Abstract: An implant component adapted for bone attachment or replacement is molded from a feed stock which contains a soluble major binder, a backbone binder and structural powder material. After the feed stock is injection molded to form a compact or preform, the major binder is removed from the green article, leaving a structure of interconnected porosity or texture, while the backbone binder remains until the component is sintered. Preferably, the amount of the soluble binder is set to increase the porosity, or reduce the stiffness, of the finished component, thus introducing a biocompatible or growth-enhancing level of porosity or stiffness during the molding process. In further or alternative embodiments, the component may be injection molded onto or about a solvent-leachable spacer preform and/or adjacent to another injected or molded portion of the component which serves as a structural body, frame or shell.

Abstract: A bone allograft applicator device and system is effective to apply a bone graft slurry to an artificial joint without having to remove a previously implanted prosthetic component. In one embodiment, the device includes a hollow member coupled to an actuation mechanism for discharging the bone slurry from the device via a nozzle coupled to a distal end of the hollow member. The device can be used to discharge bone graft slurry from the nozzle and through a screw hole in an acetabular component implanted in the acetabulum of a patient. A bone allograft system can include various components for loading the device with the slurry and/or a plurality of nozzles each having a geometry suited for a particular application.

Abstract: An extraction device (10,110) for removing a socket bearing insert (12) from an acetabular cup (14) in an acetabular prosthesis in which an extracting member (30, 130) is adapted for attachment to a groove (20) in the insert (12). The extraction device (10, 110) includes a support in the form of a sleeve (38, 138) which bears against the rim of the acetabular cup (14). The extraction device (10, 110) has means for providing an axial force exclusively between the extracting member (30, 130) and the support such that no force is transmitted to a bone to which the acetabular cup (14) is attached.

Abstract: A tamp system includes a plurality of tamps, each of which includes an elongated body having a stepped outer surface. The body has a diameter and a longitudinal axis, wherein the diameter decreases from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The stepped outer surface includes a plurality of steps each having a distal-facing surface and a side-facing surface. Each tamp is adapted for compacting morsellized bone matter in a canal in a bone. The compacted bone matter can be used to resize the canal for a new prosthesis in a prosthesis revision surgery.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis system includes first and second components that are joinable to one another in a manner to permit axial rotation of one component relative to the other component while achieving axial securement of the two components. In one embodiment the joint prosthesis system is a knee joint prosthesis and the two components are a tibial tray and a tibial bearing insert. The tibial bearing insert includes a mating stem that has one or more positive surface features on its exterior surface. The positive surface features mate with axial slot(s) formed in a mating cavity of the tibial tray to enable insertion of the mating stem within the mating cavity. Upon insertion the positive surface features are engaged by a circumferential groove disposed distally of the axial slot(s). Misalignment of the positive surface features and the axial slot(s) enables proper orientation of the tibial tray and tibial bearing insert, and provides axial securement of the two components.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis has a growth enhancement coating recessed in and protected by its surface topography. The topographic features define gaps under a few millimeters which are readily spanned by new bone growth, while the features protect the coating from abrasion or physical damage. The topographic features substantially surround the coated regions, and prevent migration of flakes spalled during implantation or microparticles shed by the coating as it is resorbed or incorporated in new bone over time. In a preferred embodiment, edge features cast in the surface of a metal prosthesis include dovetail, undercut or skewed faces which firmly interlock with newly-growing bone to form a strong and shear-free, substantially rigid attachment. The prosthesis may be cast in a mold having a complex surface interlock texture, and these molds may be mass produced by an iterative three-dimensional printing technique to build each mold up in layers in the form of a suitable casting negative.

Abstract: A uniaxial orthopaedic hinge (1000, 2000) has a substantially circular body forming a recessed housing (1022, 2022). A back plate (1006, 2006) has an extension into a stub arm (1004, 2004) for attaching to the arm of an orthosis and is fixed to the recessed housing (1022, 2022). A locking plate (1008, 2008) also has an extension into a stub arm (1002, 2002) and is disposed in a parallel manner between the recessed housing (1022, 2022) and the back plate (1006, 2006). The circular recessed housing (1022, 2022) is provided with a recess (1100, 2100) housing a lock actuator (1102, 2102) having a latching dog (1126, 2126) and also fitted with a biasing leaf spring (1104, 2104). The latching dog (1126, 2126) co-operates with a latching hole (1128, 2128) in the locking plate (1008, 2008) when the hinge (1000, 2000) is in the fully extended position.

Abstract: An augmentation system for an implantable bone prosthesis, such as a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis, includes an augmenting block having an aperture disposed therein. A collet having an expandable distal end, extending beyond one surface of the augmenting block, is positioned within the aperture. The proximal end of the collet includes a threaded cavity that receives a set screw which is adapted to communicate with the collet to expand and contract the collet. The distal end of the collet is adapted to fit within a mounting cavity of a joint prosthesis. With the augmenting block placed on the appropriate surface of the joint prosthesis, the distal end of the collet is positioned within the mounting cavity. Tightening of the set screw causes the distal end of the collet to expand, thus frictionally and/or mechanically engaging the interior walls of the mounting cavity to firmly secure the augmenting system to the prosthesis.

Abstract: A spacer includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an aperture open at the first end and at the second end. The spacer can be an element of a prosthetic joint component system that further includes a cement injection nozzle insertable through the aperture in the spacer and a sleeve disposable around at least a portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A cement restrictor is provided for creating a fixed obstruction within a bone. An exemplary cement restrictor includes a member or body that is expandable or transitionable from a first diameter to a second diameter.

Abstract: A tool for measuring tissue tension during joint surgery has a tissue gripping end and a measurement assembly. The tool is preferably configured as a pair of tongs, with a mechanism that fixes the tongs to grip tissue with its tissue gripping end while the measurement assembly measures the tension in, or spreading force applied on the tissue gripped therein. In use, the joint is moved through a range of motion while the tool is attached, and the measurement assembly displays changes in tissue tension due to movement of the joint. A prototype tool implemented as a pair of tongs has tissue-gripping pincer points that are held closed by a ratchet bar assembly. The ratchet bar assembly is a telescoping cross bar which moves against the restraining force of an extension spring to register the spreading force exerted on the pincer arms by the tissue under tension.

Abstract: A prosthetic stem inserter device includes an elongate rod member having a handle portion and an elongate rod member having a distal portion which has a plurality of surface features formed thereon which define a series of predetermined stem insertion depths. The device further includes a depth guide member having a proximal portion removably and replaceably engageable with the surface features on the elongate rod member. A distal, bone engaging portion of the depth guide member protrudes beyond a distal end of the elongate rod member. The depth guide member includes a mounting plate having a substantially hemispherical opening slot therein and a pair of distally extending prong elements. Each prong element has a first, longitudinally extending portion and a second portion that is angled with respect to the first portion. The second portion is adapted for contacting a plane of calcar bone in a prepared femoral cavity when a femoral stem is inserted into the cavity.

Abstract: An augmentation system for an implantable bone prosthesis, such as a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis, includes an augmenting block having an aperture disposed therein. A collet having an expandable distal end, extending beyond one surface of the augmenting block, is positioned within the aperture. The proximal end of the collet includes a cavity that receives an expansion pin that is adapted to communicate with the collet to expand the collet. The distal end of the collet is adapted to fit within a mounting cavity of a joint prosthesis. With the augmenting block placed on the appropriate surface of the joint prosthesis, the distal end of the collet is positioned within the mounting cavity. Advancement of the expansion pin causes the distal end of the collet to expand, thus frictionally and/or mechanically engaging the interior walls of the mounting cavity to firmly secure the augmenting system to the prosthesis.

Abstract: An orthopedic reaming instrument has a generally cylindrical housing having a first end and an opposed second end, an elongate shaft extending from the first end and a removable and replaceable cutting disc disposed at the second end. The housing has a slot defined in the second end that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the instrument and divides the second end into two spaced apart wall members having arcuate outer surfaces and opposed spaced apart inner surfaces. The cutting disc has at least one cutting edge disposed thereon and is shaped so as to mate with the wall members. A removable and replaceable drill bit may also be provided which extends from a bore in the slot through an aperture in the cutting disc.

Abstract: A modular system for hybrid fixation of a joint prosthesis into a bone cavity includes a sleeve having a bore therethrough. The sleeve is cementable within the bone cavity. A prosthetic component is insertable into the bore of the sleeve. The prosthetic component is retained within the sleeve and secured to the bone without cement.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular system of components used as bone preparation tools and trial prosthesis components. The system includes a trial tibial tray bearing element that mounts upon a prepared tibia, a punch bushing that serves the purpose of a trial tibial stem and helps to guide a tibial punch through the tibia. The trial template element, the punch bushing and the tibial punch can remain in position on the patient's tibia while one or more trial tibial bearing inserts or samples are attached thereto to determine the proper fit and orientation of a prosthesis.

Abstract: A surgical milling and guide system for use with hip prosthesis trial components includes a mounting member and a guide member which are spaced apart in adjustable increments. The guide member include a milling assembly which is rotatably and slidably translatable with respect to the mounting member. The system further includes a mounting rod for attachment to a femoral proximal sleeve. Various adjustment options are possible for the device to conform to different size prosthetic components such as the proximal sleeve.

Abstract: A patella clamping device includes a handle portion and a clamp portion. The clamp comprises at least two jaw members that are pivotally joined to one another in a scissors-like orientation. A ratchet mechanism is associated with the device to ensure locking of the clamp in the closed position. A guide mechanism is also provided with the device to ensure a vertical, coaxial closing action of the clamp element.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis system includes first and second components that are joinable to each other in a manner to inhibit the second component from withdrawing from the first component. The prosthesis system includes a securing mechanism that has at least one first surface feature (e.g. a negative surface feature), located on the first component, and at least one second surface feature (e.g. a positive surface feature) located on the second component. The first and second surface features are engageable so that, upon engagement, the second component is axially secured to the first component and the second component is able to rotate with respect to the first component. Preferably, the first surface feature and the second surface feature are adapted and dimensioned to engage and form a snap fit arrangement. In one embodiment, the joint prosthesis system is a knee joint prosthesis and the two components are a tibial tray and a tibial bearing insert.

Abstract: A modular prosthesis attachment mechanism which uses a special bolt that provides an attachment position that is not directly over the hole or recess used to capture the head of the bolt. Thus, the attachment mechanism can be used with one location hole on a prosthesis and provide multiple augmentation locations just by offering multiple bolts with varying offsets. The use of a washer-like support may also be required to help redistribute the forces associated with the new attachment location. Thus, the invention is beneficial in knee replacement surgery requiring augmentation pieces. By providing the surgeon with a number of options to best place each piece, such as a stem, this mechanism can be helpful in meeting the needs of individual patients.