Abstract: A system for registering an orthopedic implant in a computer assisted navigation system. The system includes a plurality of differently sized implants which may be the femoral component or hip stem of a prosthetic hip joint. A registration device is engageable with each of the implants in a predefined relative position. The registration device also includes at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system. A second reference structure also having at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system is detachably secured to the implant. The relative positions of the reference elements located on the registration device and second reference structure differs for each of the plurality of implants and thereby allows the navigation system to determine the nominal size of the implant. The relative position and orientation of the implant relative to the second structure can also be calibrated using the registration device.

Abstract: A measuring guide for use in various surgical procedures. The measuring guide is a noninvasive tool that may be repeatedly applied to a desired bone member to make appropriate measurements. The measuring guide allows for easy adjustment of the distance between a stop plate designed to engage an end of a given bone member and a marking guide used to facilitate marking of the bone. Additionally, the stop plate may be pivotably mounted to facilitate ease and accuracy of measurement.

Abstract: A method of making a non-modular prosthetic device for a joint arthroplasty. The method comprises molding a polymer interlayer between a porous metal structure and a polymer insert, wherein the insert generally comprises conventional or cross-linked ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”).

Abstract: A two-piece cut block for performing a minimally invasive partial or total knee arthroplasty. The present invention comprises a cut block that can be inserted into an incision in two parts then assembled in vivo.

Abstract: A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a structured porous layer; providing a dense metal substrate; providing a binding mixture; applying the binding mixture to the exterior of the substrate; placing the porous layer against the substrate such that the binding mixture is disposed there between forming an assembly; and heat treating the assembly to metallurgically bond the porous layer to the substrate.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee component for implanting within a single compartment of a human knee includes, in a first embodiment a tibial tray having a superior surface having a plurality of tabs disposed along an exterior edge thereof, a bearing component having a superior surface adapted to articularly engage a femoral knee prosthesis and a circumferential groove disposed therearound with which the tabs of the tibial tray cooperatively engage such that the bearing component is movable relative to the tibial tray.

Abstract: A sizing guide for facilitating the sizing of prosthetic devices that are implanted. The sizing guide is designed for consistent mounting at a fixed anatomical reference point to facilitate accurate and repeatable sizing estimations for a variety of bone types and sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substantially pliable sheet-like member, a surgical retractor, and a substantially elastic coupling extending between the sheet-like member and the retractor. A method for expanding a surgical cavity in a patient includes positioning the patient on a substantially pliable sheet-like member, positioning a surgical retractor in the cavity, extending a substantially elastic coupling between the sheet-like member and the retractor, and tensioning the coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing minimally invasive hip surgery for implanting a prosthetic acetabular component into a natural acetabulum. The method and apparatus include a posterior retractor having handle and retracting sections. The retracting section retracts soft tissue in the posterior section of the surgical site and includes a paddle with a curved flare and an elongated curved prong extending outwardly.

Abstract: A method for preparing and cutting the radial and carpal bones to receive a prosthetic wrist during a total wrist arthroplasty. Cuts on both the radius and carpal bones are made from a single broach. The broach is embedded in the intramedullary canal of the radius and a cutting tool is attached to an end of the broach to resect the radius. With the cutting tool removed, a cut block is attached to the broach and the carpal bones are resected. The cut block has a thickness that equal the thickness of the bearing component of the wrist prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic component includes an adaptor having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an elongated male tapered body. The second end includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the male tapered body and having an anti-rotational/anatomically orientation component formed therewith. The second end also includes a female tapered aperture formed therein which has an anti-rotational/anatomical orientation component formed therewith. The flange may include an elongated portion having a porous annular surface thereon.

Abstract: An implantable knee prosthesis for in-vivo measuring force components along three different axes, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The prosthesis can measure six different force components along these axes while the prosthesis is under load.

Abstract: A patellar prosthesis used to replace a portion of the natural knee. The patellar prosthesis comprises two basic components: A baseplate and an articulation component connected together with an attachment mechanism. This attachment mechanism provides both rotational and orbital translation such that the articulation component moves in an infinite number of directions with respect to the baseplate.

Abstract: A unicondylar femoral component for use in a partial knee arthroplasty. A femoral component of the present invention comprises a post and a flange having a pre-determined angle there between whereby a clamping force is placed on a patient's distal femur to hold the implant in place. The implant further comprises a porous layer on its bone contacting surface. In an alternative embodiment the femoral component is attached to the distal femur at least two threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A femoral component for a prosthetic knee implant system. The femoral component comprises medial and lateral condyles, wherein the height of the medial condyle is greater than the height of the lateral condyle.

Abstract: A technique for preparing a bone to receive an implantable orthopedic component. The technique utilizes a modular bone impaction preform. The preform holds the shape of the implantable component during impaction of bone replacement material to fill defects formed in the bone via disease, congenital defect, or trauma. Typically, the bone impaction preform is used with an instrument that may comprise a trial stem, a trial stem adapter, and a handle. The bone impaction preform and trial stem, as well as the other components, can be made in modular form to facilitate interchangeability.

Abstract: A modular knee prosthetic system used to replace the natural knee and including two distal posterior femoral components and one patellar-femoral joint component. The components have a smooth outer condylar surface and an inner bone-engaging surface and are connectable to form either an unicompartmental or bicompartmental femoral knee prosthesis.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant having a porous metal surface in a preferred embodiment, the implant comprises three layers including a biocompatible metal core of desired shape, a polymer intermediary layer, and a surface layer comprising a porous biocompatible metal, shaped appropriately to act as the surface of an orthopaedic implant is provided. The core and the pad are placed in an injection molding device wherein a polymer intermediary layer is injection molded between the pad and the metal core, thereby bonding the pad to the metal core.

Abstract: A spinal disc prosthesis used to replace a natural human spinal disc that has been damaged by trauma or disease and a method of using the same. The spinal disc of the present invention includes, in one form thereof a flexible fluid filled nucleus, a flexible braided fiber annulus, and a pair of woven metallic end-plates comprising micro-fixation means for initial fixation to adjacent bone and a bone in-growth surface, wherein the spinal disc comprises a generally anatomic structure and shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deburring nonmetallic machined workpieces. A deburring material of sufficient 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 consequently 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.