Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for maintaining the proper positioning of an implant (310, 504) within a prepared bone cavity (312) during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means (340, 480), implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the implant distal end, while second stabilization means (330, 334, 406, 404), physically separate from the first stabilization means (340, 480), minimize both the lateral movement of the implant proximal end and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means (330, 334) includes an aperture cap (334) removable securable to the end of a prepared bone. This cap (334), preferably further includes first and second ports (322, 336) associated, respectively, with cement injection and cement over-pressurization.

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: 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 reduction-based orthopedic system facilitates the installation of a properly oriented prosthetic component of the type having an articulating surface adapted to co-act in a joint. A trialing component attachable to an anchoring unit includes an articulating surface corresponding to that of the prosthetic component, enabling a desired orientation to be established through a trial reduction. A cutting guide is provided which is physically indexed to the trialing component and the prosthesis, such that when the bone is modified using the guide, the prosthetic component automatically assumes the desired orientation. The apparatus invention may further include apparatus for locking the trialing component into place upon establishing the desired orientation, with the anchoring unit being rigidly coupleable to the anchoring unit bone through attachment to the trialing component in locked position. In an alternative configuration, the bone-cutting guide is coupleable to the anchoring unit through direct attachment.

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: 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: Guide means direct a cutting tool into the interface between a prosthesis and surrounding bone are provided to bring about a more controlled separation and removal thereof for revision or other purposes. Such guides may be placed on the prosthetic element itself or, alternatively, on a separate component aligned with the prosthesis. In the particular case of a stemmed prosthesis such as a proximal femoral component, the invention preferably provides one or more tracks, channels, grooves or slots longitudinally oriented along the stem of the implant, enabling an osteotome, for example, to be inserted thereinto and tapped down along the side of the implant between the prosthesis and the surrounding bone to bring about a cleaner and more controlled separation.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Apparatus and methods are disclosed to hold a bone piece in position relative to a host bone for attachment or re-attachment purposes. A body having a plurality of claws extending therefrom engages with the bone piece, at least one of the claws including a mechanism facilitating a first position wherein the claw is opened to fit onto the bone piece and a second position wherein the claw is actively urged into the bone piece. Depending upon the embodiment, the mechanism may include a claw-bearing member having one or more barbs, a claw-bearing member having teeth that engage with a gear, or a threaded post having a pointed end which is tightened through a portion of the body and locked into a desired position with the point actively urged into the bone.

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.