Abstract: A one-piece knotless suture anchor with a breakaway distal tip is disclosed. The suture anchor includes a thin section connecting a distal anchor portion and proximal anchor portion. The thin section has a cutaway geometry allowing it to break in a repeatable manner. Force from a driver breaks the thin section connecting the distal and proximal anchor portions. The proximal anchor portion slides distally over the elongated member (either distal or proximal to the distal eyelet) and a repair suture is pinched between the distal and proximal anchor portions, or in between the bone tunnel walls and outer diameter of the sleeve, thereby fixing the repair suture in place without tying an arthroscopic knot.

Abstract: Examples of a suture anchor (100) having a non-expandable body (105) and expendable cap (110) are described herein. In response to an axial insertion force that brings the non-expandable body and expendable cap together inside a bone hole, the expendable cap expands radially. This creates a radial force of expansion that advantageously augments an interference fit between the suture anchor and bone hole, which leads to higher fixation strength. Other examples include retention features that inhibit the expendable cap from returning back into its unexpanded state. This advantageously maintains the radial force of expansion against the surrounding pressure of the walls of the bone hole pressing back on the suture.

Abstract: Endoscopic systems and methods that provide wireless power transmission from a camera head to at least one solid-state light source housed in an endoscopic device. The endoscopic systems and methods employ a multi-stage electromagnetic induction coupling mechanism that can wirelessly transfer power from the camera head to an endocoupler, as well as from the endocoupler to the solid-state light source, while allowing axial rotational motion of at least the camera head, the endocoupler, and/or the endoscopic device relative to one another.

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: 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: A system and method for internal pelvic fixation. Guide wires can be inserted through guides and opposing sides of a pelvic bone, and can indicate a depth for driving bone screws into the pelvic bone. Offset rod tools positioned about each guide can assist in determining an offset distance between an implant rod and the pelvic bone. A template rod may be coupled to the offset rod tools and used to select a length for the implant rod. Clamps can be coupled to the bone screws, the clamps having multiple axes of rotation, the angular positions of the clamps being secured by the tightening of a single nut of each clamp. Joysticks used to tighten the nuts can be coupled to a reduction holder mechanism that can decrease at least an axial distance between the clamps, and thus pelvic bones, before locking of the clamps via tightening of the nuts.

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: An assembly and method are disclosed. The assembly includes an orthopaedic implant and an active compression member. The implant has a compression screw hole with a step and the active compression member includes an outer tube and an inner slide. The tube and slide allow the proximal end portion and the distal end portion to move relative to one another. The method includes inserting a guide wire, placing a drill over the guide wire and drilling into a femur, tapping the drilled hole, using a compression device to reduce the fracture using the orthopaedic implant step, and inserting one or more active compression members into the tapped hole.

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: 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: 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: Apparatus and a method for the provision of TNP therapy to a wound are described, the apparatus comprising: a sealing membrane (504) for covering a wound to form a wound cavity (500); one end of an aspirant conduit (522) operably associated with the wound cavity, vacuum means (524) provided at a distal end of the aspirant conduit for applying a vacuum to the wound cavity; and, air bleed means (510) in fluid communication with the wound cavity. Various embodiments of air bleed port members are also described.

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: 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: 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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.

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.