downward approximately in a z-direction, a first offset extending from a bottom of the elongated shaft approximately in a y-direction, a second offset extending from the second offset approximately in an x-direction, and a shaping member elongated downward from the second offset approximately in the z-direction. Provided is an improved femoral broach and an improved osteotome. Also provided is a method of improving a patient's positioning during hip replacement surgery by using a variable configuration mattress for positioning the patient.

Abstract: An endoscopic pedicle probe for use during spinal surgery to form a hole in a pedicle for reception of a pedicle screw has an enlarged proximal end for cooperation with the hand of the surgeon and an elongate shaft terminating in a distal tip that may be pushed through the pedicle to form the hole. The tip may be detachable for replacement. An endoscope extends through the shaft and is connected with a monitor to enable the surgeon to visually observe the area being treated. In a preferred form a light means extends through the shaft to illuminate the area being treated, and in a further preferred form a conduit extends through the shaft to convey a fluid to flush the area being treated. In a further embodiment, two endoscopes are associated with the probe.

Abstract: Described is an arthroscopic bone transplanting procedure for transplanting a section of a first bone to a second bone. The described procedure is particularly useful for the treatment an anterior shoulder instability, where the first bone is the coracoid and the second bone is the glenoid. Also described is a kit of medical instruments particularly useful in such a procedure.

Abstract: An osteotome includes a connector, a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, a fourth arm and a cutting head. A coordinate system has an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The X axis, the Y axis and the Z axis are perpendicular to each other and intersect at an original point. The connector extends along the Y axis. The first arm, extending along the Y axis, connects to the second arm, extending along the plane with the X and Y axes. An angle between the first and second arms is within a range between 125 to 145 degrees. The third and fourth arms respectively extend along the Z axis and the X axis. The cutting head is parallel to the X axis and the Y axis so as to easily control the insertion angle of the osteotome for the patients with smaller face or smaller oral cavity.

Abstract: Instruments for use in anterior approach total hip arthroplasty. Instruments according to certain embodiments of the invention connect to a shaping member such as a broach, reamer or osteotome that is used to prepare the intramedullary canal of a desired femur or other bone for total hip arthroplasty. Such an instrument according to such embodiments can be configurable to allow operation on either the left or right leg, and in doing so to provide lateral offset and anterior offset of the instrument handle relative to the shaping member so that the patient's gut, musculature or other bodily portions may be avoided while still providing desired leverage and control over the shaping member to prepare the intramedullary canal.