Abstract: An implantable knee prosthesis includes a body having a substantially elliptical shape in plan and a pair of opposed faces. A first one of the faces has a first shape and a second one of the faces has a second shape different from the first shape. A peripheral edge extends at an incline between the first face and the second face.

Abstract: An improved tissue engagement device such as a suction stabilizer or retractor. The stabilizer or retractor is provided with one or more suction pods mounted to the distal end of a flexible arm. The flexible arm is coupled to a base assembly, which attaches the arm to an associated retractor or other structure that is fixedly located relative to the operative site. The base assembly includes a fixed portion, which is coupled to the retractor or other fixed mounting point and a rotatable turret, allowing rotation of the arm relative to the fixed portion of the base assembly. A tensioning mechanism mounted to the turret applies tension to compress the turret around a corresponding pivot mounted to the fixed portion of the base to rotationally lock the turret and to lock the arm in its current configuration.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a minimally invasive (i. e., with the wound developed under an incision being substantially the same size as the incision throughout the depth of the wound) total hip arthroplasty. The apparatus includes a provisional femoral head allowing for radial placement thereof on a provisional femoral neck as well as a posterior retractor sleeve for allowing access to a femur through a posterior incision.

Abstract: An implant includes a body of non-resorbable bioactive material, with zones of resorbable bioactive material located in the body of non-resorbable material. The sizes of a major proportion of the zones of resorbable material are from 10 to 500 microns.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate system consists of a base plate and a connecting plate movably connected to the base plate. The base plate can be inserted into any number of cervical vertebral bodies in any one construct. The base plate contains holes for two unicortical bone screws and a third hole to accommodate a rather large diameter, but short screw that movably secures the connecting plate, and raised middle portion to strengthen screw purchase and fit of the connecting plate. The connecting plate has a central trough opening to accommodate this screw.

Abstract: An implantable knee prosthesis includes a body having a substantially elliptical shape in plan and including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first peripheral edge and a first face. The second portion includes a second peripheral edge and a second face. The second peripheral edge extends radially outwardly from the first peripheral edge to form a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: An improved ceramic bone graft is provided for human implantation, particularly such as a spinal fusion cage for implantation into the inter-vertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae. The improved spinal fusion cage includes a substrate block of high strength ceramic having a selected size and shape to fit the anatomical space, and a controlled porosity analogous to natural bone. The substrate block is coated with a bio-active surface coating material such as hydroxyapatite or a calcium phosphate to promote bone ingrowth and enhanced bone fusion. Upon implantation, the fusion cage provides a spacer element having a desired combination of mechanical strength together with osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity to promote bone ingrowth and fusion, as well as radiolucency for facilitated post-operative monitoring. The fusion cage may additionally carry one or more natural or synthetic therapeutic agents for further promoting bone ingrowth and fusion.

Abstract: A locking cap assembly for locking a spinal fixation element to a spinal fixation element receiving body includes an outer and inner locking element. The outer locking element has a proximal mating element, and a engagement element formed on the inner surface adjacent the distal end for engaging a spinal fixation element receiving body so as to close the spinal fixation element to the spinal fixation element receiving body upon tightening. The inner locking element has a deformable spinal fixation element contacting ring disposed on its distal end and a proximal mating element on its proximal end rotatably mated to the outer locking element proximal mating element so that the inner locking element is rotatably mounted within the outer locking element.

Abstract: An improved body element for use in a modular prosthetic stem component of the sort comprising a body element and at least one other element, wherein the body element and the at least one other element are joined together by at least one modular connection, wherein the improved body element comprises an anterior wall and a posterior wall, at least one of the anterior wall and the posterior wall converging toward the other on the medial side of the body element and diverging away from the other on the lateral side of the body element, whereby the body element approximates a general wedge shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of axial unilateral external splint device for stabilizing bone fractures, comprising an extendible rod-like middle body (2) and oppositely located bone screw clamps (5, 6) which are articulated to respective ends (3, 4) of the rod-like middle body (2) by means of ball joints. Advantageously, a ball-and-socket joint (16) is mounted to each clamp (5, 6), within a main body (20) with which a bone screw clamping arrangement (25, 26, 21, 22, 23) is associated or co-operates. Also provided are ancillary members (30) adapted for removable association with the end of each clamp (5, 6) to allow each clamp to be more suitable for use, depending on the different operative installation conditions of the fixator.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a damaged intervertebral disc to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. Dynamic bias devices and reinforcement devices are disclosed, which may be used individually or in combination, to eliminate nerve impingement associated with the damaged disc, and/or to reinforce the damaged disc, while permitting relative movement of the vertebrae adjacent the damaged disc.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing disc space preparation and implant insertion from a unilateral approach to the spine through a posterior lateral opening to the disc space. The instruments include spreaders, distractors, reamers, scrapers, cutters, chisels, pushers and implant inserters. A surgical procedure is provided that allows bilateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with at least one interbody fusion device inserted into the disc space via a unilateral approach. Implants for insertion into the disc space are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and processes for tracking anatomy, instrumentation, trial implants, implants, and references, and rendering images and data related to them in connection with surgical operations, for example unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (“UKA”). These systems and processes are accomplished by using a computer to intraoperatively obtain images of body parts and to register, navigate, and track surgical instruments.

Abstract: The present invention provides vertebral spacers having a lower surface and an upper surface, an anterior face and a posterior face extending from the lower surface, and at least one guiding groove for engaging an insertion tool. A system for delivering a vertebral spacer to the spinal column of a patient, includes an insertion tool, an optional guiding tool, a pusher, a vertebral spacer, and a cutting tool. The insertion tool accepts any of a pusher, a vertebral spacer, or a cutting tool and has at least one spacer guide for engaging with a guiding groove of a vertebral spacer. The vertebral spacer is inserted into a patient by inserting the insertion tool into an intervertebral space, engaging the guiding groove of a vertebral spacer with a space guide of the insertion tool, advancing a pusher into the insertion tool, thereby pushing the vertebral spacer into the intervertebral space and thereafter removing the pusher and the insertion tool.

Abstract: A tube body includes an interior bore to carry a material flow into bone. The tube body includes a dispensing end having an opening communicating with the bore to dispense the material flow. One embodiment provides a cutting element, which extends in the opening to permit passage of the material flow and to sever the material flow in response to rotation of the tube body. Another embodiment deflects the dispensing end from the main axis of the tube body, to facilitate targeted introduction of flowable material, even when the access path does not align the tube body along the natural geometric axes of the treatment site. Another embodiment provides a connector having a rotating fitting, which releasably connects the tube body to a cement injecting tool. The rotating fitting allows the physician to rotate the injection nozzle assembly to control orientation and position in the treatment site, without rotating the associated injection tool itself.

Abstract: A method and device for treating human intervertebral disc herniations using an endoscopic procedure. An access port is opened into and through the annulus of a disc to remove nucleus pulposus. Laser light fibers may then be passed through an endoscopic guide tube to anneal the inner surface of the disc annulus. Next, a balloon assembly with a valve is placed via the guide tube into the created disc space. The balloon is filled with a fluid to occupy the disc interspace or to maintain some degree of distraction of the created disc space. Post surgery, after fibrocollagenous tissue has grown into the disc space, a second endoscopic procedure is performed to remove the balloon assembly. Fluid is removed to collapse the balloon structure and then removed via the guide tube. The ingrowth of fibrocollagenous tissue will continue to fill the void formerly occupied by the balloon structure. The minimally invasive procedure of the invention allows for short term recovery and early return to normal activity.

Abstract: A method and system for fusing a region in the spine involve the use of at least one guide tube (10a) to pass instruments and substances into the spinal region in a minimally invasive manner. In the preferred practice of the method, a guide tube is anchored to a vertebra and the guide tube is moved to thereby position the vertebra. A steerable drilling tool (20a) is passed through the guide tube and steered into position to abrade at least a portion of an intervertebral disc, thereby creating a cavity in the disc. A flowing substance is passed into the cavity and permitted to solidify to establish fusion in the cavity. Optionally, an uninflated balloon (40) is inserted into the cavity and the balloon is filled with the flowing substance to contain the flowing substance.

Abstract: A foreign body retrieval device is disclosed. The device moves between an open position for receiving the foreign body and a closed position for capturing the foreign body. A novel method for retrieving a foreign body such as a stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for intervertebral implant anchorage. An implantable device for insertion into an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae is provided. The implantable device includes at least one anchor plate which comprises a plate member sized to be positioned within an intradiscal section between adjacent vertebrae and a plurality of anchoring elements extending from a surface of the plate member, each anchoring element including a distal portion capable of being introduced into the vertebra through the vertebral end plate; and an intradiscal component coupled to the anchor plate.