Abstract: The present disclosure relates to model-based surgical planning. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a surgical planning tool that can be implemented on a computer to be used for model-based surgical planning. The surgical tool can determine a coordinate system related to gravity from a plurality of standing images of a joint of a patient. The coordinate system can be used to plan a patient-specific arthroplasty procedure. As such, the surgical planning can include orienting a model of an implant for the joint at an optimal location in the coordinate system based on a weighting between an edge loading value and an impingement value.

Abstract: A method of orienting a femoral head member of an implant relative to an acetabular member positioned in the acetabulum including implanting a femoral stem of an implant within an intramedullary canal of a femur, inserting an acetabular member in the acetabulum, positioning a femoral head member of the implant at least partially in the acetabular member with the femoral head member including a curved articulating surface and a plurality of indicia on the curved articulating surface, and orienting the femoral head member relative to the acetabular member and generally aligning one of the indicia on the curved articulating surface with an alignment feature of the acetabular member to signify an orientation of the femoral head member relative to the acetabular member.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring implant sensor data over a cellular network includes a portable computing device, a controller, and an orthopaedic prosthesis configured to communicate with the controller over the cellular network. The orthopaedic prosthesis includes one or more implant sensors configured to generate implant sensor data and a cellular transmitter or transceiver configured to transmit the implant sensor data to the controller over the cellular network. The controller or the orthopaedic prosthesis may initiate the cellular communication. The implant sensor data is transmitted to the portable computing device by the controller. The portable computing device is configured to display the implant sensor data, or indicia thereof, to a user. The portable computing device and controller may also be used to update one or more programs executed by the orthopaedic prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and device for finding isometric points in the joints of mammals for use in surgical repair of a joint. Isometric points are first identified in radiographic or other two dimensional images and then located in the actual joint. A method for repairing a cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle employing the method and device for finding isometric points is described. A method and apparatus for locating the axis of rotation of a joint is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant layer positioning system comprising a device that can be fixed to a bone section and is used to plan the positioning of implants in order to enable corrective operations to be performed on the bone with optimum bone contact. Said device reproduces the geometry of at least one section of the implant and can be freely oriented by the operator towards accessible parts of the bone. The inventive system also comprises a control unit which virtually evaluates the relevant implant parts, on the basis of the navigation data of the tracked device and the data input of the planned corrective operation, in the form of three-dimensional geometry bodies in fluoroscopy sketches or other referenced image or geometry data.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A method and device for finding isometric points in the joints of mammals for use in surgical repair of a joint. Isometric points are first identified in radiographic or other two dimensional images and then located in the actual joint. A method for repairing a cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle employing the method and device for finding isometric points is described. A method and apparatus for locating the axis of rotation of a joint is also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes one or more components configured to be disposed in a joint. The component includes at least one feature configured to provide information about the component. The information can be used to determine or create the relationship between the component and the joint and/or other components. This relationship may be used to evaluate and/or modify the expected performance of the prosthetic device and assist in determining the optimal relationship between one or more components and a patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A device for storing data related to movement of a prosthetic implant includes at least one transducer for generating at least one real time movement signal responsive to movement within the prosthetic implant. A processor generates movement data parameters and associated time stamps in response to the real time movement signal. The generated data parameters and time stamps are stored within a memory associated with the processor. A communications link may be used to selectively access the movement data parameters and the time stamps in the memory from an external source.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for determining a joint line position includes: providing a femoral trial component, the femoral trial component comprising an anterior flange and at least one mark on the anterior flange of the femoral trial component to indicate a desired patellofemoral contact point in extension; referencing the mark on the femoral trial component during a surgical procedure to assist in determining a proper superior-inferior joint line position between a tibial prosthetic component and a femoral prosthetic component; installing the femoral prosthetic component based at least in part on the determination of the proper superior-inferior joint line position between the tibial component and the femoral component; installing the tibial prosthetic component based at least in part on the determination of the proper superior-inferior joint line position; and completing the surgical procedure with the femoral component and tibial component in proper position is described.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: An instrumented joint trial has a polymer layer defining a curved contoured articulating surface. A curved contoured sensor array is positioned below the polymer layer. Other components of the joint trial, such as a body with a proximal curved contoured surface, are positioned below the sensor array. The device can be made by forming a sheet of the polymer over the curved contoured surface of the joint trial body and then adhering the sensor array to one curved contoured surface of the formed polymer. The sensor array conforms to the shape of the formed polymer layer. The system includes a mating joint trial. The device may be used by temporarily attaching the joint trial to a resected portion of bone and then articulating the joint with the instrumented trial in place.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring implant sensor data over a cellular network includes a portable computing device, a controller, and an orthopaedic prosthesis configured to communicate with the controller over the cellular network. The orthopaedic prosthesis includes one or more implant sensors configured to generate implant sensor data and a cellular transmitter or transceiver configured to transmit the implant sensor data to the controller over the cellular network. The controller or the orthopaedic prosthesis may initiate the cellular communication. The implant sensor data is transmitted to the portable computing device by the controller. The portable computing device is configured to display the implant sensor data, or indicia thereof, to a user. The portable computing device and controller may also be used to update one or more programs executed by the orthopaedic prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to provisional prosthetic components for a medical device and the surgical methods for utilizing the same. In one embodiment, the provisional prosthetic component includes a first portion and a core. The first portion is capable of mating with another prosthetic component. The first portion of the provisional prosthetic component may have a scratch hardness which is less than the scratch hardness of the prosthetic component. This allows for the first portion to be placed in mating engagement with the prosthetic component without scratching or damaging the junction of the prosthetic component. Additionally, the core of the provisional prosthetic component may have a scratch hardness greater than the scratch hardness of the first portion of the provisional prosthetic component and/or a stiffness sufficient to minimize deflection of the provisional prosthetic component during trial reduction and range of motion testing.

Abstract: A orthopaedic implant comprises an acetabular cup and a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is coupled to a rim surface of the acetabular cup. In one embodiment, a recess is defined in the rim surface and the wireless communication device is positioned therein. In another embodiment, the wireless communication device is positioned in an annular ring formed of a biocompatible material. The annular ring is coupled to the rim surface of the acetabular cup. The wireless communication device may be, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or device.

Abstract: A joint endoprosthesis system has two prosthetic components to be affixed to two bones of a human joint. A sensor and electronic components are affixed to one of the prosthetic components so that a record can be maintained of the number of times the patient moves the prosthetic joint in a particular way, such as in walking. This information is stored within the electronic components and selectively transmitted to an external system for interpretation of the data. The caregiver can use this data to counsel the patient on life-style changes or to prescribe therapeutic treatments if available.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a prosthetic device includes the step of displaying a graphical user interface. The method further includes determining a user selected prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. The method also includes determining a first user selected orientation for the prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. Moreover, the method includes displaying an image of the prosthetic device via the graphical user interface. The method yet further includes calculating a first data set indicative of a first range of motion for the prosthetic device orientated in the first user selected orientation, and displaying a graphical representation of the first data set via the graphical user interface. An apparatus for analyzing a prosthetic device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes one or more components configured to be disposed in a joint. The component includes at least one feature configured to provide information about the component. The information can be used to determine or create the relationship between the component and the joint and/or other components. This relationship may be used to evaluate and/or modify the expected performance of the prosthetic device and assist in determining the optimal relationship between one or more components and a patient's anatomy.

Abstract: A device for providing in vivo diagnostics of loads, wear, and infection in orthopedic implants having at least one load sensor associated with the implant, at least one temperature sensor associated with the implant, at least one vibration sensor associated with the implant, and at least one signal processing device operatively coupled with the sensors. The signal processing device is operable to receive the output signal from the sensors and transmit a signal corresponding with the output signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for testing, in a destructive or non-destructive manner, femoral head prosthesis having a blind hole for receiving the end of a femoral prosthesis rod. The device includes a frame provided with a shaft projecting from the frame, said shaft having a substantially complementary shape to said bore and being associated with means for applying a pressure onto the inner bore wall when a femoral head is fitted onto said shaft.

Abstract: A method for registering an asymmetrical femur implant having a shaft and a collar includes ascertaining a position of a shaft axis associated with the shaft and ascertaining a position of a collar axis associated with the collar. A device for registering an asymmetrical femur implant connected to at least one reference marker is provided. The device includes a detection device for detecting a spatial position of the at least one reference marker and a database in which a geometry of the asymmetrical femur implant is stored. A processor ascertains the spatial position of the asymmetrical femur implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered biological material comprising or enriched for tissue of intervertebral disc; tissue derived from an engineered biological material; constructs comprising one or more tissues from an engineered biological material; methods for producing the engineered biological materials and constructs; and methods of using the engineered biological materials and constructs.

Abstract: An instrumented joint trial has a polymer layer defining a curved contoured articulating surface. A curved contoured sensor array is positioned below the polymer layer. Other components of the joint trial, such as a body with a proximal curved contoured surface, are positioned below the sensor array. The device can be made by forming a sheet of the polymer over the curved contoured surface of the joint trial body and then adhering the sensor array to one curved contoured surface of the formed polymer. The sensor array conforms to the shape of the formed polymer layer. The system includes a mating joint trial. The device may be used by temporarily attaching the joint trial to a resected portion of bone and then articulating the joint with the instrumented trial in place.

Abstract: Permanent magnets are implanted in bone to unload compressive forces at joints using the repulsive force therebetween. A porous metal container is implanted first and becomes fixed in place by bone growth. The permanent magnet is then inserted in the container and retained in place. A magnet prescription system includes a display and input device which enables a user to alter parameters such as magnet size, strength and placement and calculate and display the repulsive force that will result.

Abstract: Test prosthesis system (1) for the insertion of a so-called press-fit-effect femur prosthesis for cement-free implantation into a femur bone (2) in a region (3) in which the press fit effect is preferably obtained and which corresponds to a diaphysial region, the height of which differs depending on the morpho type, characterized in that it consists of a set of at least two shafts (4, 5) each of which has a conical distal region (4, 5) with the same cone angle but a different diameter (D) the first conical region with a smaller maximum diameter D having a proximal region congruent to (i.e. overlapping in size and shape) with a distal region of a second conical region of a second shaft with a larger maximum diameter of the conical region.

Abstract: An implantable knee prosthesis for in-vivo measuring force components along three different axes, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The prosthesis can measure six different force components along these axes while the prosthesis is under load.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for producing articular repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. In particular, methods for providing articular repair systems. Also provided are articular surface repair systems designed to replace a selected area cartilage, for example, and surgical tools for repairing articular surfaces.

Abstract: An Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) includes a body and/or outer wall that is fortified, reinforced, stiffened or otherwise strengthened with a higher durometer, for example, where it rests against a weakened or deficient area of the annulus fibrosis (AF). The “less stiff” portions facilitate the transfer of load to the healthier portion of the AF. A hydrogel or other compressible and/or resilient material may be used within the center of the ADR to selectively transfer the forces to the outer wall. The outer wall may constructed of an elastomer, and may include a radial ply, bias ply, and/or belted construction. Methods of determining a properly sized ADR are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the kinematics of a large joint (e.g., a knee) undergoing arthroplasty, for comparing the kinematics of the joint undergoing surgery with the kinematics of the normal joint, and for providing the surgeon with information allowing the balancing of the ligaments of the joint upon the installation of a prosthesis replacement joint. The apparatus includes optical targets mounted on joint replacement components fitted to the resected bones of the joint. One or more video cameras are used to obtain a series of images of the various optical targets as the extremity is flexed, extended, and rotated. A computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine the kinematics of the joint as it is flexed, extended and rotated.

Abstract: A minimally invasive approach for surgery on portions of the heart and great vessels located between a point approximately three centimeters above supra annular ridge and the mid ventricular cavity. A parasternal incision is made extending across a predetermined number of costal cartilage, e.g., a right parasternal incision extending from the lower edge of the second costal cartilage to the superior edge of the fifth costal cartilage. One or more costal cartilages, e.g., the third and fourth, are then excised to provide access to the portion of the heart or great vessels of interest, and a desired procedure completed. The minimally invasive approach enables repair or replacement of the mitral or aortic valve.