Abstract: A self-reaming intramedullary nail and method for using the same are disclosed. Nail 10 includes a rotatable reaming head 30 mounted to the distal end 24 of the cannulated nail body 20. A detachable drive shaft 40 connects reaming head 30 through nail body 20 to a conventional rotational drill device 8. Reaming head 30 and drive shaft 40 have longitudinal bores 31, 41 that when connected form a passage for receiving a guide wire 6.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopaedic instrumentation assembly 10 for at least partially preparing an end of a bone with a drill for receiving a prosthesis. The instrumentation assembly includes a drill guide 14 having a drill guide opening for guiding a drill into the bone; and an orthopaedic sizing plate 12 attachable to the end of the bone. The sizing plate 12 is configured for interconnecting with the drill guide 14. The drill guide 14 includes a first drill stop 47 and the sizing plate includes a second drill stop 33, with the first drill stop and the second drill stop coacting with each other for limiting projection and for maintaining axial alignment of the drill into the bone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopaedic instrumentation assembly 10 located relative to an intramedullary member 12, wherein the intramedullary member is disposed at least partially within a bone. The instrumentation assembly 10 includes an offset bushing 16 having a longitudinal axis and a bore therethrough for receiving the intramedullary member. The bore is disposed non-coaxially relative to the longitudinal axis. A sizing plate 14 has an opening 22 therein, and further includes a portion associated with the opening for receiving the bushing, wherein the bushing is rotatably supported. Upon movement of the bushing 16 or sizing plate 14, the bushing and sizing plate coact to position the sizing plate relative to each of the intramedullary member and the bone.

Abstract: A method for chemically extracting the low-molecular weight chemical additives from a polymethylmethacrylate coating formed on an orthopaedic implant. Specifically, the implant is subjected to a solvent extraction process to remove residual N,N,-dimethyl-p-toluidine, hydroquinone, and methyl methacrylate monomer from the polymethylmethacrylate mass. A solvent such as methanol or hot water does not attack the polymethylmethacrylate but effectively diffuses into the polymethylmethacrylate to extract out these unreacted and residual components. The removal of these components substantially inhibits discoloration and random chain scission in polymethylmethacrylate upon subsequent irradiation for sterilization purposes.

Abstract: An implant stem 10 and distal centralizer 20. Implant stem 10 has a plurality of longitudinal channels 14 formed around its periphery adjacent its distal end 12. Channels 14 converge radially toward the apex of the stem distal end 12. Channels extend only partially into the body of implant stem 10 to provide sufficient material to maintain the structural integrity of the distal end of the implant. Centralizer 20 includes a plurality of radially extending blades 22. The proximal end of each blade 22 is shaped to extend upwardly for securely mating with implant stem 10. The complimentary cruciate configuration of channels 14 and blades 22 allows centralizer 20 to be securely attached to implant stem 10.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant assembly I including a securing member or screw 10 and sealing washer 20 assembled thereto. The assembly 1 further includes a base member 30 with a hole 31 therein for receiving the screw 10 and washer 20. The screw 10 includes an enlarged head 11 with an arcuate undersurface 14 with a groove surrounding head 11 for receiving the sealing washer 20 therein. The screw hole 31 includes a complementary arcuate surface to enable screw 10 to be inserted in a selectively variable angled orientation with respect to the screw hole 31 while the washer 20 provides a seal between the head 11 of screw 10 and the base member 30. The assembly 1 may further include an additional member 40 over the hole 31 and screw 10 and washer 20, such that this layer 40 generates wear debris. The sealing washer 20 provides a barrier to the advancement of the wear debris or particulate matter beyond the sealing washer 20.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant assembly 1 including a securing member or screw 10 and sealing washer 20 assembled thereto. The assembly 1 further includes a base member 30 with a hole 31 therein for receiving the screw 10 and washer 20. The screw 10 includes an enlarged head 11 with an arcuate undersurface 14 with a groove surrounding head 11 for receiving the sealing washer 20 therein. The screw hole 31 includes a complementary arcuate surface to enable screw 10 to be inserted in a selectively variable angled orientation with respect to the screw hole 31 while the washer 20 provides a seal between the head 11 of screw 10 and the base member 30. The assembly 1 may further include an additional member 40 over the hole 31 and screw 10 and washer 20, such that this layer 40 generates wear debris. The sealing washer 20 provides a barrier to the advancement of the wear debris or particulate matter beyond the sealing washer 20.

Abstract: A provisional instrument component 1 for evaluating the fit of a corresponding orthopaedic implant. The component 1 is intended and designed to be a disposable, single use provisional instrument component. The provisional instrument component 1 is made of a material which can be sterilized by gamma irradiation, but which provides a visible indicator, such as visible deformation 10, upon resterilization by exposure to a heated environment, thereby discouraging or preventing re-use of the component 1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for harvesting a tendon graft beneath the overlying tissues through a remote incision which exposes only a portion of the donor tendon from which the graft will be harvested. The apparatus or tendon harvester 10 includes an elongated tubular shaft 20 connected to a cylindrical handle 30 and a length of flexible cutting wire or cable 12. A needle 16 is connected to one end of the cable 12 which extends from the distal end of the shaft 20. The needle end of the cable 12 is affixed to the distal end of the shaft 20 to form a cable loop for slitting the tendon 4.