Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty bone joint implant has a first part (120) with a stem (111) tor intramedullary implanting into a metacarpal, and a second part (110) to engage the trapezium is a translational manner, a hemi-arthroplasty articulating coupling (121). This allows multi-axial motion with translational movement of the second part over the trapezium and rotation of the first part (110) about the articulating coupling (121, 103). There is also a converter to convert the implant to a toral arthroplasty implant in situ during revision surgery. The second part (110) and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling (100, 123, 121) are removable in situ during revision surgery. The first part (120) has an engagement threaded socket (117) for, after removal of the second part and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling, engaging the replacement coupling (200) and allowing mutual articulation of the first (120) and replacement parts (220). This forms a total arthroplasty joint implant.

Abstract: A sensor strip comprises an elongate member that is segmented; the segments are defined by longitudinal and transverse grooves, such that the adjacent segments are hinged together; the longitudinal grooves define a central column and outer columns of segments; the segments in the outermost columns are tapered outwardly; and a pressure sensitive sensor is mounted in a plurality of the segments in the central column. A sensor strip of the invention can be used by introducing it under a bandage and recording the pressure at each of the pressure-sensitive sensors.

Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty bone joint implant has a first part (120) with a stem (111) tor intramedullary implanting into a metacarpal, mid a second part (110) to engage the trapezium is a translational manner, a hemi-arthroplasty articulating coupling (121). This allows multi-axial motion with translational movement of the second part over the trapezium and rotation of the first part (110) about the articulating coupling (121, 103). There is also a converter to convert the implant to a total arthroplasty implant in situ during revision surgery. The second part (110) and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling (100, 123, 121) are removable in situ during revision surgery. The first part (120) has an engagement threaded socket (117) for, after removal of the second part and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling, engaging the replacement coupling (200) and allowing mutual articulation of the first (120) and replacement parts (220). This forms a total arthroplasty joint implant.

Abstract: A set of tools for installation of a stem implant into a bone comprises a stem-shaped priming tool (1) having a distal tip (32) and a plurality of cutting teeth (31) along a length thereof and a plurality of stem-shaped broaches (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of different size. Each of the broaches have a distal tip and a plurality of cutting teeth along a length thereof. The priming tool (1) is shorter than, has more cutting teeth (31) per unit length, and has a sharper distal tip (32) than the smallest broach.

Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty bone joint implant has a first part (120) with a stem (111) tor intramedullary implanting into a metacarpal, mid a second part (110) to engage the trapezium is a translational manner, a hemi-arthroplasty articulating coupling (121). This allows multi-axial motion with translational movement of the second part over the trapezium and rotation of the first part (110) about the articulating coupling (121, 103). There is also a converter to convert the implant to a total arthroplasty implant in situ during revision surgery. The second part (110) and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling (100, 123, 121) are removable in situ during revision surgery. The first part (120) has an engagement threaded socket (117) for, after removal of the second part and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling, engaging the replacement coupling (200) and allowing mutual articulation of the first (120) and replacement parts (220). This forms a total arthroplasty joint implant.

Abstract: A set of tools for installation of a stem implant into a bone comprises a stem-shaped priming tool (1) having a distal tip (32) and a plurality of cutting teeth (31) along a length thereof and a plurality of stem-shaped broaches (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of different size. Each of the broaches have a distal tip and a plurality of cutting teeth along a length thereof. The priming tool (1) is shorter than, has more cutting teeth (31) per unit length, and has a sharper distal tip (32) than the smallest broach.

Abstract: An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.

Abstract: A hemi-arthroplasty bone joint implant has a first part (120) with a stem (111) tor intramedullary implanting into a metacarpal, and a second part (110) to engage the trapezium is a translational manner, a hemi-arthroplasty articulating coupling (121). This allows multi-axial motion with translational movement of the second part over the trapezium and rotation of the first part (110) about the articulating coupling (121, 103). There is also a converter to convert the implant to a toral arthroplasty implant in situ during revision surgery. The second part (110) and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling (100, 123, 121) are removable in situ during revision surgery. The first part (120) has an engagement threaded socket (117) for, after removal of the second part and the hemi-arthroplasty coupling, engaging the replacement coupling (200) and allowing mutual articulation of the first (120) and replacement parts (220). This forms a total arthroplasty joint implant.

Abstract: A set of tools for installation of a stem implant into a bone comprises a stem-shaped priming tool (1) having a distal tip (32) and a plurality of cutting teeth (31) along a length thereof and a plurality of stem-shaped broaches (2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of different size. Each of the broaches have a distal tip (32) and a plurality of cutting teeth (31) along a length thereof. The priming tool (1) is shorter than, has more cutting teeth (31) per unit length, and has a sharper distal tip (32) than the smallest broach.

Abstract: A bone joint implant (1) has a proximal part (120) for translational motion over the trapezium in a first carpometacarpal joint and a distal part (110) for intramedullary engagement in the first metacarpal bone. An articulating coupling (103, 121, 123) is for multi-axial motion with translational movement over a bone in one part (120) and rotation in the other part (110) about the articulating coupling (121, 103). A flange (105) extends radially and around the coupling to limit relative rotational motion of the proximal and distal parts about the coupling, and to provide resilience for contact between the proximal and distal parts. The flange has a contoured surface (101) matching an abutting surface (125) of the proximal part (122) upon articulation of the parts in use to extreme positions.

Abstract: An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.

Abstract: Bone joint implants are described herein. The bone joint implants may comprise a metallic proximal platform configured for translational motion on the trapezium bone; a distal stem configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the first metacarpal bone; an articulating coupling between the proximal platform and distal stem; and a proximal non-metallic wear surface and a distal non-metallic wear surface.

Abstract: Bone joint implants are described herein. The bone joint implants may comprise a metallic proximal platform configured for translational motion on the trapezium bone; a distal stem configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the first metacarpal bone; an articulating coupling between the proximal platform and distal stem; and a proximal non-metallic wear surface and a distal non-metallic wear surface.

Abstract: Bone joint implants are described herein. The bone joint implants may comprise a metallic proximal platform configured for translational motion on the trapezium bone; a distal stem configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the first metacarpal bone; an articulating coupling between the proximal platform and distal stem; and a proximal non-metallic wear surface and a distal non-metallic wear surface.

Abstract: An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.

Abstract: Reduced bone fracture fixation devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the reduced bone fracture fixation devices include a body dimensioned to be positioned in a reduced bone fracture, wherein the body has a wedge shape configuration sufficient to exert a force on bone of the reduced bone fracture and maintain reduction of the reduced bone fracture. The devices, kits and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, such as in applications in which it is desired to repair a reduced bone fracture.

Abstract: An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.

Abstract: An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.

Abstract: An optical sensor (10) comprises an optical cavity defined by a dielectric body and responsive to one or more physical environmental conditions, and a waveguide (70) having a terminal end spaced apart from the optical cavity such that light is optically coupled from the terminal end of the waveguide (70) to the optical cavity. The waveguide (70) is arranged such that, in use, it is maintained at a first temperature that would not damage the optical coupling to the optical cavity when the dielectric body is maintained at a second temperature sufficient to damage the optical coupling to the optical cavity.

Abstract: A method of assembling an optical sensor for measuring pressure and/or temperature is disclosed. The optical sensor is adapted for use in high temperature environments, such as gas turbines and other engines. The method comprises fabricating a sensor element formed of a pill having an enclosed cavity, bonding the pill to a front end of a spacer, bonding a lens to the back end of the spacer to form the optical assembly, aligning an optical fiber to the optical assembly, and fixing the fiber in position by fusing the fiber to the lens.