Abstract: A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action by either distinct bars or interconnected structural elements such as cam extensions to prevent early translation of the knee or dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which can occur in cruciate-substituting designs.

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.