Abstract: Orthopedic implants which include the components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium or alternatively, other orthopedic implants comprising abrasion resistant surfaces contacting surfaces of cross-linked polyethylene are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in other implant devices as well. The implants also find use as vertebral disc prostheses.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a high dielectric material and at least one conductor arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in use, the high dielectric material is disposed between the conductor and target tissue. A second conductor is arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in use, the high dielectric material is disposed between the second conductor and target tissue. Each conductor includes a plurality of conductive fingers interleaved, e.g. in a comb-like fashion or as concentric circles. A method for performing electrosurgery includes delivering energy to a target tissue through a high dielectric material. The electrosurgery includes, e.g., ablation, coagulation, or the treatment of skin lesions.

Abstract: Bone plates with an upper surface, a bone contacting surface, and at least one hole extending through the upper and bone contact surfaces are disclosed. A hole interchangeably accepts a compression screw for compression of a fracture and a locking screw that threads into the bone plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a set of trial prosthesis instrumentation for use in trial fitting of a medical implant such as a femoral hip prosthesis. The two piece set provides a combined bipolar and unipolar trial prosthesis instrumentation and comprises an outer component and a inner component. The outer component comprises an exterior surface characterized by a substantially hemispherical shape to correspondingly mate with a joint socket and an interior surface characterized by a substantially hemispherical shape, and an inner component that comprises an exterior surface that comprises a surface and that is shaped to correspondingly mate with the interior surface of the outer component and an interior surface characterized by a substantially columnar shape that correspondingly mates with a prosthetic stem. Methods of use are also contemplated.

Abstract: A method of treating an intervertebral disc includes actively steering a heat-delivery device in two dimensions to a region of a treatment site within the intervertebral disc, and heating the region of the treatment site. A heating element of the heat-delivery device includes various configurations to provide a large heating profile in order to heat, and cause denervation at, substantially all of the region of the treatment site.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing hip replacement surgery are described. According to one embodiment, a method comprising providing an incision locator comprising a first wing and a second wing, the first wing adapted to be oriented generally along the femoral axis of a femur forming the hip on which the surgery is being conducted, positioning a proximal portion of the first wing adjacent to the greater trochanter, positioning other portions of first wing generally parallel to the femoral axis, indicating a proper placement of an incision based at least in part on the position of the second wing of the incision locator, performing an incision using at least one incision guide in at least one of the first and second wings, and completing the surgical procedure is described.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices related to prosthetic implants, including a device for preventing prosthetic components from separating from each other, and more specifically to an assembly for adapting a prosthetic component to receive a device for preventing an implant stem head from dislocating from a prosthetic component. Methods, systems and devices according to this invention seek to provide improved orthopedic prosthetic components and more specifically, improved constrained components that may be utilized with existing implanted prosthetic components. Liner assemblies and systems according to various embodiments of this invention may include an adapter component designed to link current prosthetic cup geometry to a constrained liner, while providing optimal range of motion and sufficient lever out.

Abstract: A surgical method includes positioning a fixation member relative to tissue, moving a flexible member coupled to the fixation member relative to the fixation member to bring two tissue surfaces together, and moving a retaining element coupled to the flexible member relative to the fixation member. The retaining element acts to limit loosening of the flexible member relative to the fixation member. An apparatus for repairing a tear in soft tissue includes first and second fixation members, a flexible member substantially immovably secured to the first fixation member and movably coupled to the second fixation member, and a retaining element coupled to the flexible member. In another embodiment, an apparatus for repairing a tear in soft tissue includes a fixation member, and a flexible member movably coupled to the fixation member. A first end of the flexible member is looped back and secured to the flexible member.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for use at a site within a body includes an inner portion and a sheath surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion defines an operative channel and an optical channel. The operative channel provides a path for fluid to or from the body site. The sheath defines a pressure-sensing channel and a fluid channel that provides a path for fluid to or from the body site. The pressure-sensing channel and the fluid channel are defined between the sheath and the inner portion. The pressure-sensing channel is configured to couple to a pressure sensor to sense pressure at the body site.

Abstract: One surgical device includes a first member and a second member defining a lumen for receiving the first member. The first member is configured to be movable relative to the second member to cut tissue. An electrical connector is physically and electrically coupled to the second member, to electrically couple the second member to a source of electricity. A tension device holds a distal region of the first member in electrical contact with a distal region of the second member. The first member includes a blade used both to cut tissue mechanically, and to coagulate cut tissue. The blade is electrically conductive and serves as an active electrode in a bipolar arrangement with a return electrode. Electrical energy is transferred to the blade through a point contact at a distal tip of the first and second members.

Abstract: Surgical instruments and methods are provided. In one aspect, a method of securing a fixation device within an opening in a tissue is provided, including delivering a material in a flowable state to said opening, and changing the state of the material so that the material forms an interference fit that secures the fixation device in the opening.

Abstract: An osteotome instrument for use in computer assisted surgery is disclosed. The instrument includes a shaft, a connector, a handle, and a cutter component. The handle has a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The cutter component is connected to the handle at the distal end portion. The connector is releasably connected to the handle at the proximal end portion, and the connector is adapted to rotate about the shaft relative to the handle. A fiducial for tracking is connected to the connector.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: The brightness of an actual image produced by an image sensor (e.g., CCD) of an electronic camera, is controlled with image size detection circuitry which, in response to electrical signals received from the electronic camera, determines an actual image area occupying a total image area of the image sensor. A control signal, based on the actual image area, is generated and sent to the electronic camera for controlling the electronic shutter.

Abstract: An acetabular shell liner having a variable rim surface geometry, which improves range of motion of the femoral component within the liner and decreases the incidence of dislocation and subluxation, and methods of making and using the acetabular shell liner. Prosthetic devices, more particularly hip joint prostheses, containing the acetabular shell liner having a variable rim surface geometry are also provided.

Abstract: A modular prosthesis for replacement of a joint articulating surface of a bone, where the modular prosthesis generally comprises a head with a recessed socket, an elongate stem, and a connecting member including a patrix member having a generally spherical surface and adapted to be attached to an end of the stem and to be received in the head, and a locking member adapted to lock the head to the stem in a desired orientation; a system for use in surgical repair of a joint including a selection of components for assembling the modular implant prosthesis, a selection of components for assembling a trial prosthesis, and a transfer device for arranging the components of the implant prosthesis in the same orientation as the components of the trial prosthesis; and methods of using the modular prosthesis and system of the invention.

Abstract: An acetabular shell liner having a variable rim surface geometry, which improves range of motion of the femoral component within the liner and decreases the incidence of dislocation and subluxation, and methods of making and using the acetabular shell liner. Prosthetic devices, more particularly hip joint prostheses, containing the acetabular shell liner having a variable rim surface geometry are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for identifying sterilized medical devices located within a sealed sterilization case in preparation for a surgical procedure. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are connected to the medical device and communicate information via radio frequency to an RFID tag reader located on the outside of the sealed sterilization case. The reader is in electrical or wireless communication with a database. The reader sends the information obtained from the RFID tags to the database where it is compared with the information in the database. The results may be displayed on the interface thereby providing the user with information about the medical instruments contained in the sealed sterilization case without breaking the seal of the sealed sterilization case.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: An endoscopic system for internal inspection of an object includes an endoscope extending along a longitudinal axis between a distal end to be inserted into the object and a proximal end and an illumination assembly attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. The illumination assembly includes a solid-state light source. The endoscopic system also includes an optical system positioned distally from the solid-state light source to receive and convey light to the distal end.