Abstract: Methods for forming a shaped surface, for example, a shaped end plate between adjacent vertebral bodies, and a bone removal device for use in such methods. The device includes a contour having a predetermined profile corresponding at least in part to an implant, and a cutting element following the contour and having a cutting edge having a profile corresponding to the contour profile.

Abstract: A method of preparing an intervertebral disc space between a pair of vertebral bodies to receive an implant comprises engaging a portion of a surgical instrument with at least one of the vertebral bodies. The surgical instrument has a passage therethrough. The method further comprises generating one or more images of the surgical instrument in the surgical field and visualizing the passage through the surgical instrument on the one or more images. The method further comprises aligning the surgical instrument with a surgical plane through the intervertebral disc space by maintaining visualization of the through passage on the one or more images while adjusting the surgical instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal composite orthopedic device. The device can comprise a metallic substrate cladded or joined to one or more metallic layer(s). The substrate and metallic layer(s) can be selected of different metals and metal alloys to provide desired wear performance, imaging characteristics and optionally to serve as a reservoir for therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is described having a pair of opposed shells and a central body disposed between the opposed shells wherein the central body and the shells cooperate to limit the motion of the central body with respect to the shells. An assembly for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis is further described having a plurality of instruments cooperating to guide a tool associated with the assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for preparing an intervertebral disc space between a first vertebra and a second vertebra to receive a prosthesis comprises a distractor having a first distraction arm and a second distraction arm. The assembly further includes a first anchoring device attached to both the first distraction arm and the first vertebra and a second anchoring device attached to both the second distraction arm and the second vertebra. In this assembly, the first anchoring device moves independently of the second anchoring device.

Abstract: An assembly is used for preparing an intervertebral disc space between a pair of vertebral bodies to receive a prosthesis. The assembly comprises a distractor having a first distracting arm and a second distracting arm. The assembly further comprises a first anchoring fastener for movably coupling the first distracting arm to a first one of the vertebral bodies. The first anchoring device is able to rotate relative to the first distracting arm.

Abstract: A prosthetic device according to which a time-dependent degree of resistance is provided to at least one predetermined type of relative directional motion between first and second components of the device.

Abstract: A demonstration model assembly having an anatomical model structure that is stabilized by a support in a relatively compact area on a stable surface is provided. The anatomical model structure is a reproduction of a patient's anatomy, preferably the vertebral column, that is at least partially and removably embedded in a support. Also provided is a demonstration platform adapted to simulate surgical operating room conditions, such as an operating table with side rails and the like. The simulated operating room conditions facilitate the demonstration of various surgical techniques. The demonstration platform may also act as a container and a transporting device for the instruments and other materials used in the demonstration with the side rails acting as handles for the demonstration platform.

Abstract: An assembly for preparing a vertebral disc space to receive a prosthesis comprises a support frame having a base and a pair of guide tracks extending from the base. The base is adapted to attach to a plurality of vertebral bodies. The assembly further includes a guide block operatively connected to at least one of the guide tracks and having an opening disposed there through. The assembly further includes a position control mechanism corresponding to the at least one of the guide tracks. The position control mechanism has a plate extending there from for coupling to the guide track and the guide block and an actuating knob for adjusting the position of the plate and therefore the guide block. The assembly further includes a bone-removal device positioned through the opening of the guide block and operatively connected to the guide block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for precisely locating a line containing a predetermined point within the surgical site using a series of levels and plumb lines and internal anatomical features of the surgical site, using this location to precisely position and temporarily affix a site preparation scaffold relative to the patient's anatomy so that site preparation instruments can be introduced into the site at precise locations governed by the scaffold geometry and patient anatomy. This precise positioning of the scaffold also provides a way for the surgeon to use patient anatomical features to reliably and precisely prepare the surgical site. Scaffolds having angling features further increase the precise preparation of the surgical site. This increased precision in site preparation increases the probability of a successful procedure, and decreases the likelihood that additional surgery may be needed.

Abstract: A heterostructured field effect transistor has a multi-gate configuration, in which the gate voltages are individually biased to tailor the potential field. The multi-gate configuration can be a two-, three-, or four-gate configuration. The transconductance of the transistor can be substantially linear over a range of gate voltages.

Abstract: An implantable endoprosthesis is adapted to articulate with one or more prosthesis surfaces, and is at least partially formed from a material having high wear resistance, which may be a polymeric material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyetherether ketone (PEEK), and the like, or a metallic material, such as a cobalt-chrome alloy, or a ceramic material, such as alumina or zirconia. The body member of the endoprosthesis may be formed from a composite material, and includes at least a first component formed from a first material having increased wear resistance as compared to that of a second material forming a second component of the body member. The second material is generally more resilient as compared to the first material.

Abstract: A demonstration model assembly having an anatomical model structure that is stabilized by a support in a relatively compact area on a stable surface is provided. The anatomical model structure is a reproduction of a patient's anatomy, preferably the vertebral column, that is at least partially and removably embedded in a support. Also provided is a demonstration platform adapted to simulate surgical operating room conditions, such as an operating table with side rails and the like. The simulated operating room conditions facilitate the demonstration of various surgical techniques. The demonstration platform may also act as a container and a transporting device for the instruments and other materials used in the demonstration with the side rails acting as handles for the demonstration platform.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is described having a pair of opposed shells and a central body disposed between the opposed shells wherein the central body and the shells cooperate to limit the motion of the central body with respect to the shells. An assembly for preparing a disc space for the implantation of a prosthesis is further described having a plurality of instruments cooperating to guide a tool associated with the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for machining hard tissue and soft tissue associated therewith, having a housing, a rotating shaft having an axis essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and adapted to provide power to the apparatus by rotation of the shaft, a drive assembly, having a gear having a rotational axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus and adapted to mesh with the rotating shaft, a gear hub rigidly attached to the gear, which rotates when the gear rotates, and adapted to attached to a bearing assembly, a bearing assembly having a moveable member rigidly attached to the gear hub, a non-moveable member rigidly attached to the housing, and one or more friction reducing members disposed between the moveable and non-moveable members, and two or more locking members adapted to generate opposing forces helping to hold the drive assembly together, and a cutting element rigidly attached to the drive assembly, wherein the gear hub and bearing assembl

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for machining hard tissue and soft tissue associated therewith, having a housing, a rotating shaft having an axis essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus, and adapted to provide power to the apparatus by rotation of the shaft, a drive assembly, having a gear having a rotational axis oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus and adapted to mesh with the rotating shaft, a gear hub rigidly attached to the gear, which rotates when the gear rotates, and adapted to attached to a bearing assembly, a bearing assembly having a moveable member rigidly attached to the gear hub, a non-moveable member rigidly attached to the housing, and one or more friction reducing members disposed between the moveable and non-moveable members, and two or more locking members adapted to generate opposing forces helping to hold the drive assembly together, and a cutting element rigidly attached to the drive assembly, wherein the gear hub and bearing assembl

Abstract: A tool (10) is effective to carry balls (30) and to detect any balls missing from the tool (10). The tool (10) includes a housing (12) that includes a face plate (16) that has a plurality of bores (18) extending between an inner face (22) and an outer face (24) opposite the inner face (22). The bores (18) each have a concave seat that is sized and shaped to receive a ball (30). The housing (12) defines a chamber (14) that prevents light from entering except through the bores (18). The housing (12) further includes a photodetector (20) within the chamber (14) to receive light that passes through the bores (18), which indicates the absence of a ball from the face plate (16).