Abstract: Joint space interpositional prosthetic devices for positioning between surfaces of a joint in a patient are disclosed. The prosthetic device may have exterior surfaces affixed to the joint surfaces and may have internal surfaces which provide bearing surfaces. In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing surfaces are encapsulated within the device. The exterior surfaces of the device may include bone securement features to facilitate attachment of the prosthetic device to the joint surfaces.

Abstract: A patient-specific surgical guide for intra-operatively producing a patient-specific augment and a method for producing same are provided. The method includes planning a patient-specific augment using obtained patient imagery of a bone adapted to receive a prosthesis to determine a size and shape of the patient-specific augment corresponding to the bone, creating a model of the patient-specific augment having the determined size and shape, and providing a patient-specific surgical guide having cutting guide surfaces which are customized in position and orientation and configured to guide a surgical implement to form the patient-specific augment corresponding to the 3D model. The patient-specific surgical guide is then used intra-operatively create the augment corresponding to the 3D model.

Abstract: A cannula (10) receives surgical instruments (120) for performing a surgical procedure on a body (130). The cannula (10) comprises a tube structure (12) defining a passage (16) through which the surgical instruments (120) are inserted into the body (130). The tube structure (12) has a proximal end (20) and a distal end (62). The tube structure (12) includes an expandable portion (40) for enabling an increase in the cross-sectional area of the passage (16) at the distal end (62). The expandable portion (40) of the tube structure (12), when expanded, has a conical configuration.

Abstract: A surgical blade assembly for use with a driver includes a blade with a distal cutting portion, and a proximal end has a first dimension which is less than what is applicable for use with a specific driver head. An insert is affixed to the blade proximal end and, when affixed to the blade proximal end, is configured to enable the blade for use with the driver head. A surgical cutting tool includes such a surgical blade assembly and a driver head receiving the blade assembly. A surgical cutting tool kit includes a driver with a head for receiving the blade assembly, and a plurality of such surgical blade assemblies for use with the driver, wherein the blades have different thicknesses (a) and/or widths and the corresponding inserts are configured such that the proximal ends of the surgical blade assemblies all include at least one same constant dimension (b).

Abstract: A modular elbow prosthesis including an ulnar component and a humeral component. The ulnar component includes an ulnar head and an ulnar stem. The humeral component includes a humeral head and a humeral stem. The humeral component also includes a locking system for securing the humeral head onto the humeral stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral disk implant having two implant plates contacting prepared vertebral body surfaces in the implanted state and an implant core which can be introduced between the implant plates. The invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of an intervertebral disk implant.

Abstract: A surgical rotary cutting tool and guard assembly is provided in which the cutting tool has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end with an end effector at the distal end. The shaft includes at least one bearing mounted thereto intermediate the proximal and distal ends, the bearing having an inside dimension and the shaft having an outside dimension that provide for an interference fit between the bearing and the shaft. A tubular sleeve that serves as a guard houses the shaft, the sleeve having an inside dimension sized to slidably support the bearing.

Abstract: A bone plate system comprises a bone plate including a first surface and a second surface, the bone plate including at least one threaded aperture, the threaded aperture being tapered between the first surface and the second surface. The bone plate system further comprises at least one fastener including an elongate shaft and a threaded head, the threaded head being tapered between a proximal end of the threaded head and a distal end of the threaded head, wherein a plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses are formed in the threaded head and define a plurality of threaded tabs. The at least one fastener is configured for insertion within the at least one threaded aperture at a plurality of different insertion angles while achieving a locking engagement between the threaded head and the threaded aperture.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body, the device comprising: (a) a prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body that includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors mounted to the prosthesis; and (b) an electronics structure for receiving signals from the sensor array and wirelessly transmitting representative signals to a remote receiver, where the plurality of sensors are operative to sense pressure, applied to the prosthesis by another object, in at least two axes generally perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in chemical vapor infiltration processes and devices for depositing a biocompatible material onto a porous substrate to form an orthopedic implant. The substrate may be formed of reticulated vitreous foam and coated with tantalum, niobium, tungsten, or other biocompatible materials.

Abstract: The embodiments provide devices and methods that both strengthen the bone and stimulate the bone. Bone fractures or non-unions are stabilized, integrated or healed, which results in reduction of a bone defect, such as a bone marrow lesion or edema. In addition, the distribution of forces in a joint are restored or altered to relieve pain. In general, a joint is evaluated by taking an image of the joint and one or more subchondral defects are detected. At least one of the subchondral defects may be diagnosed as the source of pain and an extent of treatment for the subchondral defect is determined. The disclosed devices and techniques are particularly suited for treating chronic defects or injuries, where the patient's natural healing response has not resolved the defect. The present disclosure also provides several exemplary treatment modalities for the different extents of treatment needed.

Abstract: For the repair of a cartilage defect in a human or animal patient use is made of an implant comprising an implant body including a natural cartilage matrix and being coated with cells having a chondrogenic potential. These cells are produced by in vitro cell proliferation starting from chondrocytes isolated from a cartilage biopsy. The chondrocytes which are de-differentiated during cell proliferation are re-differentiated during tissue culturing and are in particular suitable for producing and maintaining the cartilage matrix of the implant body. The cells adhering to the surface of the implant body are preferably also chondrocytes being de-differentiated by cell proliferation, but not re-differentiated, and are therefore particularly suitable for integrating the implant in the defect. Due to the cells adhering to the surface of the implant body, the implant is successfully integrated in the viable tissue surrounding the defect.

Abstract: A driver instrument for engaging and transferring rotational torque to a bone anchor already screwed into a bony structure. The driver instrument may be advanced through an incision while disengaged from the bone anchor and thereafter engaged in a driver socket of the bone anchor. The driver instrument includes an elongate shaft extending distally from a handle, a tapered distal tip, and a driver engagement feature located proximally of the tapered distal tip. The tapered distal tip and the driver engagement feature are configured such that the longitudinal rotational axis of the driver instrument automatically moves into parallel alignment with the longitudinal rotational axis of the bone anchor as the driver engagement feature of the driver instrument is advanced into the driver socket of the bone anchor.

Abstract: An implant system for total shoulder arthroplasties, hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties including a humeral stem having an enlarged head portion with interfaces adapted to removably receive various modular interchangeable components, such as articulating liners, spacers, and adapter inserts. The humeral stem functions as a universal platform that may be used in either conventional or “reverse” total shoulder arthroplasties, as well as hemi shoulder arthroplasties, and may remain implanted in place during a revision in which the implant system is converted between the foregoing configurations, for example.

Abstract: A porous metal augment is sized for use in mandibular or maxillar bone. The porous metal material of the augment facilitates and promotes ingrowth of the surrounding bone into the porous metal structure, thereby rebuilding a suitable foundation for affixation of dental implants. A non-porous core or insert can be embedded within the porous metal body of the augment, and can be made of a material suitable for firm threaded fixation of dental implants thereto. For example, the metal core can be formed of a titanium structure that has sufficient strength and resiliency to form a firm and long lasting threaded connection with a threaded stem of a dental implant.

Abstract: A device for fixing a bony structure to a support member. The device includes a main body with first and second members, the second member being movable in rotation with respect to the first member, around a first axis. A flexible member passes between the members and forms a loop around a bony structure. A clamping mechanism moves the first and second members into a clamping position. A support member and the flexible member are secured between the members in the clamping position. The first axis is movable in translation along a first direction and the second member is movable in translation along the first direction. The clamping mechanism cooperates with the first and second members to move the second member in translation in the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member (12) to the bone portion. A housing (40) has a first passage (42) configured to receive the longitudinal member (12) and a second passage (44) extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener (16) extends through an opening (50) in the housing (40) into the second passage (44). A longitudinal axis (18) of the fastener (16) is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis (46) of the second passage (44). A spacer (60) received in the second passage (44) of the housing (40) is engageable with the fastener (16) and the longitudinal member (12). A member (70) applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener (16) and the housing (40) and permit manual movement of the fastener (16) relative to the housing (40) against the force when the longitudinal member (12) is disengaged from the spacer (60).

Abstract: An elbow prosthesis can include a humeral component having a yoke, an ulnar component having a head, a humeral bearing positionable in a base of the humeral component, an ulnar bearing assembly configured to engage with the head, and a pin extendable through the bearing assembly and the head. The pin can be extendable into first and second ears of the yoke to enable pivotable movement of the ulnar component relative to the humeral component. The elbow prosthesis can include a first fastener insertable through the first ear of the yoke and configured to engage with the pin, and a second fastener insertable through the second ear of the yoke and configured to engage with the pin.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component which exhibits enhanced articular features, minimizes removal of healthy bone stock from the distal femur, and minimizes the impact of the prosthesis on adjacent soft tissues of the knee.