Abstract: A bone clamp having a ratchet mechanism including ratchet teeth having rounded peaks with curved valleys therebetween and a curved pawl having a curvature similar to the valleys spanning the peaks of the ratchet teeth. The ratchet mechanism of the current invention distributes the interaction forces between the ratchet teeth and the pawl and therefore is resistive to shear stresses which could otherwise compromise the structural integrity of the ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: An implant sterilization tray includes an integral torquing fixture for holding an implant stationary. By incorporating the fixture into the instrument tray, a large, stable base is provided for holding the implant. The user can more readily hold the implant in a stable position with the implant resting in the case and the case resting on a table.

Abstract: A method for producing an orthopedic implant having enhanced fatigue strength. A forged implant substrate having an elongated stem is incorporated with a melting point lowering substance. Then, metal particles are sintered to the substrate, forming a porous layer on the substrate which enhances bone ingrowth or the mechanical interlock with bone cement. Advantageously, the sintering occurs at a lower temperature than if the substance were not incorporated into the substrate, which in turn results in an enhanced fatigue strength of the inventive implant. The fatigue strength of a forged or cast implant can also be improved by nitrogen diffusion hardening and/or thermally processing the implant after the porous coating is adhered by sintering. Further, the fatigue strength can be further improved by combining incorporating the melting point lowering substance with nitrogen diffusion hardening and/or aging treatment subsequent to sintering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deburring nonmetallic machined workpieces. A deburring material of sufficient frictional engagement and hardness to debur nonmetallic workpieces without causing scarring thereto is rubbed against a workpiece to effect deburring. The deburring material has a durometer hardness and a coefficient of friction whereby frictional engagement of a burr with the deburring material is stronger than the attachment of the burr to the workpiece and therefore the burr is removed as the deburring material is actuated and brought into contact with the burr. The deburring material can be, e.g., polyisoprene and may be mechanically actuated or actuated by hand.

Abstract: A method of forming an orthopedic implant having a porous surface layer thereon. A mask includes a cut-out configured to receive a portion of the implant therein. The implant is placed within the cut-out and thereby masked. A water soluble binder solution is sprayed onto at least a part of the unmasked portion of the implant using a sprayer, thereby forming a binder layer on the implant. The binder solution includes water, ethanol, gelatin, glycerin, and a colorant. A porous layer including a plurality of metallic particles is contacted with the binder layer. The porous layer is bonded with the surface of the implant with a sintering process.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for preparing a femur to receive a modular prosthetic femoral component. A distal reamer having a plurality of sets of depth marks is utilized to prepare the distal femoral canal. The sets of depth marks on the distal reamer correspond in number to the number of distal femoral stems available for use with the particular modular prosthetic femoral implant set. Each set of depth marks comprises a plurality of indicator rings corresponding in number to the number of proximal bodies adapted for utilization with the prosthetic femoral component set. Prior to distal reaming, the appropriate set of depth marks and indicator ring is chosen corresponding to the modular components the surgeon wishes to utilize. Reaming then takes place until the chosen indicator ring is aligned with a reference point (e.g., the top of the greater trochanter). Upon reaching the appropriate reaming depth, the distal reamer is left in place in the femoral canal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for preparing the rejected posterior surface of a patella to receive a prosthetic element. Though applicable to both primary arthroplasty, the invention is ideally suited to revision procedures wherein the patella has previously failed or may be damaged or otherwise compromised. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of material which hardens on the posterior surface of the patella, and urging an inventive die having a planar surface against the layer of material before it hardens so as to create a reconstructed surface which serves as a host for a prosthesis. The preferred hardening material is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) due to the widespread use of PMMA as a cement in conjunction with orthopaedic techniques. To provide a thicker build-up, however, the die surface may be recessed relative to a peripheral edge, so that the reconstructed surface is raised relative to the posterior surface of the patella.

Abstract: An orthopaedic instrument and a method for its use in sizing a glenoid implant anchor site and for pressurizing bone cement in the anchor site. The instrument has a shaft with a handle on one end thereof and a pressure plate on the other end thereof. An implant site probe, corresponding in shape to the glenoid implant anchor, extends outwardly from a bone facing surface of the pressure plate. A seal against the bone facing surface surrounds the implant site probe. Forcing the implant site probe into the implant site filled with bone cement forces bone cement into the cancellous bone surrounding the implant site.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a flexible bag; a structural support at least partially within the bag; and a hardened polymer within the bag. The orthopaedic implant is implanted within the bone by forming a cavity in the bone; inserting a flexible bag into the cavity; filling the bag with a polymer; and hardening the polymer.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for implanting on a bone includes a first component having a socket forming a first member of a morse taper lock. A second component has an end forming a second member of a morse taper lock received in the socket. A protuberance is provided on one of the first and second members. Impacting the second component inserted in the socket seats the second component in the socket, and creates a localized deformation of the interference fit between the first and second components and establishes a barrier to the passage of debris.