Abstract: An orthopaedic bone plate is coupled to a bone having an enlarged head at one end thereof which is attached to a shaft. The bone plate includes an elongate portion, a flared portion and an intermediate portion. The elongate portion is attachable to the bone shaft using a plurality of bone screws. The elongate portion generally defines a longitudinal axis. The flared portion is attachable to the bone head using at least one bone screw. The intermediate portion interconnects the elongate portion and the flared portion. The intermediate portion is structured and arranged to allow the elongate portion and the flared portion to move relative to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis when the elongate portion and the flared portion are attached to the bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bone plate includes a flexible bag having a plurality of through holes; and a hardened polymer within the bag. The bone plate is attached to a bone by placing the bag against the bone; affixing the bag to the bone using a plurality of fasteners which extend through the bag; injecting a polymer into the bag; and hardening the polymer in the bag.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant for implanting between adjacent vertebrae and a spine, includes a generally annular bag; and a hardened polymer with the bag. The method of fusing adjacent vertebrae in a spine includes the steps of forming an access hole in an annulus of a disc between the adjacent vertebrae; removing the nucleus within the disc to form a cavity surrounded by the annulus; placing a generally annular bag within the cavity; filling the bag with a polymer; injecting bone particles into the cavity surrounded by the annular bag; and hardening the polymer.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee component for implanting within a proximal tibia includes a tibial tray with a proximal tibial plateau and a projection extending generally orthogonal to the tibial plateau. The tibial tray also includes a distally extending stem. A bearing is coupled with the tibial plateau and has an articular bearing surface for engagement with a femoral component. The bearing is rotationally movable between a first rotational limit and a second rotational limit about an axis extending generally orthogonal to the tibial plateau. The bearing has a backing surface engaging the tibial plateau which is sized and shaped such that the backing surface is substantially entirely supported by the tibial plateau at any position during rotational movement between the first rotation limit and the second rotational limit.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee component for implanting within a proximal tibia includes a tibial tray with a distally extending stem, a proximal tibial plateau and a post extending from the tibial plateau. The post defines an axis of rotation. An intermediate carrier has an opening in which the post is disposed. The carrier is pivotal about the axis of rotation. A bearing carried by the tibial tray has an articular bearing surface for engagement with a femoral component. The bearing has a recess in which the intermediate carrier is disposed. The projection, carrier and recess allow pivotal movement of the bearing relative to the tibial plateau about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee component for implanting within a proximal tibia includes a tibial tray having a distally extending stem, a proximal tibial plateau and an annular shaped recess extending into the tibial plateau. The recess has a substantially constant radius of curvature about an axis of rotation. A bearing carried by the tibial tray has an articular bearing surface for engagement with a femoral component. The bearing has an annular shaped projection extending into the recess. The projection and the recess allow pivotal movement of the bearing relative to the tibial plateau about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee component for implanting within a proximal tibia includes a tibial tray with a proximal tibial plateau and a distally extending stem. The tibial tray also includes a recess extending into the tibial plateau. The recess is configured to define a first rotational stop and a second rotational stop. The tibial tray further includes a generally cylindrical post positioned within the recess. The post extends generally orthogonal to the tibial plateau and defines an axis of rotation. A bearing is carried by the tibial tray and has an articular bearing surface for engagement with a femoral component. The bearing has an opening in which the post is disposed. The opening and the post allow pivotal movement of the bearing relative to the tibial plateau about the axis of rotation. The bearing further has a projection extending into the recess of the tibial tray.

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: The invention herein describe reduces the concerns associated with the use of intramedullary instrumentation by providing for the reduction of pressure within the medullary canal as the intramedullary instrument is inserted. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment a sleeve having a proximal end connected to a vacuum source is fitted over the intramedullary rod so that as the rod is inserted into the intramedullary canal, the pressure within the canal is reduced to thereby reduce the magnitude of cells released into the blood stream. In order to draw air from the medullary canal, the proximal end of the sleeve includes a gasket which seal against the intramedullary rod causing the air to be drawn only from the distal end of the sleeve. In an alternative embodiment, an air passage is provided directly through the instrument with the exposed end of the instrument being connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A provisional knee implant assembly includes a femoral provisional having an articulating surface and a plurality of locating openings. A patella height gauge has at least two projections which each engage with a corresponding locating opening in the femoral provisional. The patella height gauge includes at least one visual locating reference for a patella. The femoral provisional is located relative to the patella by placing the femoral provisional on a distal end of the femur; attaching the patella height gauge to the femoral provisional; overlying the patella onto the gauge; and repositioning the femoral provisional relative to the one or more visual locating references on the patella height gauge.

Abstract: A method of making an orthopaedic implant includes the step of forming an orthopaedic implant body which has a supporting surface. A porous metal pad is formed to fit the supporting surface of the body. The porous metal pad is clamped and/or adhesively bonded to the supporting surface. A laser beam is coupled between the porous metal pad and the implant body at a plurality of locations so as to form a coalescence of metal between the porous metal pad and the body.

Abstract: Orthopaedic instrumentation used for preparing a distal end of a femur during an orthopaedic revision surgery includes a cutting guide block with a medial side, a lateral side and an anterior cutting guide surface. The medial side and the lateral side each have a notch therein. An anterior flange is removably attached to the cutting guide block and positioned adjacent to the anterior cutting guide surface. The anterior flange includes a pair of arms which are respectively disposed within the medial side notch and the lateral side notch.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant is forged from a metallic body consisting of a cobalt-chromium alloy. The forged implant is descaled by blasting the implant with a particulate blasting agent at a momentum which is sufficient to remove scale formed on the implant during the forging step but insufficient to otherwise cause major structural surface deformation to the implant. The descaled implant is electro-chemical polished by submersing the implant in an acid bath having a temperature of between approximately 80.degree. F. and 90.degree. F. The acid bath includes approximately 45% sulfuric acid and 50% phosphoric acid. Direct current electrical power ranging between approximately 10 volts D.C. and 13 volts D.C. is applied to the implant. The polished implant is ultrasonically cleaned. The implant is inspected with a fluorescent penetrant to determine whether surface defects exist in the implant.

Abstract: A reamer for reaming a uniform opening in an intramedullary canal of a bone. The reamer has an impeller rigidly attached to the shaft of the reamer proximal to the reamer head. The impeller blades have a pitch higher than the pitch of the reamer head flutes. The increased pitch between the impeller blades and the reamer head flutes produces a partial vacuum while the unit is turning, pulling debris up and out of the bony canal and reducing pressure in the intramedullary canal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of making an orthopaedic implant. An orthopaedic implant body is formed which has a supporting surface. A porous metal pad is formed to fit the supporting surface of the body. The porous metal pad is clamped and/or adhesively bonded to the supporting surface. A laser beam is coupled between the porous metal pad and the implant body at a plurality of locations so as to form a coalescence of metal between the porous metal pad and the body.

Abstract: In the subject invention, the articulating component includes a metal tray and a polyethylene bearing molded or otherwise connected to the metal tray. The distal surface of the metal tray, the surface in contact with the tibial component, is highly polished and is substantially flat. The proximal surface of the tibial component, the surface in contact with the articulating component, is likewise highly polished and substantially flat. In use, the two highly polished flat surfaces provide an environment wherein the articulating surface may freely move relative to the tibial component as the patient's knee joint is flexed and extended during movement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of forming an implant having a porous surface using an organic binder compound to enhance the bonding between the porous surface layer and implant. Preferably, the binder is formed from a water-soluble protein that carbonizes during the sintering process to alloy with the metal of the porous surface layer. The porous surface layer may be in the form of beads or of fiber metal and can be preformed to fit with an implant or formed over the surface of the implant.

Abstract: A tibial milling guide which incorporates a combination of instruments for producing a planar surface on a portion of the tibia using a milling device. The system includes: an extramedullary alignment guide with a detachable reference guide, an adjustable milling base assembly, a detachable milling template, a sizing gauge, and a milling depth gauge. The reference guide is used to position the alignment guide to the tibia. The reference guide has a T-shaped member which provides a planar reference and a centering reference to the tibial head. The reference guide also allows the surgeon to set the rotational alignment before the alignment guide is secured in place. The adjustable milling base assembly is also detachably connected to the alignment guide. The milling base assembly includes a slide and a shiftable base that allows for lateral adjustments of the template with respect to the articular surface after the alignment guide has been properly secured to the tibia.

Abstract: The router jig of this invention uses a preformed negative form of the decorative molding as a guide which directs a router having a straight router bit along the end of a piece of the molding to appropriately form the end for an inside corner. The router jig includes a generally rectangular frame having a router support tray which is slidable relative to the frame. A slot is formed through one side wall of frame. A biased guide pin is connected to the router support tray and is accommodated within the slot of the frame. In use, a router is placed onto the router base and in contact with the guide pin which is extending through the slot. The opposite end of the guide pin is placed in contact with the negative form. With a piece of molding clamped under the frame, the router is turned on and slid with the router base perpendicularly across the molding. As the router is slid relative to the frame and molding, the guide pin is guided along the negative form.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an alignment device for aligning a prosthetic hip stem implant with an opening formed in a proximal femur. The hip stem implant includes a landmark and the proximal femur includes a visual alignment mark. The alignment device includes an implant engaging portion configured for attachment with the landmark on the hip stem implant. The alignment device also includes a needle indicator connected with the implant engaging portion and having an end which may be positioned relative to the visual alignment mark on the proximal femur, thereby aligning the prosthetic hip stem implant relative to the opening in the proximal femur.