Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is demineralized bone putty composition comprises: (1) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); and (2) a lipid fraction selected from the group consisting of lecithin and a mixture of lecithin and triglycerides containing unsaturated fatty acids. The putty composition is moldable, biocompatible, slowly resorbable, insoluble in tissue fluids, and non-extrudable. The composition delivers a biologically active product to animals and humans that will enhance bone formation at sites where bone is lost, deficient, or present in suboptimal amounts. The composition can further comprise calcium, an antioxidant such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C, or a hydrophilic polymer such as methylcellulose, a methylcellulose derivative, carboxymethyl cellulose, or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an image guided interventional system enables registration of a patient, preferably automatically and without an explicit patient registration step, to newly acquired images as the patient is moved out of the imager. Only one set of images has to be taken. The position of the needle or other instrument is tracked using a tracking system and its position continually displayed and updated with respect to the images. Therefore, there is no need to take additional images for purposes of tracking progress of an instrument being inserted into a patient. Avoiding additional scans saves time and reduces exposure of the patient to radiation.

Abstract: A multi-piece prosthetic component for use in joint arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a joint and engaged by a joint socket. The modular prosthetic component includes body which is at least partially implantable within a bone, said body having an external surface. A mechanism for coupling soft tissue to the exterior surface of the implant is provided. The mechanism has an attachment mechanism which is operable to prevent movement of the soft tissue attachment mechanism with respect to the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis for replacing the articulating knee portion of a femur and a tibia. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing member, a guide post and a mechanically reconstructed ligament. The femoral component includes a first femoral bearing surface and a second femoral bearing surface. The tibial component includes a tibial bearing surface. The bearing member includes a first bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the first femoral bearing surface, a second bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the second femoral bearing surface and a third bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the tibial bearing surface. The guide post extends from the tibial component. The mechanically reconstructed ligament is coupled to both the tibial component and the femoral component to prevent the knee joints from dislocating and guiding the femoral component along a desired path during extension and flexion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to apply a selected material to the intramedullary canal of a selected bone. The apparatus generally includes a reservoir area from which the selected material can be expressed. The apparatus further includes an outlet or nozzle which allows for directing of the material as it is being expressed from the reservoir. Further, the apparatus allows the material to be expressed into the intramedullary canal during a procedure involving the intramedullary canal. The apparatus obviates forming an additional incision to apply the material.

Abstract: A fixation device and method for attaching an external prosthesis to a bone. The fixation device includes a main body having a compliant portion operable to be expanded and contracted. The main body has a first end fixedly retained in the bone and a second end coupled to an extension for receiving the external prosthesis. The main body and the extension define respectively first and second engagement surfaces for constraining a bone graft therebetween.

Abstract: A bone cement having a dry component including a large constituent and a small constituent. The small constituent fills a substantial volume of the interstitial spaces between the particles of the large constituent. Therefore, only a second or minor interstitial space is left remaining between the individual particles of the small constituent and the particles of the small constituent and the particles of the large constituent. Therefore, a reduced amount of a polymerizable component need be added to the dry component to form a bone cement. Such a bone cement formulation decreases the exothermic temperature of the bone cement and decreases the possibility of tissue necrosis in the implantation area.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a multi-component bio-material including at least two containers. Both containers are held in a structure or oriented in a structure such that material contained in the containers can be expressed from oriented outlets simultaneously. The applicator includes a graspable member which allows the material to be expressed from all containers of the applicator substantially simultaneously. The applicator may be constructed such that a pre-selected and substantially different volume is expressed from each of the containers substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis used for replacing the articulating knee portion of a femur and a tibia. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing member, and a soft tissue fixation mechanism. The tibial component includes a tibial bearing surface and an attachment mechanism which facilitates the coupling of the soft tissue attachment mechanism to the tibial component. The soft tissue attachment mechanism has an attachment mechanism which is operable to prevent movement of the soft tissue attachment mechanism with respect to the body. Further, the soft tissue attachment mechanism defines structures which facilitate the coupling of soft tissue to the knee joint prosthesis.

Abstract: A device is described for joining a first phalange to a second adjacent phalange, such as the proximal phalange to the intermediate phalange at the proximal interphalangeal joint. The device is a substantially elongated member comprised of a resorbable material, such as, but not limited to polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and combinations thereof. The member has a first end portion, a middle portion, and second end portion spaced and opposed from the first end portion. The middle portion has a curvature such that an angle is formed between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the angle is substantially anatomically correct with respect to the particular joint, such as the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Abstract: A modular tibial component for a knee joint prosthesis. The modular tibial component includes a tray, a stem and an adapter assembly. The tray includes a support surface and downwardly extending extension having a generally circular shape. The stem includes a main body portion and an upwardly extending extension. The adapter assembly connects the tray and the stem. The adapter assembly includes a first generally cylindrical cavity receiving the downwardly extending extension of the tray and a second generally cylindrical cavity receiving the upwardly extension of the stem.

Abstract: An instrument to insert a modular screw into a substrate while allowing for removal of the instrument without disturbing the inserted modular screw. The instrument generally includes a first member that is cannulated. A second member of the instrument engages the modular screw shank. A compression force and locking engagement is created between the modular screw and the instrument which holds the modular screw in the instrument during the insertion of the modular screw. After the modular screw shank has been inserted, the second member of the instrument is removed from the first member which allows for the first member of the instrument to rotate freely around the modular screw. In this way, the instrument can be removed from the modular screw without disturbing the modular screw after implantation.

Abstract: An articulating bearing knee including a guide post that in a first orientation allows substantially free varus and valgus distraction, but in another constrains the same. The guide post in includes a superior portion that engages a femoral component of a knee prosthesis in a rotated orientation. When the guide post engages the femoral component it may not distract as if it was not engaged. This allows for a control and constraint of such distraction when the knee is rotated and in a weaker position.

Abstract: Composite acetabular components, and methods of making and using same, are described. The composites consist of a ceramic liner having a backing of plastic material, such as but not limited to ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), molded around the ceramic liner. The back surface of the ceramic liner is textured to enhance the mechanical bonding strength of the plastic backing to the textured ceramic liner during the molding process.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between the stem and the head. Specifically, the interface configuration between the stem and the adapter, as well as between the adapter and the head are designed such that relative positioning of these components provides a continuous adjustment in the radial offset and/or angular inclination. Indicia are provided at the interface between the adapter and the head to precisely determine the magnitude and direction of the adjustment being made.

Abstract: A nonmodular tibial prosthesis having a retainer for a modular bearing on the superior surface of a tibial base, a nonmodular primary bearing directly molded to the base, and a mechanical release member mounted on the tibial base in contact with the nonmodular primary bearing. The release member includes a wedge portion with a superiorly posteriorly inclined face, and is designed to be driven anteriorly upon actuation so as to force the primary bearing off of the tibial base, after which the primary bearing and release member are removed and replaced with a modular bearing.

Abstract: A method for producing predetermined internal stresses in a prosthetic device for implantation. The method includes first determining internal stresses which are preferred in prosthetics to instill a particular strength and longevity to the prosthetic. In particular, internal stresses may be used to increase the strength of smaller prosthetic devices. Additionally, once the preferred internal stresses are determined, the internal stresses can be cold worked into subsequent prosthetic devices to instill the same characteristics. Once parts are manufactured, internal stresses can be measured to validate manufacturing process and serve as verification for quality control purposes. Producing prosthetic devices, including predetermined internal stresses through work hardening the prosthetic devices, is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis having a bearing and a biologic ligament for replacing the articulating knee portion of a femur and a tibia. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing member, and a biologic ligament. The femoral component includes a first femoral bearing surface and a second femoral bearing surface. The tibial component includes a tibial bearing surface. The bearing member includes a first bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the first femoral bearing surface, a second bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the second femoral bearing surface and a third bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the tibial bearing surface. The biologic ligament is coupled to both the tibia and the femur to prevent the knee joint from dislocating and guiding the femoral component along a desired path during extension and flexion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a driven surgical driver for wire guide surgical components. The driver has a rotatable drive shaft which is configured to apply driving and rotational forces to a medical device. A wire clamp is provided which is configured to hold the guide wire at a fixed distance from the tissue while the medical device is being driven distally away from the wire clamp. A process provides for grasping a point on the guide wire at a fixed distance from the tissue with the wire clamp. This grasping point on the guide wire is maintained at the fixed distance from the tissue while a force is applied to the driver to affix the medical device relative to the tissue.

Abstract: A tool tip for use with an ultrasonically driven osteotome, is described. The tool tip has a first curvature in a first plane and a second curvature in a second plane oriented ninety degrees from the first plane. The resulting curvature of the tool tip substantially corresponds to the medial curve of a femoral component of a hip replacement system. The tool tip provides easy access to the area in proximity to the medial curve of the femoral component, thus enabling the efficient softening and removal of cement therefrom during revision procedures.