Abstract: A modular system facilitates packaging, marking, handling, sterilizing, tracking, tagging and storing small components such as surgical screws. A small, suitably cylindrical or similar cell receives a screw or other component and seats the component in a predetermined orientation. A complementary cap is adapted to engage the cell from above, closing the top and retaining the component in the cell. The cap is also adapted for use as a tool for handling the cell and the component contained therein. A coupling between the cell and the the cap allows the cap to be snapped securely on the cell under manual pressure; the coupling is further adapted to release on application of sufficient bending moment across the co-axis of the cell and cap.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for cleaning a surgically prepared working surface comprises a body portion adapted to supply pressurized fluid (preferably carbon dioxide gas) to the surgically prepared working surface and aspirate surface debris dislodged from the surgically prepared working surface. The apparatus further comprises a head portion adapted to constrain the supplied pressurized fluid to flow substantially along the surgically prepared working surface to dislodge debris there from when the head portion is in contact with the surgically prepared working surface. The dislodged surface debris are aspirated by the body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for cleaning a surgically prepared bony concavity includes a body portion adapted to supply pressurized fluid (preferably carbon dioxide gas) to the concavity and aspirate surface debris. The apparatus further comprises a head having an orifice with a plane, circular rim having a diameter less than that of the bony concavity. A method for cleaning a surgically prepared, concave, generally hemispherical bony cavity includes the steps of: covering a region of the hemispherical bony concavity with a cleaning head; supplying a pressurized fluid to the region covered by the cleaning head, and collecting the pressurized fluid from the covered region with a surface debris aspirator coupled to the cleaning head. A cleaning head having a generally circular orifice substantially seals and encloses a spherical zone to be cleaned.

Abstract: A replacement device for resurfacing a joint surface of a femur and a method of making and installing such a device is provided. The custom replacement device is designed to substantially fit the trochlear groove surface, of an individual femur. Thereby creating a “customized” replacement device for that individual femur and maintaining the original kinematics of the joint. The replacement device may be defined by four boundary points, and a first and a second surface. The first of four points is 3 to 5 mm from the point of attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament to the femur. The second point is near the bottom edge of the end of the natural articulatar cartilage. The third point is at the top ridge of the right condyle and the fourth point at the top ridge of the left condyle of the femur.

Abstract: The use of implantable bulking materials for the treatment of urinary incontinence and a system for accurate positioning and delivery of bulking materials are described. The implantable materials are biocompatible, non-biodegradable implants which are designed for stabilization in soft tissue through the ingrowth of fibrous tissue after implantation. The positioning and delivery system comprises an injector which is adapted to allow a syringe to be attached and a housing. The housing includes a through cavity adapted to hold a viewing instrument, such as a cystoscope to allow accurate positioning of the injector. The housing also includes one or more injector through cavities, which are adapted to hold the injector at an angle to the viewing instrument. The angle between the viewing instrument and the injector is variably adjustable. The invention embraces the use of the bulking implants with various delivery methods, including the use of the described positioning and delivery system.

Abstract: The use of implantable bulking materials for the treatment of urinary incontinence and a system for accurate positioning and delivery of bulking materials are described. The implantable materials are biocompatible, non-biodegradable implants which are designed for stabilization in soft tissue through the ingrowth of fibrous tissue after implantation. The positioning and delivery system comprises an injector which is adapted to allow a syringe to be attached and a housing. The housing includes a through cavity adapted to hold a viewing instrument, such as a cystoscope to allow accurate positioning of the injector. The housing also includes one or more injector through cavities, which are adapted to hold the injector at an angle to the viewing instrument. The angle between the viewing instrument and the injector is variably adjustable. The invention embraces the use of the bulking implants with various delivery methods, including the use of the described positioning and delivery system.

Abstract: The metal shell of an acetabular cup has holes that allow a surgeon to screw the shell to pelvic bone. To prevent the debris of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene ("UHMWPE") or other plastic liner in the shell from migrating through the holes, the present invention seals each screw-receiving hole with a thin UHMWPE disc. The disc snaps into an annular groove in the hole. With the disc in place, debris from the liner does not pass through the screw holes.

Abstract: The tool of the present invention comprises a stem. Cutting teeth extend outward from the stem. The stem has a central, longitudinal passage, connects to a suction or evacuation line. An outlet of the passage is at or near the cutting site. As material is cut, the suction carries the material to the central passage where it is evacuated. In one embodiment, each tooth has a cutting edge and a back side. One or more tubes connect the central passage to the back side of the cutting teeth. Suction from the central passage acts on the tubes to create suction at the cutting site. In another embodiment, the central passage is open at the distal end of the tool. Suction at the distal end cut material toward the distal end of the tool and into the central passage where it is evacuated from the tool.