Abstract: A tibial resection guide alignment apparatus (10) includes an elongated base member (12) and structure connected to the base member for connecting the base member about a patient's tibia in an operating position adjacent to the anterior side of the surgically exposed tibial plateau. When connected in the operating position, a depth adjustment axis (D) associated with the base member (12) extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the patient's tibia. A carriage member (16) is slideably mounted on the elongated base member (12) so that its position may be adjusted along the depth adjustment axis. A depth adjustment mechanism (22) associated with the base member (12) and carriage member (16) provides fine adjustment to position the carriage member along the depth adjustment axis and then fix the carriage member in a desired position along the depth adjustment axis.

Abstract: A prosthetic socket implant installation apparatus and method combines holding, impacting, and aligning functions in a modular device. The apparatus comprises an installation tool that firmly engages a feature around the inner rim of a prosthetic socket implant so that the shell does not disengage during the installation process. An implant engaging arrangement on the installation tool is capable of extending to properly engage and hold implants in a broad range of sizes. The tool provides both axial and angular alignment references to facilitate the correct alignment of a prosthetic socket implant during installation. A mechanically isolated impacting rod slideably attaches within an opening along the longitudinal axis of the tool thus facilitating impact at the proper location and angle and allowing the alignment and impacting to be performed by one person.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant for joint structures includes a shell, a head adapted to be secured to a bone leading to the joint structure in which the implant is to be used, an insert member adapted to be received in the shell and also adapted to receive the head, and a locking arrangement associated with the shell. The locking arrangement is adapted for releasably locking the insert member and head received therein in a receptacle in the shell. The locking arrangement preferably includes a ring of resilient material having an opening along part of its circumference for enabling the ring to resiliently expand and collapse. The ring is received in a groove inside the shell receptacle. As the insert member and head received therein are inserted into the shell, the ring expands into the groove allowing the insert member to pass. Once the insert member is fully received in the shell the ring snaps back to contact the insert member and retain it in the shell.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical broach during a surgical broaching procedure comprises a handle body with a handle bearing surface formed on one end of the body, an elastically deformable link member, and a loading arrangement connected to the handle body. The loading arrangement is adapted to apply a tensile connecting force on the link member and the link member is adapted to apply the connecting force to the broach to be connected to the handle. The connecting force applied to the broach by the link member pulls the broach toward the handle body with the handle bearing surface mating with a corresponding bearing surface formed on the broach. The broach includes a latch surface by which the connecting force is applied to the broach with the link member.

Abstract: A tibial prosthetic implant includes a base or base plate with an offset tibial stem. The base includes an inferior surface adapted to abut a resected surface of a patient's tibia and forms a base for articulating surfaces adapted to articulate with the patient's femoral condyles. The longitudinal center axis of the tibial stem extends from the inferior surface of the base and is offset from a center of the base. The offset places the stem in position to extend into the central canal of the tibia so that it does not substantially interfere with the cortical bone when the inferior surface of the base substantially abuts and aligns with the resected surface of the tibia.