Abstract: A surgical instrument including a reusable and sterilizable hub assembly and a releasably connectable disposable blade assembly allows multiple reuse of the hub assembly in conjunction with single use disposable blade assemblies.

Abstract: A system (200) and method (600) for identifying cutting tools for use during a surgical procedure are described. For example, the system includes a cutting tool assembly (210) including a shaft (212) having a cutting element (214) and at least one identifying feature (216) that uniquely corresponds to the cutting element. The system further includes a drive assembly (220) including a reference pin (224), a motor (230) mechanically connected to the drive assembly, a control unit (240) configured to activate the motor to move the cutting tool assembly such that the reference pin engages with the at least one identifying feature, a sensor system (226) configured to determine positioning information related to the reference pin when the reference pin engages the at least one identifying feature, and a computing unit (250) configured to receive the positioning information from the sensor system and identify the cutting element based upon the position information.

Abstract: In some implementations, a boot includes an outer shell having a first side and a second side located opposite the first side. The boot may include a retention strap. The boot may include a first one-way tensioning device coupled to the first side of the outer shell, where the first one-way tensioning device is configured to allow movement of the retention strap in a first direction and to restrain movement of the retention strap opposite the first direction. The boot may include a second one-way tensioning device coupled to the second side of the outer shell, where the second one-way tensioning device is configured to allow movement of the retention strap in a second direction and to restrain movement of the retention strap opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. Any of the implantable components may be include one or more porous surfaces. The porous surface may be textured by protrusions that connect to and extend from the surface. The sizes and concentration of the protrusions may be varied for specific applications to accommodate different implants and patient anatomies. A porous implant may also include one or more internal or external solid portions that strengthen the implant.

Abstract: Fixation devices for tissue repair, for example sutures, surgical arrows, staples, darts, bolts, screws, buttons, anchors, nails, rivets, or barbed devices comprise at least one of angiogenic material; angiogenic precursor material which is capable of breaking down in vivo to form angiogenic material; or tissue-engineered material, which tissue-engineered material is capable of producing angiogenic material. In a preferred form, the material is incorporated into a polymer matrix having predetermined hydrophobicity to allow controlled release of angiogenic materials such as butyric or hydroxybutyric acid or salts thereof. Polymer matrix compositions comprising angiogenic materials and methods for tissue repair are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for guiding placement, orientation, and fixation of an orthopedic implant. Examples include a surgical guide having a first surface structured to fit within a prosthetic cup, at least one guide hole through the first surface, and an alignment structure having a contour formed from data indicative of the patient anatomy. The contour of the alignment surface is complementary to a portion of the patient anatomy in a unique orientation that aligns the guide hole with tissue suitable for receiving a fastener. The alignment structure preferably includes an arm with a first end coupled to a rim of the guide and a second end coupled to the contour. In certain implementations, the guide includes a plurality of alignment structures. Further disclosed are methods of making and using a surgical guide for aligning an orthopedic implant.

Abstract: Retro guidewire reamers include a drill having a tubular shaft configured to be disposed over a guidewire and at least one cutting member movably disposed adjacent the distal end of the shaft. A slide actuator is moveably coupled to the shaft and to an actuator wire slidable along the shaft. The actuator wire is operative to move the at least one cutting member between a closed position and a deployed position when the slide actuator is moved along the shaft. The retro guidewire reamers include mechanisms to protect the mechanical joint between the actuator wire and the slide actuator which prevent the actuator wire from disengaging from the slide actuator when the cutting member is obstructed by a guidewire.

Abstract: Mechanical resection instruments with outflow control. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: receiving an indication of a first rotational mode of a mechanical resection instrument coupled to a motor of a motor drive unit (MDU); controlling rotation of the rotating portion of the mechanical resection instrument by controlling the motor, the controlling in conformance with the indication of the first rotational mode; setting a first outflow rate through the mechanical resection instrument based on the indication of the first rotational mode; drawing fluid through the mechanical resection instrument at the first outflow rate during a surgical procedure, the drawing by way of the pump controlled by the controller; sensing a parameter indicative of resection by the mechanical resection instrument; and changing a rate at which fluid is drawn through the mechanical resection instrument, the changing relative to the first outflow rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to the wound. The system can be configured to deliver negative pressure based at least on a sensed pressured in a fluid flow path connecting a pump of the pump assembly and the wound dressing. The sensed pressure can be sampled, in some embodiments, synchronous with operation of the pump and can be used for controlling the pump. Increased efficiency, diminished noise and vibration caused by operation of the pump, reduced in energy usage, and better comfort for the patient can be attained.

Abstract: A process according to certain embodiments includes generating a distal femur model including an intercondylar surface model, receiving information related to user-selected points on the intercondylar surface model, generating a datum line extending between the points, generating an axis line, and determining an AP axis based upon the axis line. Generating the axis line includes performing an axis line procedure including generating a plurality of planes along the datum line, generating a plurality of contours at intersections between the intercondylar surface model and the planes, generating saddle points at local extrema of the contours, and fitting the axis line to the saddle points. The process may further include generating an updated datum line based upon the axis line, and performing a subsequent iteration of the axis line procedure using the updated datum line.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to topical enzymatic wound debriding compositions with enhanced enzymatic activity. These compositions comprise a dispersed phase comprising at least one proteolytic enzyme and at least one hydrophilic polyol; and a continuous phase comprising a hydrophobic base.

Abstract: Wound dressings suitable for negative pressure wound therapy are disclosed. The wound dressings may include a body of porous material, the body of porous material may include a plurality of cuts which provide regions of flexibility within the body. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing and methods of using such wound dressings. In addition, such wound dressings can include a retaining mechanism removably coupled to the material and configured to retain the material in the expanded conformation.

Abstract: A suture anchor assembly including a suture anchor that incorporates a harder distal tip with a softer proximal body. The tip and body of the suture anchor are connected via a threaded plug, which also serves to connect the suture anchor to an inserter.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound via a fluid flow path. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure and to detect and indicate presence of conditions, such as a blockage in a fluid flow path. Monitoring of the conditions can be performed by detecting a level of activity of a pump of the pump assembly.

Abstract: A composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition including a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further including a ceramic layer. Also provided are orthopedic implants made from the composition, methods of making the composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants from the composition.

Abstract: A knotless anchor for attachment of tissue to bone includes a rigid anchor body and a suture extending there from. The suture is hollow and includes a fixed limb portion secured to the rigid anchor body. A soft suture tunnel extends in a longitudinal direction through the fixed limb portion of the suture. A free suture limb is passed through the tissue, back to the anchor, and through the soft suture tunnel, thereby creating a closable suture loop around the tissue. Tension applied to the free suture limb closes the suture loop, and approximates the tissue to the anchor body. When the anchor is deployed in a bone hole, external features of the anchor body grip the walls of the bone hole and simultaneously compress the suture, thereby preventing tissue pull-out. Anchor assemblies and methods of tissue fixation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for preparing a bone for implantation of a component of an orthopedic implant device. The system includes a forming tool having a sleeve member that is selectively received within a handle member. The sleeve member has a guide slot that is sized to receive axial passage of at least a portion of a guide. The guide slot and/or sleeve member may be positioned and/or configured to facilitate at least linear and/or rotational displacement of the forming tool about, or relative to, the guide, and thereby provide a degree of freedom in the location at which the forming tool may form a shape or opening in the bone relative to one or more reference axes. The handle member may include a connection member that is structured to be operably coupled to a bone preparation device that is structured to facilitate the displacement of bone material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to resection devices and methods. The resection device includes an outer tubular member; and an inner tubular member disposed within the outer tubular member, the inner tubular member including a burr having a body with flutes extending along a length of the body, the flutes including parabolic wave patterns located along surface edges of the flutes. In an embodiment, the parabolic wave patterns extend along entire lengths of the flutes. Other resection devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arthroscopic needle having partial cuts or serrations along one side of a circular, hollow needle shaft allows the needle to bend, or articulate, by drawing a pull strip bar, defined by a thin strip along the interior side closet to the serrations in the hollow shaft, for compressing along the cuts to draw uncut segments into closer arrangement for curving the needle in the direction of the compressed side. The selectively articulating, or “bendable” needle that curves in response to a rotating knob provides for insertion of surgical attachment anchors in difficult-to-reach areas of meniscal tissue. The disclosed articulating needle has the ability to bend and access more anterior and posterior zones of meniscal repairs than conventional rigid needle approaches.

Abstract: The disclosure provides examples of a surgical needle for entering a joint space through tissue, such as the hip joint. The surgical needle includes a stylet movable within a hollow body. The hollow body has at one end, a tip of a bevel for cutting tissue and at another end, a feedback member providing a surgeon with tactile feedback. The stylet has at one end, a resistance reducing member that when positioned a preset distance from the bevel reduces the resistance of the surgical needle through tissue. At the other end of the stylet is a stylet hub. In some examples of the surgical needle, the stylet hub includes a proximal stop, stylet locking member and/or locking member. The surgical needle advantageously provides tactile feedback, reduces resistance, and minimizes or prevents damage to delicate structures.