Abstract: The invention is directed to an intramedullary guide rod assembly for use in orthopaedic surgery for aligning one or more milling or cutting guides. A guide member is pivotally connected to an intramedullary guide rod intermediate the proximal and distal ends thereof. An alignment mechanism aligns the guide member to the intramedullary guide rod while a biased locking mechanism prevents alignment changes during application of impact forces.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Intramedullary reamers are well known in orthopaedic procedures for reaming out a tubular passage within a bone for accommodating an implant such as a femoral nail. The reamer head of this invention is designed to accommodate a press fit connection to a reamer shaft. Heretofore, such press fit connections placed a hoop stress on the neck of the shaft such that the hoop stress significantly exceeded the yield strength of the material. Therefore in such prior art heads, the neck of the head would begin to crack adjacent the opening of the neck. The reamer head of this invention substantially reduces the hoop stresses on the neck of the head at its opening and provides for a smoother transition of stresses along the neck by forming a counter bore through the neck while maintaining a satisfactory press fit connection between the head and the shaft.

Abstract: The instrumentation set of this invention assists the surgeon in selecting the proper implant components, in determining the amount of distal bone to resect, and in aligning instrumentation designed to resect the bone. The instrumentation set provides numerous systems for verifying to the surgeon that he has correctly aligned the instruments prior to removing any bone. The set includes a rotational alignment guide, which aids the surgeon in establishing the appropriate rotational alignment for the knee as determined by reference to standard femoral landmarks such as the posterior condyles and epicondyles. The rotational alignment guide includes a slot for guiding a saw blade for removal of the posterior condyles of the femur. The set further includes a tensor designed to tense the knee joint in flexion and extension. The tensor is activated by a torque wrench so that a measured mount of tension force can be applied to the joint.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for externally reducing and/or fixating a fracture in a bone. The apparatus includes a radiolucent rod, and a carriage assembly with a clamp assembly for connection to a fixation pin. A sleeve is threadingly connected with the carriage assembly and is disposed about the rod. A clamping device interconnects the sleeve with the rod at a selective one of a plurality of locations along a length of the rod. Rotation of the sleeve relative to the carriage assembly moves the rod in an axial direction relative to the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming an orthopaedic implant having a porous surface, the method including the steps of providing a porous surface including a porous layer attached to a substantially solid layer; positioning the porous layer on the orthopaedic implant; providing a high energy density welding device capable of producing a high energy density weld beam; and forming a weld bead substantially about the periphery of the porous layer by directing the high energy density weld beam about the periphery of the porous layer, wherein the weld bead bonds the porous layer to the implant. Two shaped porous pads may also be welded together about an implant body to avoid welding the body itself.

Abstract: The acetabular implant of the invention includes a shell having a threaded polar hole with a liner having a threaded polar protrusion extending therefrom for threadable accommodation within the threaded polar hole. Further, the implant includes a locking ring carried by the shell for engagement with the liner. In use, the liner is screwed into the shell by the cooperating threads of the liner and shell. As the liner bottoms out in the shell, the locking ring slides into an annular groove formed in the outer periphery of the shell to lock the liner to the shell. The locking engagement of the locking ring prevents the liner from shifting laterally relative to the shell which therefore prevents the liner from rotating in a direction to loosen the shell relative to the liner. While it is preferred that the liner is formed from a metal, the liner may be formed from either a metal or a plastic dependant upon the clinical requirements for the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an intramedullary rod guide assembly for use in orthopaedic surgery for aligning a cutting or milling guide platform. A guide platform is pivotally connected to an intramedullary rod intermediate the proximal and distal ends thereof. A threaded alignment mechanism aligns the guide platform relative to the intramedullary rod.

Abstract: The guide of this invention provides an alternative to a system requiring a plurality of guides or for a guide with a plurality of slots by providing a single guide which slides along the distal femur and which articulates to accommodate a variety of angles. The guide includes a base portion defining a pair of parallel rails having a dove-tail shaped groove formed therein. The base is fixed to the distal end of the femur after an initial cut has been made to flatten the distal end. The device further includes an upper frame which is carried by the base and slides along the rails. The upper frame pivotally supports a carriage assembly in a plurality of discrete angles as determined by detents. The carriage includes a pair of parallel rods which extend in a direction transverse to the parallel rails of the base portion. In the preferred embodiment, the parallel rods support a milling guide which is slidable along the rods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cassette assembly for use in a medical, dental or therapeutic lavage system, including a cassette housing and a pump disposed within the housing. The pump has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet and outlet being attachable to a tubing set. The pump is attachable to and driveable by a motor disposed outside the cassette housing. A pressure sensing device disposed within the cassette housing senses a fluid pressure within the outlet.

Abstract: This invention provides for an acetabular cup and the manufacturing of an acetabular cup implant formed from a composite of polymer materials such that the articulating surface of the implant is 100% ultra high molecular weight poly ethylene (UHMWPE) and the bone engaging surface of the cup contains a significant amount of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). The cup would consist of at least two zones. Zone 1 forming the articulating surface and zone two extending from the zone 1 to the bone engaging surface. Preferably, the zone 1 would consist of UHMWPE and would extend a predetermined thickness from the articulating surface. Zone 2 would preferably consist of a mixture of UHMWPE and PMMA dry blended before molding. A third zone may abut zone 2 and consist of PMMA.

Abstract: The hip cup of this invention includes a porous metal outer shell, preferably formed from fiber metal, and a compression molded polyethylene component defining an articulating surface at its center for contact with a prosthetic femoral head. The porous outer shell is placed within a mold and the polyethylene component is compression molded within the shell. To prevent the porous shell from collapsing or distorting about its equatorial edge (and thereby distorting the articulating surface) a constraining ring is fitted over the edge of the shell prior to the molding of the polyethylene component. The ring is held in contact with the shell by the molded polyethylene. The constraining ring prevents the edges of the shell from radially distorting during impaction into a prepared acetabulum or during use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to milling instrumentation used for preparing a bone for receiving a prosthetic implant. The milling instrumentation includes a milling template for connection to an exposed end of a bone for guiding a milling device along the bone. A detachable cutting guide is removably connected to the milling template to permit a surgeon to either utilize either milling or cutting techniques in resecting the bone.

Abstract: A milling guide for connection to an exposed end of a bone for guiding a milling device along the bone to mill away portions of the bone for accommodation of an orthopaedic implant. The guide includes a plurality of walls positioned in intersecting planes, each of the walls including a slot therein for capturing a milling device. A recess in the travel path of the milling device permits the milling device to rotate from the plane of one wall to that of another wall whereby the milling device is not removed from said milling guide during the cutting of intersecting planes on the bone.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for external fixation and stabilization of a fracture in a bone including a one-piece fixation rod, at least two fixation pins attachable to the bone, and at least two clamp assemblies. Each clamp assembly interconnects at least one fixation pin and the fixation rod, The fixation rod is compressible in an axial direction upon occurrence of axial loads typical to those experienced at the fracture, thereby allowing an axial compression loading to be placed on the bone at the fracture when the apparatus is in use. The fixation rod consists essentially of a non-homogeneous, i.e., composite, material.

Abstract: A preassembled collection of disposable mixing apparatus and constituent components needed for the vacuum mixing and preparation of bone cement and packaged as a single disposable kit is disclosed. The kit includes a contoured storage tray, ampules of liquid cement monomer, packets of powder cement copolymer, a small portable vacuum pump, connecting tubing with a vacuum indicator, a mixing cartridge, a cartridge cap and agitator, an assortment of connectable cement nozzles, and a funnel attachment. The kit can be packaged as a single unit for convenient and efficient use in the sterile environment of an operating room. The disposable telescoping mixing cartridge of the kit employs a telescoping mixing cartridge with a vacuum release mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an intramedullary guide rod assembly for use in orthopaedic surgery for aligning one or more milling or cutting guides. A guide member is pivotally connected to an intramedullary guide rod intermediate and proximal and distal ends thereof. An alignment mechanism selectively locks the guide member to the intramedullary guide rod between discrete predetermined positions relative the guide rod.

Abstract: The training device of this invention allows the athlete to stretch his leg and back muscles in the same general position as used to perform the various styles of kicks. The training device includes a generally rectangular frame which is mounted vertically on a wall. A foot pad is slidably carried by the frame and is connected to a cable and pulley system to shift the pad along the frame. In use, the athlete places one foot on the pad while balancing on the other foot. The athlete then pulls handles connected to the cable to raise the pad until the proper amount of stretching is achieved. A pair of handles are connected along the length of the cable which allows the athlete to raise the pad to a higher level by pulling on the second handle. Therefore, using the training device of the subject invention, the athlete's muscles are stretched in an active position simulating more closely the position of the muscles during an actual kick.