Abstract: A total knee replacement system including a distal femoral knee replacement component and a tibial component having a bearing surface and a tibial post with a posterior surface, wherein the distal femoral knee replacement component includes a body having a pair of medial and lateral condylar protrusions and an intercondylar region therebetween dimensional to receive the tibial post, the body further having a cam mechanism bridging the intercondylar region, the cam mechanism having a least a first, second and third cam surface areas, with each having a convex shape in the sagittal plane with different centers of radius wherein none of cam surface areas engage the posterior surface of the tibial post when the knee is in extension and wherein the cam mechanism includes at least one concave cam surface area between at least two of the three convex cam surface areas.

Abstract: A total knee replacement system includes a tibial component having a tibial post with a posterior portion, and a femoral component with medial and lateral condylar protrusions forming separated bearing surfaces configured to articulate with the tibial component. In one disclosed embodiment the posterior portion of the tibial post has a concave surface in the sagittal plane and a convex surface in the transverse plane, and the femoral component includes an intercondylar femoral cam mechanism configured to articulate with the posterior surface of the tibial post. The femoral cam mechanism may include an intercondylar bridging structure with distinct bars or interconnected structural elements providing convex and concave distal surfaces in the sagittal plane, and a concave surface in the transverse plane to facilitate rotation of the femoral component relative to the tibial component in the transverse plane.

Abstract: A proximal femoral prosthesis minimizes impingement, thereby affording an enhanced range of motion as compared to existing devices. The central portion of the neck of a prosthesis according to the invention is oriented distally relative to a straight line drawn between the ball portion and a point of interconnection to the exposed portion of the stem. Such a configuration reduces impingement in flexion/internal rotation and extension/external rotation, assuming an appropriately placed acetabular component. In the preferred embodiment, the neck is curved between the head and the neck. In alternative embodiments, the neck may be provided in straight and/or modular segments. The invention is compatible with neck-shaft angles, offsets, head sizes, and other dimensions commonly designated with respect to available implants.

Abstract: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disposed for maintaining the proper positioning of a prosthetic implant having proximal and distal ends within a prepared bone cavity during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means, implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, while second stabilization means, physically separate from the means for minimizing lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, minimize both the lateral movement of the proximal end of the implant and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means includes an apertured cap removably securable to the end of a bone having the prepared cavity through which the implant is inserted and held in place.

Abstract: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.

Abstract: A surgical drape provides a volume to accommodate radiological equipment such as a C-arm x-ray device without pulling the bottom of the drape up which could otherwise interrupt the sterile field. In one preferred embodiment, the space is created with pleated or gathered section, which receives the equipment as it is brought up laterally without lifting any portion of the material overall. A different embodiment of the invention includes a tunnel or tent formed in the material, generally without pleating. In this case, the tunnel or tent extends from the bottom of the drape to or above a patient-contacting procedural area. As a further option, in either the pleated or shaped configurations, additional material may be included to form a slit to further shroud the radiological equipment when positioned for a medial-lateral exposure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disposed for maintaining the proper positioning of a prosthetic implant having proximal and distal ends within a prepared bone cavity during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means, implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, while second stabilization means, physically separate from the means for minimizing lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, minimize both the lateral movement of the proximal end of the implant and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means includes an apertured cap removably securable to the end of a bone having the prepared cavity through which the implant is inserted and held in place.

Abstract: Improved bone-cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. A body having an outer surface and an inner surface configured to be positioned against a bone surface to be modified includes one or more openings enabling a bone-cutting tool to be used though the body so as to perform resections beneath the inner surface. To stabilize the bone-cutting tool during the execution of a particular resection, the invention preferably further includes one of more guides which may be temporarily positioned relative to the upper surface of the body. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the body may be shaped to co-act in a joint as part of a trial reduction. For example, the outer surface may be shaped according to a natural proximal tibia, enabling a knee joint reduction to be performed prior to resection.

Abstract: A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action to facilitate a more normal rollback while inhibiting initial translation which could lead to increased wear and sub-optimal patella femoral mechanics. The inventive component preferably includes additional points of cam action, useable separately or together, to prevent early translation at the initiation of flexion, and a distinct point of cam action to prevent a dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which often occurs in cruciate-substituting designs. The preferred embodiment includes three distinct point of cam action. The first is preferably located substantially where existing cams are found, namely, at a point spaced apart a slight distance posteriorly relative to the post in full extension. A second point of cam action is located immediately adjacent the posterior aspect of the superior post to minimize and, ideally, prevent anterior translation at the initiation of flexion.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.

Abstract: A bone-modification device includes a plurality of cutting guides, wherein at least one of the guides is used to resect or otherwise modify a bone to receive a prosthetic element of a particular size, and one or more additional guides to modify or resect the bone in conjunction with a prosthetic element of a different size. In one disclosed example, the guides are configured to resect a distal femur so as to receive a femoral prosthesis in conjunction with knee-replacement surgery, wherein a plurality of guide sets are provided for anterior, posterior, and associated chamfer cuts for a plurality of differently sized femoral prosthesis. In this instance, the guide preferably features one or more sets of spaced-apart saw-receiving slots, including a first slot to resect the bone to receive a femoral prosthesis of a first size, and a second slot to resect the bone to receive a femoral prosthesis of a second size, different from the first.

Abstract: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.

Abstract: A humeral prosthesis features improved anatomic attachment areas for tendon or bone. In the preferred embodiment, in contrast to existing devices, at least one set of tendon/bone attachment points are provided along a line, at least a portion of which is divergent with respect to the axis of the stem. One or more sets of attachment points may be further be provided along a line which is substantially parallel to the axis of the stem, resulting in a “T” “L” or “U” shape. Alternatively, attachment points having a changing degree of diversion with respect to the axis of the stem may be provided along a common, curved line. The attachment points may simply be apertures formed through the body of the implant though, in the preferred embodiment, the apertures are provided on raised tabs. An area of bone-ingrowth material may be provided adjacent the attachment points, and may include a separate fastening mechanism such as a threaded hole to receive a screw.

Abstract: A proximal femoral prosthesis minimizes impingement, thereby affording an enhanced range of motion as compared to existing devices. The central portion of the neck of a prosthesis according to the invention is oriented distally relative to a straight line drawn between the ball portion and a point of interconnection to the exposed portion of the stem. Such a configuration reduces impingement in flexion/internal rotation and extension/external rotation, assuming an appropriately placed acetabular component. In the preferred embodiment, the neck is curved between the head and the neck. In alternative embodiments, the neck may be provided in straight and/or modular segments. The invention is compatible with neck-shaft angles, offsets, head sizes, and other dimensions commonly designated with respect to available implants.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disposed for maintaining the proper positioning of a prosthetic implant having proximal and distal ends within a prepared bone cavity during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means, implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, while second stabilization means, physically separate from the means for minimizing lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, minimize both the lateral movement of the proximal end of the implant and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means includes an apertured cap removably securable to the end of a bone having the prepared cavity through which the implant is inserted and held in place.

Abstract: Modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus includes a generally cup-shaped portion adapted for fixation within a human pelvis and one or malleable extension arms adjustable in multiple dimensions. Each arm preferably includes one or more apertured sections spaced apart from one another by a necked-down section enabling each arm to be manipulated in three dimensions for intimate physical conformity with surrounding bone. The back surface of the generally cup-shaped portion may be adapted for a cemented or a non-cemented interface within a human pelvis; as such, the back surface may be adapted for porous bone in-growth. According to a disclosed method, the step of bending each arm in multiple dimensions may be carried out a part of a trial joint reduction. Various bending tools and techniques are also set forth.

Abstract: Modular acetabular reconstruction apparatus includes a generally cup-shaped portion adapted for fixation within a human pelvis and one or malleable extension arms adjustable in multiple dimensions. Each arm preferably includes one or more apertured sections spaced apart from one another by a necked-down section enabling each arm to be manipulated in three dimensions for intimate physical conformity with surrounding bone. The back surface of the generally cup-shaped portion may be adapted for a cemented or a non-cemented interface within a human pelvis; as such, the back surface may be adapted for porous bone in-growth. According to a disclosed method, the step of bending each arm in multiple dimensions may be carried out a part of a trial joint reduction. Various bending tools and techniques are also set forth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitate the positioning of a prosthetic element relative to a bone so as to achieve a desired orientation. An anchoring unit rigidly attaches to a point of the bone surrounding a region associated with receiving the prosthetic element, and at least one structural member is used to physically couple the prosthetic element to the anchoring unit. The combination of the anchoring unit and structural member includes one or more fasteners which may be loosened to temporarily remove the prosthetic element once a desired orientation is achieved, while facilitating re-installation of the element in accordance with the desired orientation following the temporary removal. In a preferred embodiment, the prosthetic element is an acetabular implant, and the surrounding bone forms part of a human pelvis. Regardless of the application, the element may take the form of a trial or a final implant.

Abstract: A proximal femoral prosthesis minimizes impingement, thereby affording an enhanced range of motion as compared to existing devices. The central portion of the neck of a prosthesis according to the invention is oriented distally relative to a straight line drawn between the ball portion and a point of interconnection to the exposed portion of the stem. Such a configuration reduces impingement in flexion/internal rotation and extension/external rotation, assuming an appropriately placed acetabular component. In the preferred embodiment, the neck is curved between the head and the neck. In alternative embodiments, the neck may be provided in straight and/or modular segments. The invention is compatible with neck-shaft angles, offsets, head sizes, and other dimensions commonly designated with respect to available implants.