Abstract: A device for use in connection with a bone, comprising a first surface and a second surface spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance and angled relative to each other along a portion thereof. The device having a first ridge projecting from the first surface in a direction away from the second surface, the first ridge extending substantially along a length of the first surface, and a second ridge projecting from the second surface in a direction away from the first surface, the second ridge extending substantially along a length of the second surface in a direction substantially parallel to the first ridge. The device further includes a remote surface positioned more distant from the center of a bone, a proximate surface positioned more near the center of a bone, a fixed end surface, and a removable end surface extending in a first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of the present invention include encapsulating the antibiotic in fine particles of bioabsorbable polymer which will yield a constant dissolution of the antibiotic over a predefined dosing period (such as a 7-10 day period), with residual antibiotic being thereafter delivered only until the bioabsorable polymer is resorbed; and delivering the fine particle powder to the surgical site as an aerosol spray. It is preferable that the antibiotic and the polymer be thermostable so that the exothermic reaction of bone cement does not degrade the polymer or the antibiotic. A suitable antibiotic for this purpose is an aminoglycoside. One apparatus according to the invention include a porous delivery tube which is dimensioned to fit comfortable in a bone canal and which is coupled to a aerosol canister containing the antibiotic powder of the invention.

Abstract: A monomer dispenser and vial breaker includes a base portion and a cap portion which is attachable to the base portion. The base portion is substantially cylindrical, has an inner seat for supporting the shoulder of an ampoule, a knurled outer gripping surface, an exteriorally threaded portion, and an open end with a first locking structure. The cap portion is substantially cylindrical, has a first open end with interior threads and a second locking structure, a second open end, with a strainer and a vial breaking structure located between the first and second open ends. The cap portion is also provided with a knurled outer gripping surface. The monomer dispenser and vial breaker operate as follows: an ampoule is inserted into the base so that the shoulder of the ampoule rests on the inner seat, the cap is pushed onto the base so that locking structures engage, and the base and/or the cap are twisted relative to each other so that the threaded portions engage.

Abstract: A method of performing angular distraction osteogenesis by drilling bone-pin holes into the first and second sides of a segmented bone, inserting bone-pins into the bone-pin holes, attaching the bone-pins in each side of the segmented bone to a distraction device and adjusting the distraction devise so that the bone portion of the first side of the segmented bone angularly adjusts, rotates or pivots its position relative to the bone portion on the second side of the segmented bone in precise, gradual and predetermined incremental amounts over a period of time so that the bone tissue remains healthy and the blood vessels and nerve endings remain intact during the bending distraction process.

Abstract: A prosthetic acetabular cup assembly, for receiving a ball attached to a femur, including components interlocked via a locking mechanism that includes a retaining ring fabricated at least in part using a polyaryletherketone material, such as PEEK. The locking mechanism is designed to meet predefined constraints such as assuring that substantially all motion is eliminated between assembled parts, assuring further that push-in/pull-out forces of assembly are within generally accepted industry standards, etc.

Abstract: A positioning tool has an elongated cylindrical section for reversibly engaging an acetabular cup which is insertable through a posterior opening in the cup. The outer diameter of a proximal portion of the cylindrical section is expandable to engage the inner wall of the cup in an interference fit to prevent movement of the cup relative to the tool and hold the cup in engagement with the tool to move the cup with movement of tool to place the cup for implanting at a desired position. The expanded portion of the tool may be contracted to release it from the cup after implantation. The proximal portion, which is attached to the distal portion and separated therefrom by a partial transverse slot, is divided into semicircular sections by a diametrical vertical slot therebetween. Diametrically opposite quadrants of the proximal portion further contain elongated slots therethrough which are perpendicular to the vertical slot and spaced from the edge of the cylinder by a thin section.

Abstract: An apparatus for reaming a bone canal, such as the medullary canal of a femur, has a flexible shaft (12, 92) with a proximal end (16) for engaging a rotary transmission source. A first reamer (14, 61) is coupled to the distal end of the flexible shaft for rotation therewith to prepare the distal portion of the canal. A second reamer (22, 93) coupled with the proximal portion of the shaft to form the proximal end of the lateral portion of the canal and/or the medial calcar region of the canal. The apparatus further comprises a metaphyseal template (70, 80) having the shape of the prosthesis for guiding the reaming apparatus in forming the calcar region of the canal.

Abstract: An awl suitable for both opening up a bone canal and for sizing that bone canal so as to obviate the use of a Charnley awl and the use of 4 to 5 distal reamers comprises (a) a tapered distal cutting head having a pointed first end, and a second end; and (b) a shaft attached to the second end, such that the shaft has a multiplicity of grooves calibrated so as to indicate the diameter of the isthmus of the bone canal. Also provided is a method of opening up a bone canal and of measuring the diameter of the isthmus of the bone canal with a single instrument.

Abstract: A method of performing angular distraction osteogenesis by drilling bone-pin holes into the first and second sides of a segmented bone, inserting bone-pins into the bone-pin holes, attaching the bone-pins in each side of the segmented bone to a distraction device and adjusting the distraction devise so that the bone portion of the first side of the segmented bone angularly adjusts, rotates or pivots its position relative to the bone portion on the second side of the segmented bone in precise, gradual and predetermined incremental amounts over a period of time so that the bone tissue remains healthy and the blood vessels and nerve endings remain intact during the bending distraction process.

Abstract: Processes are set forth for forming high strength thermoplastic polymer bone fixation devices used, for example, in orthopedic surgery, where "strength" is quantified in terms of a given device's pullout strength, tensile modulus, shear strength and breaking torque strength. Products of the aforementioned process are contemplated by the invention as well, with both "bioabsorbable" devices, for example, screws which are absorbable in an animal body and do not need to be removed after the bone in which they are inserted has healed; and non-bioabsorbable devices being described.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis includes a base support member, a bearing surface member, a stabilizer insert support, and a shoulder screw. The base member has a centrally located proximally flared protrusion or rail which extends substantially from the anterior edge of the base support member to the posterior edge of the base support member and defines a pair of substantially parallel dovetail coupling edges. An upstanding posterior stop is located on the upper surface of the rail adjacent its posterior edge and a posteriorly angled screw hole is provided in an anterior portion of the rail. The bearing member has a lower distally tapered recess or groove, dimensioned to receive the rail on the base member, and a posterior stop receiving recess for permitting the posterior stop on the base member rail to engage the insert support. A hollow upstanding stabilizer is formed on a central portion of the bearing member and a hole is provided anterior of the stabilizer.

Abstract: Processes are set forth for forming high strength thermoplastic polymer bone fixation devices used, for example, in orthopedic surgery, where "strength" is quantified in terms a given device's pullout strength, tensile modulus, shear strength and breaking torque strength. Products of the aforementioned process are contemplated by the invention as well, with both "bioabsorbable" devices, for example, screws which are absorbable in an animal body and do not need to be removed after the bone in which they are inserted has healed; and non-bioabsorbable devices being described.

Abstract: A suture anchor and driver device is described that is designed to secure a suture anchor to a bone in a patient to allow soft tissue or the like to be secured to the bone. The suture anchor itself engages the suture along the length of a passage that passes through the diameter of the distal end of the suture anchor, providing for a relatively large area of engagement to minimize stress on the suture material. The driver is designed to engage the suture anchor and guide the suture material along outside surface of the driver.

Abstract: A machining assembly, including a of the disclosure novel broach design, are disclosed for preparing a femoral medullary cavity for receipt of a femoral prosthetic stem, wherein the configuration of the implantation site allows for the neutral alignment of the prothesis within the medullary cavity for improved rigid fixation of the prosthetic stem therein. Aspects of the inventive machining assembly include a novel broach comprising a proximal lateral recess that allows for initial avoidance of the greater trochanter during implantation, thereby resulting in the preparation of a neutrally aligned cavity with respect to the broach. The machining assembly also includes a guide and a second cutting instrument for removing the bone of the greater trochanter once neutral alignment between the medullary cavity and broach are achieved for the subsequent implantation of a neutrally aligned femoral prosthesis.

Abstract: A femoral hip component for use in hip arthroplasty has a stem portion for contact with bone cement. The stem portion is formed from a biocompatible material having a surface finish of less than about four microinches. This surface is coated with a uniform layer of material selected from the group consisting of diamond-like carbon, chromium carbide, titanium nitride, titanium carbo-nitride, chromium and zirconium and a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting an elastic spinal implant into a cavity in a spinal disc so as to treat disc degeneration are given. The method and apparatus can be used in a variety of surgical approaches with respect to the patient. An elastic spinal nucleus prosthesis is very quickly inserted into the cavity through a small opening in the disc so that permanent deformation of the prosthesis is avoided.

Abstract: A new cutting tip and a very simple method for making the tip are given. The tip has no flutes but has a built-in chip clearance. It is self-drilling, self-tapping, and self-locating and can be positioned on a threaded or unthreaded member. When it is the tip on a suture anchor, it maximizes holding strength of the anchor.

Abstract: A knee implant rotational alignment apparatus comprising a non-implantable femoral trial component having substantially the same configuration as a femoral implant, a cooperating tibial articulating trial component having two parallel guide rails protruding from the upper surface thereof, which rails engage with grooves in the lower surface of the femoral trial component, which engagement prevents rotation of the femoral trial component relative to the tibial articulating trial component in a transverse plane but allows flexion and extension rotation of both components, a tibial trial baseplate having an outer periphery substantially identical to the outer periphery of a tibial implant baseplate of corresponding size, which baseplate accommodates a spring clip activator the rotation of which facilitates selection of the rotational alignment of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An improved asymmetric femoral hip stem component for use in cementless hip replacement procedures is described. The stem comprises a proximal region having a novel three-dimensional configuration to allow for better fit and stability of the stem within the femoral intramedullary canal with minimal removal of strong bone therefrom. The stem further includes a twist isolated in the mid-stem region to improve fit while minimizing enlargement of the femoral canal. A distal end comprising a rotated internal slot is also described, wherein the slot reduces bending stiffness of the stem in both the coronal and sagittal planes.

Abstract: A modular femoral internal implant system for use in the treatment of femoral disorders resulting from injury, disease or congenital defect includes at least three interconnectable components: 1) an elongated epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant, 2) an intramedullary rod and 3) an angled side plate having an elongated plate portion adapted to be secured to the outer cortical wall and a hollow sleeve adapted to extend into the femur. The epiphyseal/metaphyseal implant can be connected to either the angled side plate or the intramedullary rod. The system may also include an elongated bone plate connectable to the angled side plate, one or more additional epiphyseal/metaphyseal implants of variable length, an additional angled side plate, a distal buttress plate connectable to the elongated bone plate, and a plurality of bone screws of a universal design. Preferably, many or all of the components of the system are made of an inert, resilient titanium-base alloy.