Abstract: A surgical plate device that incorporates a screw locking mechanism in each screw hole by which the surgical plate device is affixed to a bony segment. The screw locking mechanism includes a tab structure emanating from an interior portion (or either surface) of the surgical plate that is biased into a portion of the corresponding screw hole. When a screw is inserted into the screw hole, the head of the screw temporarily biases the tab structure out of the screw hole, until the head of the screw passes below the plane of the tab structure, at which point the tab structure rebounds into the previously occupied portion of the screw hole, thereby covering a portion of the head of the screw and preventing it from “backing out.

Abstract: A surgical plate device that incorporates a screw locking mechanism in each screw hole by which the surgical plate device is affixed to a bony segment. The screw locking mechanism includes a tab structure emanating from an interior portion (or either surface) of the surgical plate that is biased into a portion of the corresponding screw hole. When a screw is inserted into the screw hole, the head of the screw temporarily biases the tab structure out of the screw hole, until the head of the screw passes below the plane of the tab structure, at which point the tab structure rebounds into the previously occupied portion of the screw hole, thereby covering a portion of the head of the screw and preventing it from “backing out.

Abstract: Hemi joint replacements for the base of the first metacarpal of the CMC joint are provided which can effectively restore and reestablish functional joint mechanics while preserving the soft tissues that contribute to joint stability and function. The implants have a unique head shape with a saddle-like articular surface that is shaped somewhat similar to a conventional bicycle seat. A set of four proportionately larger and smaller implants allows a surgeon to choose the appropriately sized prosthesis for implantation in respect of the metacarpal osteotomy.

Abstract: First and second elements that have mating heads form an interphalangeal joint prosthesis that allows smooth articulation dorsal to volar. The first element head has a proximal surface defined by two intersecting planes, a stem portion that extends longitudinally therefrom and a convex bicondylar articulating surface having a central valley. The second element has a biconcave articulating proximal surface which mates with the first element articulating surface and a stem portion that extends longitudinally from the distal surface thereof, with a notch being formed in a dorsal surface of the head at a location that does not disturb attachments to the dorsal tubercle or the function of the median band of the extensor expansion. Sets of such joint prostheses of varying sizes are provided which are designed so that adjacent sizes interfit. A method for treating a deteriorated PIP joint is described.

Abstract: First and second elements that have mating heads form an interphalangeal joint prosthesis that allows smooth articulation dorsal to volar. The first element head has a proximal surface defined by two intersecting planes, a stem portion that extends longitudinally therefrom and a convex bicondylar articulating surface having a central valley. The second element has a biconcave articulating proximal surface which mates with the first element articulating surface and a stem portion that extends longitudinally from the distal surface thereof, with a notch being formed in a dorsal surface of the head at a location that does not disturb attachments to the dorsal tubercle or the function of the median band of the extensor expansion. Sets of such joint prostheses of varying sizes are provided which are designed so that adjacent sizes interfit. A method for treating a deteriorated PIP joint is described.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic prosthesis includes a screw having a threaded shank and a head. The head includes a plurality of splines extending outwardly of the diametrical extent of the head. A first implantable prosthetic element has a threaded bore for receiving the threaded shank of the screw in threaded engagement. A second implantable prosthetic element has a shoulder-stepped bore for receiving the threaded shank therethrough and for engaging the head. The bore includes an annular groove for receiving the splines of the head and defines a shoulder for engaging the splines to prevent backout of the screw.

Abstract: An implantable orthopedic knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component having an internal box geometry defined by a bone-engaging surface configured as a primary prosthesis. The femoral component has a threaded bore therein communicating with the bone-engaging surface. An adapter has a mating surface complementary to the box geometry of the femoral component and an internal box geometry defined by a bone-engaging surface configured as a revision prosthesis. A hole through the adapter is aligned with the threaded bore of the femoral component and has a recessed shoulder. An adapter screw has a head and a threaded shank, the head sized to be received within the hole of the adapter in engagement with the shoulder, and the shank being sized to be threadedly received within the threaded bore of the femoral component. The adapter screw includes a threaded bore therein.

Abstract: A nested cutting block includes at least a first slot for guiding a saw blade during a first bone cutting operation. The first block has a cavity formed therein. A first securing interlock is formed on the first block. A second block is detachably mounted in the cavity and includes at least a second slot for guiding the saw blade during a second bone cutting operation. A second securing interlock is attached to the second block. An interlock member engages the first and second securing interlocks for detachably engaging the second block within the first block. The first bone cutting operation is made with the first and second blocks interconnected and mounted in a cutting position. The second bone cutting operation may be made with the first and second blocks nested together in the cutting position. Alternatively, the second bone cutting operation may also be made with the first block detached from the second block and the second block remaining in the cutting position.

Abstract: An intercondylar notch cutter using a plunge milling bit and bit guide which engages parallel tracks in a trial prosthesis. The intercondylar notch cutter comprises a cutting bit and a guide sleeve. The cutting bit can be thrust into the femur and then translated through the femur cutting a notch without removing the trial prosthesis. The bit is supported by a guide or housing with a guide platform which extends medially and laterally from the guide. Two condyle articulating surfaces on the platform slidingly engage a condyle surface on a trial prosthesis. Along the condyle surfaces on the trial prosthesis are two parallel grooves. Posts on the notch cutter are slidingly received within the grooves. A surgeon first places the trial implant on the femur without cutting an intercondylar notch. The surgeon can proceed immediately to cut an intercondyle notch without removing the femoral trial prosthesis.

Abstract: A patella planer for preparing a resected surface on a patella in a single operation. The patella planer has an adjustable stop which can be used on either side of the planer so that the planer may be used on the right or left knee. The adjustable stop has a floating zero pointer which can be set to accommodate varying thickness of the patient's patella. The amount of patella material to be removed can be selected by adjusting an offset stop pin.

Abstract: A surgical jig for orienting a femoral component of a prosthetic knee prosthesis angularly with respect to the axis of the patient's femur which jig utilizes a single drill plate or guide for condylar pins, but permits variation in the placement of those pins. The jig comprises a distal plate which is placed against the distal end of the femur. The distal plate has two condyle fingers for grasping the posterior side of the femoral condyles. Gage means are provided to measure the size of the distal end of the femur. A rotatable drill guide permits the surgeon to adjust the placement of two drill bores for receiving condyle pins on a femoral component of a knee prosthesis.

Abstract: A jig for resecting the distal end of a femur to receive a femoral component of a knee prosthesis. The jig has independent medial and lateral condyle sagittal saw guides. The guides aid a surgeon in cutting three of four resected surfaces or planes for each condyle. The femoral component accepts shims over either condyle to compensate for uneven loss of healthy bone. The shims do not change the internal geometry of the femoral component, but associate each proximal displacement with an anterior displacement of the geometry. Each saw guide slides on a slanted dovetail track so that the proper amount of anterior displacement can be maintained so that shims may maintain the common internal geometry.

Abstract: A tibial spacer saw guide for guiding the resection of a bony defect of the lateral or medial condyle of the proximal tibia to accommodate a spacer to be implanted beneath a tibial baseplate of a tibial prosthesis. The saw guide includes a plate having a plurality of locating holes corresponding in spacing and location to pins extending from the inferior surface of the tibial baseplate. The plate has medial and lateral guide edges for guiding a sagittal osteotomy where the guide edges are located relative to the locating holes, and thus relative to the pegs of the tibial baseplate. The saw guide also includes an anterior block extending from the plate and having a plurality of slots for guiding a horizontal osteotomy for the spacer of selected depth. The plate rests on an initially resected surface, and thus the horizontal osteotomy for the spacer is located relative to the initial osteotomy surface.