Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental drilling system having a programmable control unit. The control unit controls operating parameters of the drilling system, such as the direction of rotation, the speed of rotation and the torque of a tool bit of a dental drill, as well as the irrigation fluid flow rate generated by a pump and the intensity of light generated by a light source. The control unit can be programmed with a number of sets of data values. Each set of data values represents a desired value for each of the operating parameters to be controlled. Also, each set of data values corresponds to a different step in a dental operation. Thus, for each step of a dental operation, a surgeon can choose a desired set of operating parameter values from those sets that have been preprogrammed. The control unit then controls the operating parameters to achieve and maintain the values represented by the selected set of data values.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preparing a natural patella for implantation of a patellar prosthesis. Substantially the same amount of bone removed from the natural patella is replaced by the prosthesis so that the reconstructed patella will replicate the natural one in diameter and thickness. To this end, the patella is held stationary and two operations are performed simultaneously. First, a posterior side of the patella is resected to form a prosthesis receiving surface for reception of a fixation surface of the patellar prosthesis. Second, a mounting bore is formed into the resected surface of the patella for reception of fixation members of the patellar prosthesis. A reamer is guided for movement between a first position spaced from the posterior surface of the patella and a second position in operative engagement with the patella at which formation of both the receiving surface and of the mounting bore therein has been completed.

Abstract: Surgical crimping pliers have operating handles and connected, opposed jaws. The jaws define opposed recesses for carrying and crimping a tubular crimp member, which is preferably of oval configuration for carrying a plurality of multistrand cable sections so that, upon crimping, the cable sections are secured together. A capstan is carried on one of the handles for winding a plurality of cable portions so that tension may be placed on both ends of a cable loop array wound about a bone structure, to provide a predetermined, quantitative tension. Then the cable sections within the crimp are secured together by collapse of the crimp. A multistrand cable is preferably used, which exhibits great advantage over single strand wire, and which carries surgical needles of differing type secured to each end thereof.

Abstract: A spinal implant system for correcting spinal deformities and abnormalities includes an elongated spinal rod configured to be implanted adjacent the spinal column and spanning across several vertebral levels. A number of fixation elements, such as spinal hooks, are provided for engaging vertebrae at a number of vertebral levels. At least some of the fixation elements includes an elongated stem projecting from a vertebra engaging portion. The stems of each of the fixation elements are connected to the spinal rod by way of a rod connector having a one-piece body defining a rod channel adapted to receive the spinal rod therethrough, a stem bore adapted to receive a stem therethrough, and a threaded bore. The stem bore and rod channel intersect to permit contact between the rod and the stem of a fixation element. The threaded bore intersects either the rod channel or the stem bore so that a set screw threaded into the threaded bore bears against the spinal rod or fixation element stem.

Abstract: An in-situ surgical orthopedic milling apparatus includes an instrument frame having upper and lower end portions. A plurality of templates are provided, each forming a respective virtual pattern. A cutting device supported upon the frame cuts bone tissue (e.g., within the intramedullary canal of a patient's bone), by tracking the virtual patterns. A system of vertically stacked templates can be placed in position with respect to the instrument frame to define an operative position. The templates provide a wall portion that constrains movement of the cutting tool beyond a desired surgical cutting area defining an "actual pattern". In this first embodiment, the templates are in the form of stacked templates, each template having its own pattern.

Abstract: A system for achieving reduction of curvature of the lumbar region of the spine associated with spondylolisthesis includes transverse plates affixed to vertebrae L4 and L5 and sacral plates affixed to opposite sides of the sacrum. These plates in combination with the longitudinal plate along the posterior anterior plane in which the spinous processes lie allows for effective reduction of the curvature and secure fixation of this region of the spine. The transverse plates include textured surfaces which allow them to mate in a manner which prevents undesirable slippage therebetween. The system is also compact and does not interfere with the paraspinal muscles which run along either side of the spinous processes.

Abstract: The present invention is a polyaxial lateral mass locking screw plate assembly for immobilization of vertebral bones, via fixation to surfaces thereof. In one embodiment the invention includes a narrow elongate plate having a plurality of holes, which in one variation are threaded, into which holes coupling elements may be inserted, or correspondingly screwed. The coupling elements have a cylindrical exterior, and have an semi-spherical interior volume into which the semi-spherical head of a bone screw may be inserted, and therein polyaxially mounted. In one variation the coupling element is a 7/8ths ring including a single axial slot. In another variation the coupling element includes a plurality of slots in its lower portion. In either variation insertion of a coupling element into a corresponding hole causes the interior volume to be crush locked to the head of the screw.

Abstract: A system for achieving reduction of curvature of the lumbar region of the spine associated with spondylolisthesis includes transverse plates affixed to vertebrae L4 and L5 and sacral plates affixed to opposite sides of the sacrum. These plates in combination with the longitudinal plate along the posterior anterior plane in which the spinous processes lie allows for effective reduction of the curvature and secure fixation of this region of the spine. The transverse plates include textured surfaces which allow them to mate in a manner which prevents undesirable slippage therebetween. The system is also compact and does not interfere with the paraspinal muscles which run along either side of the spinous processes.

Abstract: The invention is an elongated plate made of deformable, body-compatible material, which is to be anteriorly attached to at least a pair of adjacent vertebrae. The plate has specially placed holes to receive bone screws to be screwed into the vertebrae.

Abstract: A device for spinal osteosynthesis includes an elongated bar having two parallel, spaced longitudinal slots extending parallel to the bar length. The slots define a central bar branch and two side bar branches flanking the central bar branch. A plurality of fasteners extend from the bar; each fastener has a shank to be implanted; a head provided at an end of the shank; and a groove provided in the fastener head. The groove has a bottom and divides the head into two leg portions. The central bar branch is received by the groove and is in engagement with the bottom thereof. The leg portions extend through the slots and straddle the central bar branch. A nut is secured to the head of each fastener and abuts a surface of the bar for tightening the fastener to the bar.

Abstract: A spinal implant system for correcting spinal deformities and abnormalities includes an elongated spinal rod configured to be implanted adjacent the spinal column and spanning across several vertebral levels. A number of fixation elements, such as spinal hooks, are provided for engaging vertebrae at a number of vertebral levels. At least some of the fixation elements includes an elongated stem projecting from a vertebra engaging portion. The stems of each of the fixation elements are connected to the spinal rod by way of a rod connector having a one-piece body defining a rod channel adapted to receive the spinal rod therethrough, a stem bore adapted to receive a stem therethrough, and a threaded bore. The stem bore and rod channel intersect to permit contact between the rod and the stem of a fixation element. The threaded bore intersects either the rod channel or the stem bore so that a set screw threaded into the threaded bore bears against the spinal rod or fixation element stem.

Abstract: An adjustable depth patella recessing guide and method for guiding a cutting tool to recess the posterior surface of a patella. The guide includes a body having a first end for engaging the posterior surface of the patella, having a second end, and having a bore extending between the first and second ends for allowing the cutting tool to pass therethrough. A depth gauge is mounted within the bore of the body for movement in a direction between the first and second ends of the body. The depth gauge includes a stop for stopping the cutting tool. A lock mechanism is provided for locking the depth gauge to the body.

Abstract: The present invention is a polyaxial locking screw plate assembly for immobilization of vertebral bones, via fixation to surfaces thereof. In one embodiment the invention includes a plate, having an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which has a pair of threaded holes, into which holes coupling elements may be screwed. The coupling elements each have a threaded cylindrical exterior, and have an interior semi-spherical concave surface in which the semi-spherical head of a bone screw may be polyaxially mounted. In a second embodiment, the present invention includes a similar plate, having holes which are, however, threaded part of the way through the plate. In this embodiment, the bottom portion of the holes of the plate, additionally, have a curved interior surface which forms an annular lip for supporting a semi-spherical head portion of a bone screw. The coupling element of this embodiment is a short threaded cylindrical piece, having a concave bottom which locks the screw into the hole.

Abstract: A distal femur resecting apparatus for use in the preparation of a human distal femur for the implantation of a human femoral prosthesis. The resecting apparatus includes a positioning apparatus and a pattern device. The positioning apparatus includes a positioning block for attachment to a femur, an adjustment block having an intermedullary rod extending into the femur, and a rotational alignment device for attachment of the pattern device to the positioning apparatus. The pattern device comprises an individual or pair of mediolaterally located plates having a cutting path described therethrough similar in shape to the interior profile of a human femoral prosthesis. The cutting path guides a reciprocating, oscillating, or rotating cutting tool along a path for removing material from some or all of the distal femur to shape the distal femur to accept a distal femoral prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling a curved bore are disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a handle (20) and a removable cartridge (174) in which cutting bits (240) are disposed to produce the bore. The handle includes a trigger (66), (66'), or (66"), which the user squeezes toward a grip (24) of the handle to both energize a pneumatic motor (42) and to advance the opposed cutting bits in curved arcs at different rates. As the trigger is squeezed, a curved guide arm (234) conveying one of the cutting bits is advanced more rapidly than the other curved guide arm, passing a median point in the bore and then being withdrawn as the other curved guide arm and cutting bit are advanced past the median point. Thus, interference between the two cutting bits is avoided and a clean bore hole is produced. In addition, the removable cartridge minimizes breakage of a flexible drive cable (238) used to transmit rotational force to the cutting bits from rotating left and right extended drive shafts (190 and 192).

Abstract: A cement retaining shield for use when seating an acetabular prosthetic implant into a cement filled acetabulum. The shield includes at least two leaf-like sections which may be displaced outwardly by rotation of a cam to cover a substantial portion of the patient's acetabulum. The device is particularly useful in applying force through the shield to compress the cement into the acetabulum to improve bonding at the cement-bone interface and at the cement-implant interface. Preferably, the shield is in the form of a planar disc and the leaf-like sections are positioned in overlying relationship to the disc. The sections, responsive to the rotation of a cam, may be extended outwardly of the disc.

Abstract: A lockable intramedullary nail, suitable for treating fractures of the humerus, including a pin provided in the proximal region with a slot and with an abutment for a spring to be mounted about the pin. On the spring there acts a suitable structure for adjusting compression of the spring, including a sleeve provided with a through hole for the proximal locking of the nail, the hole being able to translate along the pin in a position facing the slot.

Abstract: A medullary nail has a plug-like insert arranged in the end region of the nail. The insert consists of a readily drillable or screwable material that is suitable for receiving a corresponding attachment element such as a bone screw or a bone pin. The medullary nail is otherwise of standard metal construction, preferably of stainless steel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the gait of a subject uses a treadmill having a movable support surface with multiple transducers mounted beneath the movable support surface. The subject performs locomotion on the movable surface. The computer accepts a series of signals from each transducer and identifies the occurrence of heel-strike and toe-off. The computer identifies the subject's activity as walking or as running. The computer identifies two non-contiguous groups of transducers that are measuring a force greater than zero associated with the two feet and calculates quantities related to the forces exerted by each foot during each phase of walking or running.

Abstract: A system for achieving reduction of curvature of the lumbar region of the spine associated with spondylolisthesis includes a hook assembly attached to vertebra L4, transverse plates affixed to vertebrae L4 and L5, and sacral plates affixed to opposite sides of the sacrum. The hooks and the plates in combination with the longitudinal plate along the posterior anterior plane in which the spinous processes lie allows for effective reduction of the curvature and secure fixation of this region of the spine. A related system for stabilizing the cervical region of the spine includes transverse plates affixed to vertebrae C3, C4, and C5. These plates in combination with a longitudinal plate allows for effective stabilization. The transverse plates include textured surfaces that allow them to mate in a manner which prevents undesirable slippage therebetween. The system is also compact and does not interfere with the paraspinal muscles which run along either side of the spinous processes.