Abstract: A bone implant includes a nonmetallic core and a metallic porous surface secured to the nonmetallic core. The nonmetallic core is designed to closely approximate the modulus of elasticity for bone and the metallic porous surface is intimately engaged with bone to enhance bone growth into the metallic porous surface.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided to communicate fluid pressure to a body cavity for diagnostic or surgical proceedings. A pump control unit generates fluid pressure and a monitor control circuit provides feedback to the pump control unit to substantially avoid a build up of excessive fluid pressure within the body cavity. In combination with a hysterscope, the irrigation system extends a uterus in a safe manner so that fluid absorption within the uterus is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A wound evacuator is provided with a discharge valve assembly which permits body fluid contained within the wound evacuator to be drained to a collection bag. The discharge valve assembly is also designed to minimize leakage of body fluid when the collection bag is separated from the wound evacuator.

Abstract: A tool for gripping a bone fragment is provided. A first member is engaged with the bone fragment while a second member is carried by the first member to prevent rotation of the bone fragment.

Abstract: A composite implant prosthesis comprising a core constructed from a plurality of carbon fibers, a first casing formed from a braided sheath of carbon fibers and a second casing enclosing the core and first casing to define an outer surface contour for the composite implant prosthesis. The method for constructing the composite implant prosthesis includes the steps of pultruding the core from a polymer impregnated tow, braiding the first casing to the pultruded core and applying the second casing thereto. The pultruding and braiding steps are performed in a continuous process while the second casing is applied to a discrete element formed from the core.

Abstract: A dermatome blade assembly includes a first part defining a cutting edge and a second part adapted for reciprocating attachment with a dermatome. The second part is made from a light weight bearing like plastic to minimize vibration and resistance to movement for the blade assembly during operation.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament is constructed from a three-dimensional braider. The prosthetic ligament includes an eyelet at a first end and a pigtail at a second end. The pigtail is removed during surgery so that the remaining implantable prosthetic ligament is defined by a continuous three-dimensional braided structure from the eyelet at the femur to the other end at the tibia.

Abstract: A cannula assembly provides for fluid inflow at a scope end and to clear debris from the scope. An end fitting of the cannula assembly directs fluid flow in the direction of the scope end and also sealingly engages the scope to prevent fluid leakage.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis including a base member, such as the stem of a hip joint prosthesis, having a porous region on its surface, and the region of porosity being coated with a bioabsorbable material, such as .alpha.-tricalcium phosphate, which enhances permanent bone ingrowth into the region. A method of manufacture of the prosthesis includes the steps of providing a coating material and applying the material to at least a portion of the porous surface of the base member, while providing energy sufficient to transform the material to a state in which it is bioabsorbable. In the preferred embodiment the material is plasma sprayed onto the porous surface of the base member.

Abstract: A drill includes a plurality of lips with enlarged portions at one end defining heads therefore. The heads form frusto-conical surfaces and cutting edges extend from the frusto-conical surfaces to remove chips. The cutting edges are limited in size with respect to the frusto-conical surfaces to control the removal of chips and a pocket behind each head readily receives the shavings to convey the latter away from the one end.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis is provided wherein an outer shell includes a liner to define an articulating interface with a head of a hip stem. A lock ring cooperates with the outer shell and the liner to oppose withdrawal of the head from the liner, and the lock ring is carried by the outer shell to permit insertion of the head during assembly.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a locking pin in a hip screw assembly, includes a handle with a cavity and a rod extends outwardly from the cavity to carry the locking pin and provide for alignment during insertion of the locking pin in a barrel of a tube plate. The rod is collapsible within the cavity to provide a compact instrument for easy manipulation by a surgeon.

Abstract: A femoral component for a hip prosthesis includes a stem with a porous surface or the like to enhance bone fixation. The porous surface is applied to the stem in a predetermined manner to accommodate stress lines for the stem and generate a curvilinear inferior boundary for the porous surface. A method of construction utilizes the stress lines to approximate a boundary for the porous surface.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a body coupled to a tube and a resilient sleeve cooperates with the tube and body to vent the interior of the tube when fluid pressure therein reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A mechanism, such as a motor driving a pump, creates a pulsating fluid flow. A sensor senses an operating condition of the system and provides a signal representative of the condition. A controller responsive to the signal controls the pulsating fluid flow mechanism in a predetermined manner in accordance with the condition sensed. In one aspect the sensor is a pressure transducer which senses when a throttle valve on a lavage head shuts off or turns on the fluid flow and provides a signal to a controller which shuts off or turns on the motor. In another aspect the sensor is a thermistor which senses the temperature of the motor and provides a signal for controlling the power input to the motor to compensate for the effect of temperature on the performance of the motor.

Abstract: A wound evacuator comprises a pair of walls which are pushed apart by springs to generate suction in a cavity. A strap coupled to one of the walls includes a plug to close an outlet, a slot cooperating with a peg on the one wall to retain the strap adjacent the one wall and a tab to prevent contact by an individual with the plug upon removal and reinsertion of the plug in the outlet.

Abstract: A method for constructing a surgical implant provides a porous layer that is metallurgically bonded to a substrate. An electrode passes current through the porous layer and through the substrate while also controlling the compaction of the porous layer relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A mechanism, such as a motor driving a pump, creates a pulsating fluid flow. There is a control for varying the pulsation frequency independently of the fluid pressure or rate of flow. Another control varies the pressure or rate of fluid flow independently of the frequency of pulsation. Separate pulsatile lavage, irrigation, and aspiration functions are provided. In another aspect, the mechanism for producing the pulsating flow includes a fluid driving means, such as a reciprocating pump, and there is a means for varying the length of stroke of the driving means.