Abstract: An epilating device has a rotary cylinder carrying a plurality of pinching row units arranged around the cylinder. An actuator bar is connected to movable blades in each row unit and is caused by a driven mechanism to move the movable blades towards the adjacent blades for pinching body hairs therebetween and plucking the hairs as the cylinder rotates. After the actuator bar is released from the driven mechanism, the bar is urged by a return spring to move the blades away from the adjacent blade to be ready for subsequent hair pinching. All the actuator bars spaced circumferentially around the cylinder and provided respectively for the row units are coupled commonly to the one return spring so that the epilating device can have an increased number of the row units around the cylinder only at a minimum number of the springs.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel orthopedic fastener. The novel orthopedic fastener comprises a body portion adapted to extend substantially below the surface of a bone, and a head portion adapted to extend substantially above the surface of the bone, wherein the body portion is formed of a first material and the head portion is formed of a second material. In one preferred form of the invention, the first material comprises a bioabsorbable material which is bioactive so as to encourage tissue in-growth, and the second material comprises a bioabsorbable material which is not bioactive so as to not encourage tissue in-growth.

Abstract: A torque driver includes a torque measurement assembly for indicating the amount of torque being applied during implanting of an interference screw. The torque measurement assembly includes a proximal cup and a distal cup, and a coil spring fixed between the cups. A torque scale is marked on one of the cups, while a reference marking is provided on the other. When used to insert an interference screw, the driver head is inserted into the socket of the screw and the driver is turned, which causes the torque spring to tighten. As the spring tightens, the reference mark moves relative to the scale to indicate the torque measurement exerted on the spring. Using this torque driver, a surgeon can be made aware if too much torque is being exerted or if a desired minimum torque load for achieving a desirable level of fixation strength for the graft is not reached.

Abstract: A mobile bearing knee prosthesis enables a surgeon to convert a mobile bearing insert having articular surfaces, supported by a tibial base plate or tray from a rotating and translating prosthesis to one that rotates only. This conversion is accomplished with a fastener or locking member that connects through an opening in the insert to the tibial base plate. This prosthesis can be used as part of a total knee surgery when the surgeon chooses to use a prosthesis that incorporates a movable articular surface. In one embodiment, a projecting portion extends proximally from the insert and cooperates with a cam on the femoral component. The projecting portion can be a post extending up from the proximal surface of the insert and the femoral component includes an intercondylar surface that may contact the post to constrain the relative motion between the femoral component and the insert.

Abstract: A bottom-loading multi-axial bone anchor apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver member, a crown member, a bone anchor and a retaining member. The receiver member defines an upper opening and a lower opening, which may form part of the same opening, a channel, and a groove. The crown member and bone anchor are loaded into the lower opening of the receiver member, and the retaining member fits around the bone anchor and into the groove in the receiver member. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial positioning with respect to the receiver member. An elongated member is placed in the channel of the receiver member, contacting the crown member, and a compression member is applied via the upper opening. The compression member presses down on the elongated member, which presses down on the crown member and locks the bone anchor between the crown member and the retaining member.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 110) for use in retaining vertebrae (V) of a spinal column in a desired spatial relationship includes a longitudinal member (12, 112) having a longitudinal axis (13, 113) extendable along the spinal column. A hook (14, 114) connects the longitudinal member (12, 112) to a vertebra (V) of the spinal column. The hook (14, 114) is connectable with the longitudinal member (12, 112) and engageable with the vertebra (V). The hook (14, 114) has a first portion (16, 116) which extends adjacent a first surface (64, 164) of the vertebra (V) when the hook is connected with the vertebra. A second portion (18, 118) of the hook (14, 114) extends adjacent a second surface (62, 162) of the vertebra (V) when the hook is connected with the vertebra so that the vertebra is received between the first and second portions (14, 114 and 18, 118).

Abstract: A modular prostheses system for replacement of the radial head portion of the radius bone, and methods for its use are disclosed. The system comprises a stem component comprising a anchoring portion and a mounting portion, and a head component having an open channel wherein the open channel is configured to connect to the mounting portion along an assembly axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the stem component.

Abstract: Selectively demineralized bone-derived implants are provided. In one embodiment, a bone sheet for implantation includes a demineralized field surrounding mineralized regions. In another embodiment, a bone defect filler includes a demineralized cancellous bone section in a first geometry. The first geometry is compressible and dryable to a second geometry smaller than the first geometry, and the second geometry is expandable and rehydratable to a third geometry larger than the second geometry.

Abstract: Device for the osteosynthesis of a spinal segment by the anterior route, which comprises at least two bone anchorage elements for anchorage in the vertebral bodies by the anterior route, a frame comprising a rod adapted to be received in the bone anchorage elements, a plate disposed roughly parallel to the rod and rigidly connected to the latter to form a closed frame. Means are provided for clamping the rod in the anchorage elements so as to fix the latter at a predetermined distance apart, and screws extend through openings in the plate which are so profiled that the screwing of the screws in the vertebrae automatically brings the two adjacent vertebrae closer together and thus achieves a compression of an intervertebral filler replacing a vertebral disk. The association of a plate and a rod in the form of a frame affords the advantage of providing four vertebral anchorage points instead of only two in devices of the prior art, which prevents any offsetting of one vertebra relative to the other.

Abstract: A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.

Abstract: A variable angle clamp is provided for use with a spinal implant assembly having a spinal rod, a Schantz screw having an elongated shank, and a variable angle connector receiving the spinal rod and having a washer mounted on the body with a first surface defining a variable angle feature, and a stem projecting from the body, the stem terminating in a T-bar having a second surface facing the first surface. The variable angle clamp includes a clamping portion defining a bore configured to receive the shank Schantz screw therein. The clamp further includes a pair of clamp halves forming a slot therebetween that intersects the bore in the form of a split clamp. An outer surface of one of the clamp halves defines a variable angle feature for interengagement with the first surface of the washer. The outer surface of the other of clamp half is configured for pressure contact with the second surface of the T-bar.

Abstract: An improved device and a method for stabilizing lumbar vertebrae in a human spine for the purpose of fixing the vertebra with respect to other vertebra and with respect to other parts of the spinal column. This device comprises a plate, bone screws, bone screw clamp portion, spacers, and rigidizing stop locks. The bone screw clamps may be clamped firmly to the plate for a fully rigid system. Alternatively the screw clamp portions may be held apart, with clearance between them and the plate, which will allow for axial motion of the screw with respect to the plate for implant load sharing and dynamized motion.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a member (12) having an elongate slot (50). A fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion has an end portion (26) extending through the elongate slot (50). A connecting ring (42) connects the member (12) to the fastener (16). The connecting ring (42) is positionable in any one of a plurality of positions along the elongate slot (50). The connecting ring (42) has a passage (54) through which the end portion (26) of the fastener (16) extends. The fastener (16) is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the connecting ring (42). First and second portions (64, 66) of the connecting ring (42) engage each other to connect the first and second portions together and prevent relative movement between the first and second portions.

Abstract: A measuring gauge for measuring the relative position of two bones during surgery, the measuring gauge comprising an anchor, an adapter, an outrigger and a locking joint.

Abstract: A prosthetic femoral component is located in a prepared socket in a femur which has been resected at a position on the proximal side of its neck. The component includes an insert portion and an enlarged proximal head portion the distal end of the head portion being adapted for location in the prepared socket. The component takes advantage of the bone at the periphery of the socket which enables the insert and the part of the head concerned to be accurately and firmly located in the bone. The presence of the bone at the outer edges of the socket helps to stabilize the component. The insert portion can be dimensioned to pass through the neck of the femur with which it is to be used or to be shorter depending upon the requirements.

Abstract: An anterior cervical plate is disclosed, along with threaded fasteners for securing the plate to vertebrae or other osseous material. The cervical plate has several pockets or apertures, preferably at least four, to receive a corresponding number of the fasteners. The pockets have spherical surfaces, and the fasteners have heads with similarly sized spherical surfaces, which when engaged permit each of the fasteners to be oriented at a variety of projection angles with respect to the plate. In connection with each pocket, the cervical plate incorporates a fastener retaining feature. The feature can take the form of a cantilevered tab or a beam supported at its opposite ends, in each case plastically deformable between an open position for admitting the fastener and a closed position for preventing retraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of performing an endoscopic surgical procedure on a target site within a body cavity of a patient. In one embodiment, the method comprises operatively coupling moveable actuator pins of a surgical instrument with a driver of a robotic arm to releasably couple the surgical instrument to the robotic arm. A distal portion of said surgical instrument is introduced through a percutaneous penetration into the body cavity within the patient. The surgical instrument can be pivoted about the percutaneous penetration by moving a proximal portion of said instrument outside the body cavity with a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement using the robotic arm.

Abstract: An acetubular implant includes a cup for receiving an insert freely articulated in the cup, equipped with iliac expansions (8) and a plugging element; the cup consists of a hemispherical part extended by a cylindrical part whereto are attached the iliac expansions. The cylindrical part extends over substantially a half circumference of an equatorial edge of the hemispherical part and is defined by a plane (R) inclined on the equatorial plane. Part of the outer surface of the cup (2) is covered with a macrostructure (24) defining a set of raised parts with a series of equatorial and meridian grooves of predetermined shape such that the macrostructure is neither too rough nor too smooth.

Abstract: A tool guide for guiding an end effector of a robotically controlled surgical instrument from a position outside a patient body to a position in close proximity to an internal surgical site within the patient body is provided. The tool guide typically comprises a body, a seat formation on the body, the seat formation being arranged to seat in an aperture leading into the patient body so as to mount the tool guide on the patient body, and a sheath formation on the body. The sheath formation typically defines a longitudinally extending internal passage, an inlet leading into the passage and an outlet leading from the passage.