Abstract: A method for intraoperatively measuring joint contact mechanics of a patient's joint is provided. The method includes inserting a sensor between first and second bones of a joint. Then a predetermined force is applied to one of the first and second bones. Afterwards, contact mechanics such as, contact stresses, contact areas and/or forces are measured between the first and second bones in response to the applied predetermined force.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for assisting cartilage diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and includes the steps of acquiring 3D osteocartilaginous parameters by using multimodal 3D tracked devices; incorporating these parameters into a volumic anatomic osteocartilaginous model from which a bone tracking virtual real-time environment is built; three-dimensionally computing an osteocartilaginous quality score from this multiparametric 3D osteocartilaginous model; providing real-time navigation in this 3D virtual environment in order to make ongoing therapeutic assessments and adjustments; and updating steps 1 to 3 according to the performed therapy. It will be appreciated that the above steps are compatible with arthroscopic procedures involving cartilage.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating a subject with an EGFR dependent pathology. The method comprises the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent (“First Agent”) that decreases the biological activity of iRhom1 and an effective amount of an agent (“Second Agent”) that decreases the biological activity of iRhom2. Alternatively, the method comprises the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of an agent (“First Agent”) that modulates formation of a complex between iRhom 1 and TACE and an effective amount of an agent (“Second Agent”) that modulates formation of a complex between TACE and iRhom2. Also disclosed are assays for identifying such agents.

Abstract: A customized unicompartmental tibial cutting guide for orthopedic surgery is provided. The tibial cutting guide includes a first mating surface having a customized patient-specific negative contour to match a corresponding contour of an anterior region of a tibia of a patient and a second mating surface extending transverse to the first mating surface to a midpoint of a tibial plateau of a medial or lateral condyle of the tibia. The second mating surface includes a customized patient-specific negative contour to match a corresponding contour of a mid-region of the tibial plateau of the medial or lateral condyle. The second mating surface is limited to a region between an intercondyloid eminence and a lateral or medial edge of the tibial plateau. The tibial cutting guide also includes a first cutting guide surface and a second cutting guide surface positioned transverse to the first cutting guide surface.

Abstract: A multi-catheter infusion system and method for the localized delivery of medications while minimally affecting patient mobility for an extended period of time. The multi-catheter infusion system includes a cannula and a plurality of catheters. The cannula includes a first end for connecting to a drug delivery system and a second end for connecting to the plurality of catheters. The plurality of catheters are in fluid communication with the cannula for delivering a drug to a target area of a patient. Each catheter includes a multi-orifice distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating motions of a joint is provided that is designed for determining stability of an anatomical joint. The apparatus includes a support frame, a fixation assembly for securing a first body segment of a joint, and a displacement assembly mounted to the support frame. The fixation assembly includes an axis of rotation movable relative to the support frame. The displacement assembly includes a first frame pivotably mounted to the support frame and rotatably connected to a first end of the fixation assembly, and a second frame pivotably mounted to the support frame and rotatably connected to a second end of the fixation assembly.

Abstract: This invention related to methods and assays for screening for, identifying, and predicting the severity and clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Specifically, this invention provides various biomarkers for the prediction of flares of the disease both in number and severity, as well as clinical manifestations of the disease, and methods of using these biomarkers to correctly subclassify patients with this disease, and prescribe appropriate treatment. The invention also provides for biomarkers of lupus disease activity, i.e., flares, as well as biomarkers for the prediction of future flares, and methods of using these biomarkers. The invention also provides, in these biomarkers, targets and methods for drug development and basic research for SLE.

Abstract: Improved instruments (tools) and surgical techniques are provided for use in surgical procedures that treat femoroacetabular impingement of both the Cam and Pincer types.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for creating a computer model of a patient specific joint for treatment planning. The method includes identifying a ligament of a joint of a patient under a load at a predefined position of the joint. The method further includes constructing, with the use of a computer, a computer model of the joint of the patient having: a first bone model, a second bone model, and a ligament model connecting the first and second bone models corresponding to the identified ligament, wherein the ligament model is constructed as at least one fiber based on a predefined slack length.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining 3D load displacement characteristics of an anatomical joint formed by a first body portion and a second body portion moveable with respect to the first body portion. The apparatus includes a first frame for receiving and securing the first body portion and a load displacement assembly. The load displacement assembly includes a first axis for alignment with a first anatomical plane of the joint, a second frame for receiving and securing the second body portion. The second frame is movable relative to the first frame. The load displacement assembly also includes a first counterweight configured to balance the weight of the second frame, a force for applying a load to the second frame, and a displacement sensor for measuring displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame upon application of the force.

Abstract: Patient specific shoulder component implant instruments are described for hemi and total, normal and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Abstract: A suture fixation device and method thereof is provided. The suture fixation device includes a suture fiber having a length of about 24 to 40 inches and a plurality of knots spaced apart from each other along the length of the suture fiber. Each of the plurality of knots has an overall width of about 3.0 to 4.0 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining 3D load displacement characteristics of an anatomical joint formed by a first body portion and a second body portion moveable with respect to the first body portion. The apparatus includes a first frame for receiving and securing the first body portion and a load displacement assembly. The load displacement assembly includes a first axis for alignment with a first anatomical plane of the joint, a second frame for receiving and securing the second body portion. The second frame is movable relative to the first frame. The load displacement assembly also includes a first counterweight configured to balance the weight of the second frame, a force for applying a load to the second frame, and a displacement sensor for measuring displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame upon application of the force.

Abstract: An implant having at least three components, namely, a solid hydrogel, a porous hydrogel adjacent to or surrounding the solid hydrogel (together considered “the hydrogel”), and a porous rigid base. The solid hydrogel and porous rigid base carry joint load, and the porous hydrogel layer and the porous rigid base allow for cellular migration into and around the implant. The invention is also a novel method of manufacturing the implant, a novel method of implanting the implant, and a method of treating, repairing or replacing biological tissue, more preferably musculoskeletal tissue, with the implant.

Abstract: A patient-specific acetabular guide for use in orienting an acetabular component with respect to an acetabulum of a patient as part of a surgical procedure includes a body having a bottom contact surface that has a portion that is shaped and configured to initimately receive and interlockingly mate with an acetabular notch of the patient's acetabulum in accordance with a three-dimensional image of the acetabulum of the specific patient. The three-dimensional image can be in the form of a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient's acetabulum that is constructed at least in part on 3D image data of the pelvic region of the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for total elbow replacement are provided to allow a surgeon to intraoperatively select a linked or unlinked constraint by utilizing a connection located on the body of the ulnar and/or humeral stem. Additional modularity also allows the selection of a cemented or cementless stem as described herein. The modularity and adjustability provides a number of advantages.

Abstract: A method for intraoperatively measuring joint contact mechanics of a patient's joint is provided. The method includes inserting a sensor between first and second bones of a joint. Then a predetermined force is applied to one of the first and second bones. Afterwards, contact mechanics such as, contact stresses, contact areas and/or forces are measured between the first and second bones in response to the applied predetermined force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to treat a grafts, implant, scaffold, and constructs, including allografts, xenografts, autografts, and prosthetics comprising collagen, with an inhibitor of collagen cross-links and/or advanced glycation endproducts (AGE), in order to alleviate the mechanical weakness induced by the cross-links. The invention also provides for kits for use in the operating theater during autograft, allograft or xenograft procedures, or for preparing allograft, xenografts or prosthetics that have not been already treated prior to packaging. The kit comprises a first agent or agents that inhibit collagen cross-links and/or advanced glycation endproducts, instructions for use, optionally a wash or rinse agent, and a device for containing the graft and first agent.

Abstract: Improved instruments (tools) and surgical techniques are provided for use in surgical procedures that treat femoroacetabular impingement of both the Cam and Pincer types.