Abstract: A surgical instrument (100) and system incorporating such instruments, the instrument comprising: a stem (112), the stem having a proximal end (116) and having a distal end (110); a handle portion (114), the handle portion being provided towards the proximal end of the stem; and a guide element (108), the guide element being provided towards the distal end of the stem, wherein the guide element provides: a body element (131) defining a guide channel (128), the guide channel having a longitudinal axis (X-X) and being open at both ends along the longitudinal axis; and one or more positioning elements (130a, 130b). The instrument and system are suited to the removal of a polyethylene acetabular liner (25) from an implanted shell (27), for instance to remove that liner and replace it with another, whilst minimising the risk of damage to the shell holding it.

Abstract: Surgical instrument trays and related methods are described. The surgical instrument tray is for a surgical instrument having a plurality of parts from which the surgical instrument is assembled. The surgical tray comprises a tray having a plurality of side walls and a base which define an interior space; a lid for closing the interior space and which is removable from the tray; and a plurality of outlines located within the interior space. Each outline has the shape of a corresponding different part of the surgical instrument and each outline has at least one support arranged to receive and releasably hold the respective different parts of the surgical instrument above and in registration with the outline. The plurality of outlines are configured to indicate that the different parts of the surgical instrument are assembled to form the surgical instrument and/or that the surgical instrument is disassembled into the different parts.

Abstract: The invention provides a reamer handle comprising: a shank having a distal tool coupling end adapted to releasably couple to a part of a surgical tool and a proximal end; a retractable catch which is linearly displaceable along the shank between a non-retracted position in which the catch captures the surgical tool within the distal tool coupling end of the tool holder and a retracted position in which the catch enables the tool to be released from the distal tool coupling end; a biasing member configured to bias the catch in the non-retracted position; and a sleeve extending along the shank. The sleeve comprises: a distally located catch contacting portion and a proximally located handle portion for manually displacing the sleeve relative to the shank such that displacement of the catch contacting portion moves the retractable catch between the non-retracted position and the retracted position to enable capture and release of the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: Surgical instrument trays and related methods are described. The surgical instrument tray includes a tray having a plurality of side walls and a base which define an interior space. An insert is located within the interior space of the tray and is removable from the interior space. A lid is provided for closing the interior space and which is removable from the tray. The insert has an upper surface including a plurality of outlines, each outline having the shape of the outline of a corresponding surgical instrument or part of a surgical instrument, each outline being in the form of a continuous strip, and wherein each outline has at least one support arranged to receive and releasably hold the corresponding surgical instrument or part of the surgical instrument above and in registration with the outline.

Abstract: A surgical rotational cutting tool, a surgical kit and a method of preparing a femur to receive a stem of a femoral prosthetic. The tool includes a longitudinal axis and a shaft extending along the longitudinal axis, which has a proximal end and a distal end. The tool also includes a head located at the distal end of the shaft. The head includes a pointed distal tip, a bone contacting outer surface having a portion which curves inwards toward the longitudinal axis as it approaches the tip, and a plurality of flutes. The edges of distal parts of neighboring pairs of the flutes meet to define a plurality of cutting edges which extend proximally from the pointed distal tip. A proximal part of each flute extends proximally across the curved portion.

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint prosthesis assembly includes a head part of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis component and an alignment guide. The head part has a spherical bearing. surface for articulation with a corresponding joint surface, and an assembly surface having a first bore formed in it for receiving a spigot on another part of the orthopaedic joint prosthesis, The bore has a first axis that extends perpendicular to the assembly surface. There is a discontinuity at an interface between the bearing surface and the assembly surface, and the assembly surface is arranged on a plane which is parallel to, or contains, a plane which is defined by the opening to the bore in the head part when the head part is viewed from one side in cross-section. The alignment guide has an axial portion and an arm extending from the axial portion.

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint prosthesis assembly includes a head part of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis component and an alignment guide. The head part has a spherical hearing surface for articulation with a corresponding joint surface, and an assembly surface having a first bore formed in it for receiving a spigot on another part of the orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The bore has a first axis that extends perpendicular to the assembly surface. The alignment guide has an axial portion defining a second axis and an arm extending from the axial portion. The arm includes a distal portion which is configured to engage the assembly surface, with the axial portion being arranged to engage the bearing surface of the head part when the head part is mounted within the guide such that an impaction force applied along the second axis is directed along the first axis.

Abstract: The invention provides an impactor for transmitting an assembly force to a component of an orthopaedic implant. The impactor has first and second telescoping parts which are biased apart by means of a main spring. The main spring is compressed when an assembly force is applied to the parts. An indicator is latched against movement until it is released when the extent of the compression of the main spring by the application of an assembly force exceeds a threshold. The indicator then moves to provide the user with an indication that a minimum assembly force has been applied.

Abstract: The invention provides an osteotome which includes a curved guide member extending distally from its medial side. This curved guide member interfaces with the medial curvature of the femoral canal. The guide member guides the osteotome using the internal bone geometry of the femoral canal instead of relying on external anatomical landmarks.

Abstract: The invention provides a reamer handle comprising: a shank having a distal tool coupling end adapted to releasably couple to a part of a surgical tool and a proximal end; a retractable catch which is linearly displaceable along the shank between a non-retracted position in which the catch captures the surgical tool within the distal tool coupling end of the tool holder and a retracted position in which the catch enables the tool to be released from the distal tool coupling end; a biasing member configured to bias the catch in the non-retracted position; and a sleeve extending along the shank. The sleeve comprises: a distally located catch contacting portion and a proximally located handle portion for manually displacing the sleeve relative to the shank such that displacement of the catch contacting portion moves the retractable catch between the non-retracted position and the retracted position to enable capture and release of the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: A surgical rotational cutting tool, a surgical kit and a method of preparing a femur to receive a stem of a femoral prosthetic. The tool includes a longitudinal axis and a shaft extending along the longitudinal axis, which has a proximal end and a distal end. The tool also includes a head located at the distal end of the shaft. The head includes a pointed distal tip, a bone contacting outer surface having a portion which curves inwards toward the longitudinal axis as it approaches the tip, and a plurality of flutes. The edges of distal parts of neighbouring pairs of the flutes meet to define a plurality of cutting edges which extend proximally from the pointed distal tip. A proximal part of each flute extends proximally across the curved portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an impactor for transmitting an assembly force to a component of an orthopaedic implant. The impactor has first and second telescoping parts which are biased apart by means of a main spring. The main spring is compressed when an assembly force is applied to the parts. An indicator is latched against movement until it is released when the extent of the compression of the main spring by the application of an assembly force exceeds a threshold. The indicator then moves to provide the user with an indication that a minimum assembly force has been applied.

Abstract: The invention provides an osteotome which includes a curved guide member extending distally from its medial side. This curved guide member interfaces with the medial curvature of the femoral canal. The guide member guides the osteotome using the internal bone geometry of the femoral canal instead of relying on external anatomical landmarks.

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint prosthesis assembly includes a head part of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis component and an alignment guide. The head part has a spherical bearing surface for articulation with a corresponding joint surface, and an assembly surface having a first bore formed in it for receiving a spigot on another part of the orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The bore has a first axis that extends perpendicular to the assembly surface. There is a discontinuity at an interface between the bearing surface and the assembly surface, and the assembly surface is arranged on a plane which is parallel to, or contains, a plane which is defined by the opening to the bore in the head part when the head part is viewed from one side in cross-section. The alignment guide has an axial portion and an arm extending from the axial portion.

Abstract: An alignment guide is described that includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a housing attachable to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A guide arm the extends from the housing at a predetermined angle along a second axis. A spirit level is connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.

Abstract: An alignment guide is provided having a shaft having a longitudinal axis. The guide includes a housing configured to be attached to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The housing includes a base and a plate. The base is attached to the shaft, and the plate is rotatable about the first axis relative to the base. The guide also includes a guide arm having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being attached to the housing and extending from the housing along a second axis, the second portion extending from the first portion at a first predetermined angle.

Abstract: An alignment guide is provided having a shaft with a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second portion extends from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis. The third portion extends from the second portion at a second predetermined angle.

Abstract: A method of aligning an alignment guide relative to a reamed acetabulum of a patient is provided. The method includes the step of manipulating an alignment guide comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a guide arm having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion, the first portion attached to the shaft and configured to be rotatable about a first axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the second portion extending from the first portion at a first predetermined angle along a second axis, and the third portion extending from the second portion at a second predetermined angle. The guide arm is rotated about the first axis relative to the shaft. A cup or trial is attached to the distal end of the shaft and positioned to contact the reamed acetabulum. The third portion of the guide arm is then oriented with respect to the long axis of the patient and the surface of the table on which the patient is positioned.

Abstract: A prosthesis arranged to be coupled to a bone. The prosthesis comprises a substrate (2) having a surface (6). The surface (6) of the substrate (2) has a first area and a second area, the first area being treated such that osseointegration is promoted more than in the second area. The interface (12) between the first and second areas forms an alignment mark to assist alignment of the prosthesis relative to a bone. The prosthesis is arranged to be at least partially inserted into a bone cavity such that the position of the alignment mark relative to the bone cavity is indicative of the angle of insertion of the prosthesis or the alignment mark provides a position reference for determining the implanted position of the prosthesis in the cavity. A method of manufacturing the prosthesis and a method of implanting the prosthesis are also provided.

Abstract: A goniometer comprises a first arm (2), a second arm (4) and a connecting portion (6) pivotally connecting the first arm (2) to the second arm (4) about a pivot axis (7). An instrument connector (8) is coupled to the first arm (2) arranged to couple to a surgical instrument (10). A method of aligning a surgical instrument (10) using the goniometer is also disclosed.