Abstract: A knee joint endoprosthesis is provided which consists of a femur component and a tibia component having cooperating joint surfaces in contact with one another. A rotation guide arrangement is provided for forcing the femur component and the tibia component to rotate relative to each other about a medial center of rotation as a result of a flexure of the knee joint endoprosthesis. The rotation guide arrangement having a first guide element with a first guidance surface and a second guide element with a second guidance surface which cooperates with the first guidance surface. A projection of the tibia component comprises the first guide element and a transverse extension connecting condyles of the femur component comprises the second guide element. The first guidance surface defines a first radius of curvature and the second guidance surface defines a second radius of curvature. The first and second radii of curvature are identical.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for inserting elongated fixation elements into screw implants include one or components for visualizing the insertion process from a unique vantage point. One apparatus features a steering apparatus for adjusting the position of a receiver element on a screw implant, so that an elongated fixation element, such as a rod, can be inserted through a transverse passage in the receiver element. The steering apparatus may include an extension tube and a steering control member coupled to the extension tube. The extension tube may be configured for coupling to the receiver element, and the steering control member may be configured for coupling to the extension tube. The steering control member may include an opening for receiving an endoscope. The endoscope may be used to visually monitor the elongated fixation element as it is inserted into the transverse passage of the receiver element.

Abstract: The invention relates to improving a surgical system for connecting bodily tissues, comprising a surgical instrument having two tool elements displaceable relative to each other, each comprising an HF electrode defining a minimum distance from each other, opposite each other, and facing one another in an approach setting of the tool elements, wherein in order for simple and secure connecting of the tissue parts to be connected to each other, the invention proposes that at least one of the HF electrodes is divided into at least two electrode segments and that the at least two electrode segments are electrically insulated from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a handling part and a tool part that encompasses at least one movably mounted tool which is actuated via a force-transmitting and/or actuating mechanism. The force-transmitting and/or actuating mechanism is operated from the handling part and is provided with a fluid-operated drive unit. With the drive unit in a first driving position the movably mounted tool is subjected to a first actuating force in an actuating direction and in at least a second driving position is subjected to at least a second actuating force in the actuating direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical coupling system which comprises first and second surgical coupling devices each having at least two electrical coupling contacts that are moveable mechanically into engagement with one another. The coupling devices are completely separated from each other in a separated position and are mechanically in engagement with one another in a mechanical coupling position. The system further comprises an electrical switching device which, in the coupling position, is moveable from an OFF position, in which at least one first electrical coupling contact of the first coupling device and at least one first electrical coupling contact of the second coupling device are out of engagement, into an ON position in which the at least one first electrical coupling contact of the first coupling device and the at least one first electrical coupling contact of the second coupling device are in electrically conductive contact or engagement.

Abstract: An absorbent medical body for removing wound fluids from human and/or animal body cavities includes a material which holds the absorbent body together in a compressed form and can be removed upon contact with a biocompatible liquid.

Abstract: An assembly for treating a spinal disorder includes a sleeve having a socket end, a tool-receiving end and a wall extending between the socket end and tool-receiving end. The socket end has a socket opening for receiving a bone fixation screw cap and a pair of opposing notches for accommodating an elongated fixation member. A sleeve wall forms a bore extending axially between the tool-receiving end and the socket end of the sleeve. A method for repairing a spinal disorder includes the step of inserting a polyaxial screw into a vertebral bone, where the polyaxial screw has a screw cap. An elongated fixation member is inserted into the screw cap, followed by a fastener which is inserted into the screw cap in proximity to the fixation member. An adjustment device is connected to the screw cap to adjust the position of the polyaxial screw and vertebral bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical K-wire for guiding a bone screw comprising a longitudinal channel, which said K-wire comprises a proximal and a distal end, wherein a closure element for closing-off the distal end outlet opening of the longitudinal channel of the bone screw is arranged or formed at the distal end. Furthermore, an improved surgical screw system is proposed comprising a bone screw and such a surgical K-wire.

Abstract: In order to so improve a surgical drive unit of a surgical instrument, comprising a motor with at least two motor windings, and a memory device for storing data characterizing the drive unit and/or the motor, that the reliability of drive units, instruments and drive systems of the kind described at the outset is enhanced, it is proposed that the drive unit comprise a first transmitting and receiving device, which is connected to the memory device, and a second transmitting and receiving device, which is connected to at least two connection contacts of the motor, and that the first and second transmitting and receiving devices be configured and interact in such a way that data are transferable between them in a contactless manner. An improved surgical instrument and a further developed surgical drive system are also proposed.

Abstract: To improve a connecting element for a stabilization system for the vertebral column, which includes a first attachment section for fixing to a first bone fixation device, a second attachment section for fixing to a second bone fixation device, and an at least partially flexible intermediate section having at least one recess which is open at the sides, that at least one mechanical property of the intermediate section can be individually set in a simple and safe way, at least one movement limiting member is provided, which comprises a filling body and at least one stop device acting parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or in the circumferential direction, and that the filling body, in a normal position in which no external forces act on the intermediate section, engage at least partially in the at least one recess.

Abstract: An implant for supporting the spinous processes of adjacent vertebral bodies includes a first implant component and a second implant component and is transferable by moving the second implant component relative to the first implant component along a spreading direction from an introduction position into a spread position. The implant includes a locking device incorporating a locking element wherein the locking element is transferable relative to at least one implant component along a locking direction from a release position, in which the second implant component is movable relative to the first implant component in a direction opposed to the spreading direction, into a locking position in which the second implant component is locked to the first implant component. The implant also includes a securing device for securing the locking element against a movement that is directed counter to the locking direction.

Abstract: A spinal interbody device, system and method can include an interbody device configured to stabilize or otherwise support adjacent vertebrae. The interbody device can include a central opening and can be shaped as a trapezoid as viewed from a position on the central axis located above a superior or upper surface of the interbody device. In addition, the upper surface of the interbody device can include at least one keel or spike to facilitate locking of the interbody device with adjacent vertebrae. The at least one spike can be removable and can be adjustable relative to the superior or inferior surface(s) when installed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant consisting of a first implant part and a second implant part for the connection of which there is provided a connecting device, wherein at least the first implant part comprises a connecting element receptacle, in which at least one connecting element of the connecting device can be disposed. In order to provide an implant of this type which is easier to handle, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that a securing device be provided for the purposes of securing the at least one connecting element in the connecting element receptacle. Moreover, the invention relates to a knee joint endoprosthesis having at least one implant of this type.

Abstract: An RFID tag is provided that is suitable for mounting on surgical instruments, and by means of which stable anchoring on the instrument, encapsulation of the RFID elements from the surroundings, good cleanability and improved detectability can be achieved. The RFID tag has a metal holder, a housing that is made of an electrically non-conductive or slightly conductive material, an accommodating chamber and an RFID element with an antenna. The RFID element is arranged in the accommodating chamber of the housing. The housing has a first end which is held on the metal holder. The accommodating chamber in the housing is formed to be spatially spaced apart from the first end of the housing. The RFID element is positioned in the accommodating chamber in such a way that the antenna of the RFID element is spatially arranged substantially outside of the metal holder.

Abstract: A vertebral body replacement device includes a body member and a central rod member having two threaded portions and configured to be operatively associated with the body member. The device also includes a first end member and a second end member with the end members configured to threadingly engage the threaded portions of the central rod member. The body member and the two end members are further constructed to inhibit rotational movement of the two end members when the device is positioned within a space within a spine as the two end members will engage the adjacent respective vertebral bodies following rotational actuation of the central rod member causing the end members to move in an axial direction relative to the body member, thereby allowing the two end members to apply a force to the two vertebral bodies. A surgical instrument and method for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thread, in particular surgical thread includes a cell-retaining structure and cells and a method for manufacturing the thread.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an implant for mutually supporting an upper spinous process of a first vertebral body and a lower spinous process of a second vertebral body. The implant comprises a first implant component and a second implant component movable relative thereto along a clamping direction to transfer the implant out of a basic position in a spreading direction that is oriented transversely relative to the clamping direction into a spread position. The implant includes at least one introduction-side upper supporting element and at least one introduction-side lower supporting element that for laterally supporting the upper spinous process or the lower spinous process on the introduction-side. A fixing device for the implant is used for spreading the at least one introduction-side upper supporting element and the at least one introduction-side lower supporting element relative to each other along the spreading direction in an introduction position of the implant.

Abstract: A receiver body for an elongated spinal fixation element includes a housing portion with one or more flanges extending outwardly. In one embodiment, the receiver body includes first and second flanges extending outwardly from the housing portion. The housing portion includes first and second slots that form a passage through the housing portion. Each flange has a circular perimeter edge and a chamfered section, the chamfered section having a notched undercut for engagement with an instrument. In another embodiment, the receiver body includes a housing portion having a circular flange with a first chamfered section and a second chamfered section diametrically opposite the first chamfered section. The first chamfered section has a first aperture that opens out beneath the flange, and the second chamfered section has a second aperture that opens out beneath the flange. The first and second apertures form diametrically opposed pivot-attachment points for an instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument comprising at least one movable tool element and at least one actuating element which is mounted such as to be pivotal about a pivotal axis and is coupled to the at least one tool element for the purposes of moving the tool element as a result of a pivotal movement of the actuating element, wherein, for the pivotal mounting of the at least one actuating element, there is provided a pivotal bearing comprising a bearing shaft holder and a bearing shaft which is held in the bearing shaft holder in a working position, wherein the at least one actuating element incorporates the bearing shaft or the bearing shaft holder, wherein the bearing shaft holder has an insertion opening and is insertable through the insertion opening into the bearing shaft holder in a direction that is transverse or substantially transverse to the pivotal axis.