Abstract: A method for controlling generation of biologically desirable voids in a composition placed in proximity to bone or other tissue in a patient by selecting at least one water-soluble inorganic material having a desired particle size and solubility, and mixing the water-soluble inorganic material with at least one poorly-water-soluble or biodegradable matrix material. The matrix material, after it is mixed with the water-soluble inorganic material, is placed into the patient in proximity to tissue so that the water-soluble inorganic material dissolves at a predetermined rate to generate biologically desirable voids in the matrix material into which bone or other tissue can then grow.

Abstract: Various features for improving the performance of prosthetic sport feet are provided. A fairing for a prosthetic sport foot can include foam components that are coupled to the foot and an elastane cover. The fairing is configured to alter the cross-sectional profile of the foot to produce a more aerodynamic shape. A prosthetic sport foot can include a hollow foot member that can be lighter weight and provide improved performance. A prosthetic sport foot can include an adjustable tension strap extending between and coupled to two portions of the foot member. A prosthetic sport foot, such as a prosthetic running foot or prosthetic cycling foot, can include an aerodynamic fairing and a cover. A prosthetic sport foot can have a varying-width profile such that a mid-section of the foot is narrower and a toe portion flares outward.

Abstract: A non-contact capacitive sensing system for robotic lower-limb prosthesis, comprising a sensing front end, a signal sampling unit and a signal processing unit. The sensing front end is composed of capacitance electrodes inside the prosthetic socket, and the capacitance electrodes locate between the prosthetic socket and the stump sock. Each capacitance electrode forms a capacitor with the human body. The signal sampling unit is composed of the CTD module and the control module. The CTD module measures capacitance values by calculating the ratio of discharge-and-recharge cycles between the under-test capacitors and the reference capacitor. The signal processing unit comprises the filter module and the communication module. The capacitive sensing system is highly repeatable in signals, resistant to sweat, and reliably dressed on a human body. The system performs well regardless of residual limb length and residual muscle strength. It can be widely used in the field of robotic lower-limb prosthesis.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: The current invention appropriately places stable implants into both sides of the shoulder joint to relieve pain and restore function in an arthritic shoulder, and does so in a manner that is arthroscopic, that does not violate the muscles about the shoulder or other vital structures, and that allows for immediate active or voluntary movement by the patient after surgery.

Abstract: An implant is configured for repair and regeneration of cartilage lesions. The implant includes a three-dimensional woven textile scaffold and a three-dimensional rigid, porous substrate. The scaffold is bonded to the substrate such that the substrate supports the scaffold. The substrate is configured to be inserted into bone tissue including cartilage lesions such that the substrate and the scaffold replace the bone tissue including the cartilage lesions. The substrate and scaffold are further configured such that after the substrate and the scaffold have replaced the bone tissue including the cartilage lesions, the substrate and scaffold promote growth and integration of new bone tissue into the implant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prosthetic device for attaching a mechanical limb to a user. The prosthetic device includes a liner, a prosthetic socket worn over the liner and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism includes a belt that is guided over rollers coupled to the outside of the socket. A portion of the belt passes from the outer surface of the socket to the inner surface of the prosthetic socket to contact and matingly engage the liner, thereby fixing the position of the prosthetic socket with respect to the liner and the users limb.

Abstract: A femoral head resurfacing implant is described comprising an external articulating surface and an internal fixation surface. A stem projects from the center of the internal fixation surface. The internal fixation surface comprises a top surface, surrounding and substantially orthogonal to a long axis of the stem, a chamfer surface extending downwardly and outwardly from the top surface and a side surface extending substantially parallel to the long axis of the stem. At least one projection is arranged on the internal fixation surface to provide a predetermined gap between the top surface and/or chamfer surface and a resected head onto which the implant is to be fitted. Furthermore, the side surface constitutes or comprises a cement containment feature configured to restrict or eliminate outflow of cement from the predetermined gap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implants and methods for filling voids in a cranium of a patient. A craniofacial implant that may be used for filling such voids may include at least first and second components each having outer and inner surfaces, the outer and inner surfaces being curved in an inferior to posterior direction and a medial to lateral direction. The first component includes a flange extending outwardly from a medial side surface thereof and the second component includes a recessed portion extending inwardly from a medial side surface thereof. The first and second components are preferably engageable to one another such that the medial side surfaces of the first and second components are adjacent one another and the flange of the first component is housed within the recessed portion of the second component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hip joint prosthesis comprising a shaft-like section that can be inserted into a femur, and a proximally arranged end cap assembly which closes a hollow space of the hip joint prosthesis. According to the invention the end cap assembly carries a coil assembly that is connected to a first electrode with a first pole and to a second electrode with a second pole. The first and the second electrodes enclose surfaces of the hip joint prosthesis, and in a state in which the end cap assembly closes the hollow space of the hip joint prosthesis, the coil assembly is predominantly arranged in the hollow space.

Abstract: Prosthetic limb covers and systems comprising a front shell and a back shell having self-aligning and self-closing features are provided. A prosthetic capture bracket is configured to capture the structural component of a prosthetic device to internally secure the shells to a prosthetic limb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant medical devices that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and materials used therein.

Abstract: A handheld tool includes a handle for holding by a user, an attachment arm extending from the handle that is configured to connect to a user-assistive device, a first inertial measurement unit (“IMU”) mounted to the attachment arm to acquire measurements of one or more of a motion or an orientation of the user-assistive device and to generate feedback data indicative of the measurements, an actuator assembly coupled to manipulate the user-assistive device via the attachment arm in at least two orthogonal dimensions, and a motion control system coupled to receive the feedback data from the first IMU and coupled to provide commands to the actuator assembly to provide auto-leveling of the user-assistive device to a frame of reference while the user manipulates the handheld tool.

Abstract: Systems for joint arthroplasty include prostheses which are secured to bone with sliding anchors. Examples include unicondylar and bicondylar knee prostheses for hemi-arthroplasty and total arthroplasty. Instruments guide the anchors into proper engagement with the prosthetic components. Methods of using the prostheses and instruments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing unintentional muscle movements are disclosed. In a first aspect, a non-contact sensing system comprises a stabilization unit, at least one non-contact position sensor coupled to the stabilization unit, and a processing unit coupled to the at least one non-contact position sensor, wherein the processing unit transmits motion commands to the stabilization unit to cancel unintentional muscle movements. In a second aspect, the method comprises a processing unit of a non-contact sensing system receiving position data of a stabilization unit that is detected by at least one non-contact position sensor and filtering the position data to identify the unintentional muscle movements. The method includes modeling the position data to create a system model and determining motor commands based upon the system model to cancel the unintentional muscle movements.

Abstract: A device for containing bone graft material includes a mesh outer sleeve extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of an outer surface of a target bone. The outer sleeve includes a longitudinal slot extending along a length thereof. The device also includes a mesh inner sleeve connected to an interior surface of the outer sleeve via at least one strut so that a bone graft collecting space is defined therebetween. The inner sleeve is sized and shaped to correspond to a profile of a medullary canal of the target bone. In addition, the device includes an interstitial mesh extending radially away from an exterior surface of the inner sleeve toward an interior surface of the outer sleeve to hold graft material in the bone graft collecting space.

Abstract: A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic grip unit (1) having a base body (2) on which connection means (3) are disposed for fastening said grip unit to an upper extremity, at least two extensions (10, 20) protruding from said connection means, a first extension (10) being movable relative to the second extension (20) from a protruding position into a flush position, wherein the pivot axis (14) has a perpendicular orientation to the base body (2) and the first extension (10) is motor driven.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee prosthesis with a tibial part (1) that has concave or plane condylar bearing surfaces (2, 3). According to the invention, the lateral condylar bearing surface (2) merges into a preferably convex end portion (4) that falls away in the dorsal direction.

Abstract: Modular prosthesis components having first and second relief patterns, the first relief pattern being complementary to the second relief pattern such that a component having the first relief pattern may seat fully on and in register with a component having the second relief pattern.