Abstract: A cement mold for use in forming a temporary orthopedic implant used in an orthopedic surgical procedure. The cement mold includes a first mold to define a first portion of the temporary implant and a second mold to define a second portion of the temporary implant. A coupling mechanism joins the first mold to the second mold such that the cement mold is substantially sealed to define the temporary implant. The cement mold further defines an input port which is operable to receive a delivery nozzle to supply antibiotic loaded bone cement within an inner sidewall of the cement mold. At least one ventilation port is defined by the cement mold which is operable to vent trapped air upon filling the cement mold with the antibiotic loaded bone cement through the input port. The cement mold further includes a removal mechanism which is operable to assist in tearing and separating the cement mold from the temporary implant.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of an extractor employs a pair of arms which laterally move toward each other, thereby applying compressive forces against a first prosthetic component toward a longitudinal centerline. These compressive forces, in combination with longitudinal movement of the arms in relation to a collar of the extractor, serves to easily extract the liner from the shell.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail having dual distal bore formation is comprised of a nail having a longitudinal centerline extending between a distal end and a proximal end. The nail defines a proximal attachment orientation adjacent the proximal end. The nail also defines a left distal bore and a right distal bore adjacent the distal end. The left distal bore and the right distal bore are anteverted in different directions about the longitudinal centerline with respect to the proximal attachment orientation. Thus the same nail can be used in an interlocking, reconstructive or retrograde fashion.

Abstract: A method for forming a work hardened modular component connector for use in orthopedic surgery. This method includes machining a member which forms a portion of the orthopedic implant into an initial configuration having an oversized region. Work hardening a portion of the oversized region of the member. Machining the member into a final precision configuration upon work hardening at least a portion of the oversized region of the member.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a method for implanting a uni-condylar knee prosthesis. The method includes steps for preparing the bone surfaces of both the femoral and tibial effected compartments. The femoral compartment is prepared by making a distal cut, a posterior cuts and a posterior chamfer cut. Holes that correspond to posts on the femoral component are also prepared. The tibial compartment is prepared using a cutting guide and following the sclerotic bone formation on the proximal tibia. At least one hole is prepared in the sloped cut tibial surface to use for alignment when cementing the tibial component that has an alignment peg.

Abstract: A bone fixation screw system and method of utilization thereof is provided for a bone having first and second sections with a fracture interface there between. A preferred embodiment of the bone fixation screw system includes a side plate having a first part for placement adjacent the bone second section and a second part angled from the first part providing a barrel. The barrel is adapted for insertion into a transsectionally extending bore into the bone in at least the second section of the bone. A lag screw is also provided for positional retention of the first section of the bone with respect to the second section of the bone. The lag screw also has a first part of a resorbable material for threaded connection of the lag screw within the bore of the bone in at least the first section of the bone, the lag screw having a second part connected with the first part made from a stronger nonresorbable material.

Abstract: A surgical wire assembly comprises a first portion comprising a cable including multiple elongated strands of metal, and a second portion comprising an elongated solid strand of metal, the first and second portions being joined end-to-end. The first portion is more flexible than the second portion, and the second portion is provided with a tensile strength exceeding the tensile strength of the first portion. There is further disclosed a method for applying the surgical wire assembly to bone.

Abstract: A cerclage system for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a patient's body is provided. In a preferred embodiment the cerclage system includes a band formed to encircle the bone. Typically the band will be fabricated from a material having a high tensile strength such as a metal wire. A jacket supports the band in a spaced relationship from the bone. The jacket is resorbed by the patient's body.

Abstract: A suture anchor system adapted for securing a suture to a bone. The suture anchor system includes a suture anchor which retains a portion of the suture within the bone. A driver handle having a first end and second end with a bore passing therethrough receives a portion of the suture anchor at the first end. A starter plunger having a first head and a first drive member is received at the second end of the driver handle. The starter plunger drives the suture anchor at least partially into the bone to a first depth. An insertion plunger having a second head and a second drive member is received at the second end of the driver handle. The insertion plunger drives the suture anchor fully into the bone to a second depth.

Abstract: Trigger finger release surgery is performed percutaneously using an instrument, having a prong with a blade about 3 to 7 mm from the distal end of said prong. The prong is inserted into the flexor tendon such that the blade is positioned adjacent the flexor sheath. Flexion or extension of the afflicted finger moves the flexor tendon along with the inserted instrument along the length of the sheath causing the blade to cut the sheath and release the tendon. The movement of the tendon safely directs the knife through the pulley sheath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging, mixing and delivering bone cement formed from at least a first component and a second component includes a first container, a second container and a mixing member. The first container is operable to be selectively opened and closed and further operable to be sealably prepackaged with the first component of the bone cement. The second container is operable to deliver the second component of the bone cement to the first container. The mixing member forms a part of the first container and is operable to mix the first and second components of the bone cement substantially within only the first container.

Abstract: A method of treating a fracture in a long bone comprises the initial step of providing an implant that includes one of a bone plate or an intramedullary nail having a length sized to span the fracture. The implant has at least one opening therethrough that is positioned at a location along its length, and has an amount of resorbable material at least partially filling the at least one opening. The implant is positioned at an implantation site spanning the fracture. A first bore is drilled into the long bone and through the resorbable material along a drill axis. A fastener is then inserted into the long bone through the at least one opening.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for plugging holes in an acetabular shell component. The apparatus includes an acetabular shell component having an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface with at least a first selectively pluggable hole passing therethrough. The first selectively pluggable hole being defined by at least a cylindrical threaded sidewall. The apparatus further includes a plug having a tapered threaded sidewall. The cylindrical threaded sidewall of the first selectively pluggable hole threadably receives the tapered threaded sidewall of the plug to create an interference fit. This interference fit substantially seals the first selectively pluggable hole to minimize migration of debris through the first selectively pluggable hole.

Abstract: In a method of making an entry hole for implanting a retrograde humeral nail across a fracture in a humerus comprises the initial step of providing a pin placement guide having a base with a bone contact surface and a guide portion attached to the base. A guide bore with a guide axis extends through the guide portion and the bone contact portion of the base. The pin placement guide is clamped on the humerus so that the guide axis is at a relatively small angle of less than 20.degree. with respect to the bone axis of the humerus, and the bone contact surface is substantially aligned with the bone axis. Next, a guide pin with a tip is inserted through the guide bore. A guide hole is bored into the bone along the guide axis with the guide pin. Next, the clamp and pin placement guide are removed. Finally, the guide hole is reamed to enlarge it into an entry hole that is at an angle with respect to the bone axis equal or less than that of the guide axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning an orthopedic implant within a cavity in a bone, including a plug member which is inserted into the cavity in the bone. A cutter movably engages the plug member and is used to create a first mating surface in the bone. A positioning jig having a second mating surface which is adapted to substantially mate with the first mating surface and a third surface adapted to removably engage the orthopedic implant is used to center the orthopedic implant within the cavity in the bone. Upon the second mating surface of the positioning jig mating with the first mating surface within the bone and the third surface removably engaging the orthopedic implant, the orthopedic implant is substantially centrally positioned within the cavity of the bone.

Abstract: A method and surgical instrument is provided for the in situ clamping engagement and reaming of the human patella bone in preparation for the installation of a patellar button prosthesis, the clamp including a rectangular frame wherein a pair of handles are mounted for parallel movement whereby to move their respective jaws into clamped engagement with the opposite faces of the patella, and a guide head defining a fixed stop; and a reaming device including a reamer shaft disposed for rotation relative to the guide head, a depth adjustment head connected to the shaft and adapted to abut the fixed stop, and a reamer blade mounted to the shaft. The shaft is provided with indicia to indicate the thickness of the patella that will remain after the resection.

Abstract: A biocompatible osteosynthesis plate operable for being enhanced in a substantially secured relation to a plurality of adjacent bone portions is provided. The biocompatible osteosynthesis plate includes an elongated section having a top face and a bottom face, at least one fastener opening disposed between the top face and the bottom face, and means disposed upon elongated section to permit the formation of additional fastener openings therethrough during a surgical procedure. The osteosynthesis plate is in a first configuration at a first thermochemical state and is operable to be converted to a second thermochemical state so that it may be deformed prior to fixation. The osteosynthesis plate may further include means disposed upon the elongated section for enhancing structural rigidity, which may be provided as one or more raised surfaces, or rails, disposed upon the top face of the osteosynthesis plate.

Abstract: A version adjustment instrument is utilized with modular femoral components, including a modular stem component having a coronal slot and/or a bowed portion and a modular body component attachable to the modular stem component in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the coronal slot or bowed portion. The instrument includes a base with a face surface having a plurality of adjacent angle markings. A body component support has a first coupler formed to engage the modular body component in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the body component support. A stem locator has a second coupler formed to engage one of either the coronal slot or bowed portion (if any) of the modular stem component in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the stem locator. One of the body component support or the stem locator is connected to the base at a position away from the face surface in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the angle markings.

Abstract: A method for forming products includes the step of forming an incompletely consolidated stock from a powder. A substantially completely consolidated stock is then formed from the incompletely consolidated stock. Finally, the substantially completely consolidated stock is machined to form the final product. The method of the present invention also includes a method for recycling waste thermoplastic materials into useful articles. The method of the present invention also includes a method for processing thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. As part of the above, an elastomeric mold may be used, which may be formed from a mandrel.

Abstract: A two piece construction disposable carpal tunnel ligament tome is provided. In a preferred embodiment the tome has a handle, stem, cutting head with two forward extending and parallel spaced upper and lower forks. The handle, stem, cutting head and forks are injection molded as one plastic piece. Mounted in the cutting head is a blade fabricated from flat stock metal with a forward facing cutting edge concealed by the forks. Extending forward from the blade are upper and lower fork reinforcement members. The fork reinforcements are encapsulated by the molded upper and lower forks. The inventive carpal tunnel ligament tome provides very rigid forks, yet does not require the extensive machining required by tomes with metal forks. Since the blade and fork reinforcement can be fabricated from a flat stock material, fabrication costs can be lowered with extremely high performance of the tome being maintained.