Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopaedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopaedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopaedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopaedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopaedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopaedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopaedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopaedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A method for assessing the orthopaedic performance of a joint of a patient can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site and determining and storing their positions before a surgical procedure is performed. The procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected and stored after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to generate a representation of the orthopaedic performance of the joint after the procedure.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for use in determining the deviation of an intra-operative position of an orthopaedic implant from a planned position is described. The position of the orthopedic implant in the bone is defined by a plurality of implant position parameters. The distance of a plurality of anatomical features in a three dimensional model of the surface of the bone relative to a model of the implant at a first position is calculated. The first position corresponds to a first set of values for the implant position parameters. The distance of the plurality of anatomical features to a model of the implant at a second position in the bone is calculated. The second position corresponds to a second set of values for the implant position parameters, and the second position is different to the first position.

Abstract: A method for producing a customized surgical instrument or prosthesis for a specific patient is described. At least one x-ray image of a body part of the patient is captured. A statistical model having a dense set of anatomical correspondence points across the model is instantiated using image data derived from the at least one x-ray image to generate a patient specific model of the body part having a high accuracy surface. Patient specific data from the patient specific model is used to generate a design of the customized surgical instrument or prosthesis for use in a surgical procedure to be carried out on the body part. The surgical instrument or prosthesis is then manufactured using the design. A computer implemented method for generating the patient specific model of the body part is also described.

Abstract: A customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical system including a first surgical block, a second surgical block, and a computer-controlled milling machine. The first surgical block includes a first bone-facing surface having a first customized patient-specific negative contour to receive a first corresponding contour of a bone of a patient and a first mounting surface. The second surgical block includes a second bone-facing surface having a second customized patient-specific negative contour to receive a second corresponding contour of the bone of the patient and a second mounting surface to be separately mated with the first mounting surface. The computer-controlled milling machine includes a third mounting surface to be separately mated with the first mounting surface of the first surgical block.

Abstract: A surgical instrument which can be attached to a patient is described. The instrument includes an alignment guide having a distal end and a proximal end. A brace is attached toward the proximal end of the alignment guide for attaching the instrument to a limb of a patient. The brace comprises a pair of opposed members, each member being shaped to hold a respective bony part of the patient on either side of the patient. At least a part of the brace is made of a resilient material allowing the brace to grip the patient in use.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and computer implemented method for use in determining the deviation-of an intra-operative position of an orthopaedic implant from a planned position is described. The position of the orthopaedic implant in the bone is defined by a plurality of implant position parameters. The distance of a plurality of anatomical features in a three dimensional model of the surface of the bone relative to a model of the implant at a first position is calculated. The first position corresponds to a first set of values for the implant position parameters. The distance of the plurality of anatomical features to a model of the implant at a second position in the bone is calculated. The second position corresponds to a second set of values for the implant position parameters, and the second position is different to the first position.

Abstract: A customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical system including a first surgical block, a second surgical block, and a computer-controlled milling machine. The first surgical block includes a first bone-facing surface having a first customized patient-specific negative contour to receive a first corresponding contour of a bone of a patient and a first mounting surface. The second surgical block includes a second bone-facing surface having a second customized patient-specific negative contour to receive a second corresponding contour of the bone of the patient and a second mounting surface to be separately mated with the first mounting surface. The computer-controlled milling machine includes a third mounting surface to be separately mated with the first mounting surface of the first surgical block.

Abstract: A method for producing a customised surgical instrument or prosthesis for a specific patient is described. At least one x-ray image of a body part of the patient is captured. A statistical model having a dense set of anatomical correspondence points across the model is instantiated using image data derived from the at least one x-ray image to generate a patient specific model of the body part having a high accuracy surface. Patient specific data from the patient specific model is used to generate a design of the customised surgical instrument or prosthesis for use in a surgical procedure to be carried out on the body part. The surgical instrument or prosthesis is then manufactured using the design. A computer implemented method for generating the patient specific model of the body part is also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument which can be attached to a patient is described. The instrument includes an alignment guide having a distal end and a proximal end. A brace is attached toward the proximal end of the alignment guide for attaching the instrument to a limb of a patient. The brace comprises a pair of opposed members, each member being shaped to hold a respective bony part of the patient on either side of the patient. At least a part of the brace is made of a resilient material allowing the brace to grip the patient in use.

Abstract: An implantable marker, instruments for implanting the marker and method for implanting the marker are described. The implantable marker comprises a housing with an outer surface providing a bone anchor and having a cavity within which a marker detectable by a tracking system is secured. The kit includes a guide instrument having a guide channel for receiving an implantable marker, an insertion tool receivable within the channel and having a distal end for releasably engaging an implantable marker, and an implantable marker receivable within the channel. The insertion tool is operable to drive the implantable marker into the bone. The method includes puncturing the skin with an instrument, driving the implantable marker into the bone and withdrawing the instrument, leaving the marker implanted within the bone.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed. A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for monitoring and assessing the orthopaedic performance of a patient are described. The method can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site. A procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to assess the orthopaedic performance of the patient. An orthopaedic monitoring system comprises a monitoring station including a tracking system for RF wirelessly detecting the positions of markers within a working volume of the monitoring station. A computer control system is configured to determine a marker position for each of a plurality of markers implanted in a patient located in the working volume. The computer control system also generates an indication of the orthopaedic performance of the patient from the marker positions.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for generating a registered image of a body part of a patient for use in an image guided surgical procedure is described. The method includes attaching a marker detectable by a tracking system to the body part before carrying out surgical steps. The tracking system has a reference frame and the position of the marker in the reference frame is detected. A first image of the body part is captured using an imaging system. An indication of the position of the first image relative to the reference frame of the tracking system is obtained. The first image is then mapped into registration with the position of the body part. The system includes an imaging system for capturing images of the body part. A tracking system detects a marker and determines the position of the marker in the reference frame of the tracking system. A marker is attachable to the body part and detectable by the tracking system.

Abstract: Orthopaedic operating systems, operating rooms, computer aided surgical methods, trackable implants, instruments and surgical planning and IGS software applications are described. The integrated surgical system is for use in an orthopaedic operating room to enable a surgeon to carry out a computer aided surgical procedure on a subject. A subject support, wireless magnetic tracking system, registration system, at least a first display device, a control system and a surgeon interface operable by the surgeon to control operation of the plurality of parts of the integrated surgical system are provided.