Abstract: A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described.

Abstract: A surgical cord (100, 200,101)comprising a tubular section along its main length and comprising regions (600, 608, 601) exhibiting different mechanical and/or physical properties resultant from a change in material, pattern type, pattern density, yarn thickness and/or shape. Different regions along the length of the cord are optimised to provide the required extensibility, abrasion resistance and/or stiffness. A tissue core (904) may be incorporated within the tubular cord structure and a means of indicating the tensile loading force applied to the cord may be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the tissue around which the groove extends by at least one layer of biocompatible replacement material, and anchoring the material to the bone by the use of retaining means extending from the material into the groove; instruments for use in the repair of damaged tissue and kits comprising said instruments.

Abstract: A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the tissue around which the groove extends by at least one layer of biocompatible replacement material, and anchoring the material to the bone using a retainer extending from the material into the groove; instruments for use in the repair of damaged tissue and kits comprising said instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the tissue around which the groove extends by at least one layer of biocompatible replacement material, and anchoring the material to the bone by the use of retaining means extending from the material into the groove; instruments for use in the repair of damaged tissue and kits comprising said instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the tissue around which the groove extends by at least one layer of biocompatible replacement material, and anchoring the material to the bone by the use of retaining means extending from the material into the groove; instruments for use in the repair of damaged tissue and kits comprising said instruments.

Abstract: A set of surgical instruments for use in the implantation of a tissue repair kit after preparation of a bone site having damaged tissue, in which damaged tissue is first removed and an annular groove is formed around the defect site prior to application of the repair kit comprising a bio-compatible pad to fit on the prepared bone site, and an overlying cover sheet to fit in the groove. The set of surgical instruments includes: an introducer cylinder having a hollow driving head at one end for introducing an outer portion of the cover sheet into the groove; a plunger relatively slidable within the cylinder and having a delivery end engageable with the cover sheet so as to move a main portion of the cover sheet towards the bone site with the outer portion of the cover sheet trailing behind the main portion, and a pad-receiving recess defined between the delivery end of the plunger and the inner wall of the cylinder so that a pad can be introduced into the recess to overlie the main portion of the cover sheet.

Abstract: A repair kit for use in the repair of damaged cartilage present at or on the surface of a bone site in an animal or human, in which the damaged cartilage is removed from the site and a groove is formed about the site and into the bone prior to implantation of the repair kit. The repair kit includes: a pad of bio-compatible material shaped and dimensioned to occupy at least part of the site from which the damaged tissue has been removed. Elongate connecting portions are attached to the periphery of the pad in an array corresponding in shape to the groove. The connecting portions extend away from the general plane of the pad so as to be introduced into the groove and to be anchored therein. A retaining element is slidable depthwise of the groove to anchor at least some of the connecting portions in the groove and thereby locate and retain the pad in the part of the bone site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the repair of damaged tissue present at or on the surface of bone in an animal, the method comprising forming a narrow groove around at least part of said damaged tissue, which groove extends into the bone below the damaged tissue, replacing the tissue around which the groove extends by at least one layer of biocompatible replacement material, and anchoring the material to the bone by the use of retaining means extending from the material into the groove; instruments for use in the repair of damaged tissue and kits comprising said instruments.