Abstract: The invention includes a method and system for intra-operative navigation of a joint replacement operation, without recourse to pre-operative imagery of pre-operative computerized simulations. Trackable markers and a locating system are employed to track first and second bones. A computer receives positional information regarding the trackable markers and calculates (predicts) at least one suggested combination of components of a modular implant system to produce a desired post-operative skeletal relationship.

Abstract: A replacement device for resurfacing a joint surface of a femur and a method of making and installing such a device is provided. The custom replacement device is designed to substantially fit the trochlear groove surface, of an individual femur. Thereby creating a “customized” replacement device for that individual femur and maintaining the original kinematics of the joint. The replacement device may be defined by four boundary points, and a first and a second surface. The first of four points is 3 to 5 mm from the point of attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament to the femur. The second point is near the bottom edge of the end of the natural articulatar cartilage. The third point is at the top ridge of the right condyle and the fourth point at the top ridge of the left condyle of the femur.

Abstract: A cable retaining device is suitable for retaining flexible cables at high load tensions. The device includes: a body including a void having a width that tapers from a wider rearward end to a narrower forward end; and a wedge shaped plug, capable of slidable insertion at least partially into said void. The wedge and the plug define at least one channel between them, said channel capable of receiving a cable. The channel is tapered from a narrower rearward orifice to a wider forward orifice. The invention also includes a system of the cable retaining device together with a high-tension polymer cable, said system suitable for surgical use. Furthermore, the invention includes the method of fastening cable with the cable retaining device of the invention. In one embodiment the device retains a looped cable by engaging two cable ends.

Abstract: A replacement device for resurfacing a joint surface of a femur and a method of making and installing such a 5 device is provided. The custom replacement device is designed to substantially fit the trochlear groove surface, of an individual femur. Thereby creating a “customized” replacement device for that individual femur and maintaining the original kinematics of the joint. The replacement device may be defined by four boundary points, and a first and a second surface. The first of four points is 3 to 5 mm from the point of attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament to the femur. The second point is near the bottom edge of the end of the natural articulatar cartilage. The third point is at the top ridge of the right condyle and the fourth point at the top ridge of the left condyle of the femur.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongated cannula having a forward expulsion end and a rearward breach end, arranged to include a bio-compatible material; a drive member arranged to urge the bio-compatible material in a reciprocating motion having two alternating phases; and a directional brake disposed to contact the bio-compatible material. The directional brake has a preferred braking direction for resisting motion of the bio-compatible material. The preferred braking direction of the directional brake is oriented to resist retreat of said material during the retreating phase and to allow advance of said material during the advancing phase, thus producing a net advance of the material to expel it from the expulsion end. The directional brake is disposed nearer to the expulsion end than the breach end of the instrument, to prevent undesired axial compression of the bio-compatible material during ejection.

Abstract: A replacement device for resurfacing a joint surface of a femur and a method of making and installing such a device is provided. The custom replacement device is designed to substantially fit the trochlear groove surface, of an individual femur. Thereby creating a “customized” replacement device for that individual femur and maintaining the original kinematics of the joint. The replacement device may be defined by four boundary points, and a first and a second surface. The first of four points is 3 to 5 mm from the point of attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament to the femur. The second point is near the bottom edge of the end of the natural articulatar cartilage. The third point is at the top ridge of the right condyle and the fourth point at the top ridge of the left condyle of the femur.

Abstract: The invention includes: a locating system; a computer, interfaced to the locating system and interpreting the positions of tracked objects in a generic computer model of a patient's hip geometry; a software module, executable on the computer, which defines the patient's pelvic plane without reference to previously obtained radiological data, by locating at least three pelvic landmarks; and a pelvic tracking marker, fixable to the pelvic bone and trackable by the locating system, to track in real time the orientation of the defined pelvic plane. Preferably, the system also includes a femoral tracking marker, securely attachable to a femur of the patient by a non-penetrating ligature and trackable by the locating system to detect changes in leg length and femoral offset.

Abstract: The invention includes: a locating system; a computer, interfaced to the locating system and interpreting the positions of tracked objects in a generic computer model of a patient's hip geometry; a software module, executable on the computer, which defines the patient's pelvic plane without reference to previously obtained radiological data, by locating at least three pelvic landmarks; and a pelvic tracking marker, fixable to the pelvic bone and trackable by the locating system, to track in real time the orientation of the defined pelvic plane. Preferably, the system also includes a femoral tracking marker, securely attachable to a femur of the patient by a non-penetrating ligature and trackable by the locating system to detect changes in leg length and femoral offset.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of quickly and easily grasping and releasing a graft. The apparatus includes a sleeve with an opening through the axis of the sleeve. Within the opening of the sleeve is a shaft with a jaw on one end, and a threaded end on the opposite end. The sleeve has a square tip end that is adjacent to the jaw of the shaft. Furthermore, the shaft near the jaw has a square cross-section so that the shaft is substantially prevented from rotating but allowed to move axially along the opening of the sleeve. A knob is also rotatably coupled to the opening of the sleeve on the opposite end of the tip end. The knob has a protruding end which has an outer thread on the surface of the protruding end and a center thread. The outer thread of the protruding end is adapted to rotatably couple to the opening on the sleeve, and the center thread of the protruding end is adapted to rotatably couple to the threaded end of the shaft.

Abstract: The cranial cover can form a contoured surface to conform to a patient's cranium. The cover is an array of generally evenly spaced screw-receiving openings. Arms extend between the screw-receiving openings from one screw-receiving opening to the adjacent screw-receiving openings. The centerline of each arm is angled to the center of the screw-receiving openings between which the arm extends. The four arms of four adjacent screw-receiving openings create a rhombus shaped central opening.

Abstract: The burr hole cover includes a thin plate having radial arms in an exemplary embodiment. Each arm has a distal end opening for receiving a fastener for attaching the plate to the cranium. An enlarged access passageway through the plate, preferably at the plate's center provides a passageway for an intracranial monitoring tube. The passageway is elongated to allow the tube to pass through the burr hole cover at a gentle angle.

Abstract: The metal shell of an acetabular cup has holes that allow a surgeon to screw the shell to pelvic bone. To prevent the debris of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene ("UHMWPE") or other plastic liner in the shell from migrating through the holes, the present invention seals each screw-receiving hole with a thin UHMWPE disc. The disc snaps into an annular groove in the hole. With the disc in place, debris from the liner does not pass through the screw holes.

Abstract: The tool of the present invention comprises a stem. Cutting teeth extend outward from the stem. The stem has a central, longitudinal passage, connects to a suction or evacuation line. An outlet of the passage is at or near the cutting site. As material is cut, the suction carries the material to the central passage where it is evacuated. In one embodiment, each tooth has a cutting edge and a back side. One or more tubes connect the central passage to the back side of the cutting teeth. Suction from the central passage acts on the tubes to create suction at the cutting site. In another embodiment, the central passage is open at the distal end of the tool. Suction at the distal end cut material toward the distal end of the tool and into the central passage where it is evacuated from the tool.