Abstract: A surgical pack, method of providing a surgical pack and method of use are described. The surgical pack comprises (100) a container (102) having an opening (116), at least one item of surgical equipment in the container and a closure (104) which shuts the opening and which is sealed about the opening by bonding. The closure and the container provide between them at least one attachment mechanism by which the closure can be re -attached to the container over the opening to shut the opening. The surgical pack can be used by removing the closure and then removing the surgical equipment. After use, the surgical equipment is replaced in the container and the closure is re -attached over the opening to hold the replaced surgical equipment within the container. The container and used surgical equipment can then safely be disposed of.

Abstract: A surgical cutting guide is described which can guide a cutting implement to cut in a pair of planes at a defined relative orientation. The cutting guide comprises a first plate defining a first cutting plane, a second plate defining a second cutting plane at an angle to the first cutting plane; and a base member to which both the first plate and the second plate are attached. The first and second cutting planes intersect each other at a line of intersection and both the first plate and the second plate extend beyond the line of intersection.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a symbol formed in or on a smooth surface surrounding the symbol, wherein the symbol comprises a plurality of angled surfaces over at least part of the area of the symbol, wherein the angled surfaces define a plurality of parallel ridges and grooves in the symbol. These ridges and grooves create an improved contrast for the symbol relative to the surrounding surface by a combination of different specular reflection of incident light compared to the surrounding surface and shadows formed by the ridges and grooves. A method of marking a surgical instrument with a symbol formed in or on a smooth surface is also described. The method comprises forming a symbol in or on a smooth surface of the surgical instrument; and forming a plurality of angled surfaces over at least part of the area of the symbol, wherein the angled surfaces define a plurality of parallel ridges and grooves in the symbol.

Abstract: A multi-pin pin impactor and method of use are described. The pin impactor includes a body which can be held by a user and manipulated to re-position the pin impactor during use. First and second pin holders are attached to the body and each include a pin release mechanism effective to releasably retain a pin within the pin holder. An impaction can have a force applied to apply a driving force to a one of the pins. In use, a first pin held by the pin impactor is introduced into an aperture in a surgical instrument mounted on a bone. A force is applied to the pin impactor to drive the first pin into the bone. The orientation or position of the pin impactor is changed to introduce a second pin held by the pin impactor into a second aperture in the surgical instrument without re-loading the pin impactor and a force is applied to the pin impactor to drive the second pin into the bone.

Abstract: A surgical distractor comprising a base plate (2), an intermediate stage (6) telescopically coupled to the base plate (2) and a distraction plate (4) telescopically coupled to the intermediate stage (6). The intermediate stage (6) is arranged to rotate relative to at least one of the base plate (2) and the distraction plate (4) to cause telescopic movement between the intermediate plate (6) and at least one of the base plate (2) and the distraction plate (4) such that the distraction plate (4) moves towards or away from the base plate (2). Surgical instrument kits incorporating distractors and drive elements and a method of distracting two bones within a joint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite trial prosthesis comprises a first component (2) and a shim (4). The first component (2) has a first surface (8) corresponding to a surface of a prosthetic component and a reverse surface (10). The shim (4) is arranged to couple to the reverse surface (10). The first component (2) further comprises a first marking (24) which is arranged to be visible when the first component (2) is coupled directly to a bone or a further prosthetic component. Part of the shim (26) is arranged to obscure the first marking (24) when the shim (4) is coupled to the reverse surface (10), the shim (4) further comprising a second marking (28) which is visible when the shim (4) is coupled to a bone or a further prosthetic component. A set of composite trial prostheses and a method of selecting a required surgical prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising: a first component (104); a second component (102) coupled to the first component (104) and arranged to move relative to the first component (104); and a grip (114) secured to the second component (102). The grip (114) is arranged to be manipulated by a user to move the second component (102) relative to the first component (104); wherein the grip (114) is formed from an elastomeric material and the instrument further comprises an elastomeric spring portion (118) integrally formed with the grip (114), the spring portion (118) extending from the grip (114) and arranged to bias relative movement between the first and second components (102, 104).

Abstract: A surgical instrument, for example a cutting block for use in knee surgery, comprises a mounting surface defining at least one opening for receiving a mounting projection. The mounting surface further defines a blind recess which extends linearly from the at least one opening. The blind recess may extend to an edge of the mounting surface. A system including a surgical instrument and one or more mounting projections is also disclosed. The blind recess can be used as a track to guide a projection to an opening, increasing the area of the instrument that can be used to locate the projection in the correct position. The recess acts as a guide for the projection to enter the opening by providing tactile feedback to guide the projection towards the opening. If the recess also extends to the edge of the instrument, the recess may be visible more easily when the surgeon is installing the instrument providing visual as well as tactile feedback.

Abstract: A surgical resection guide comprising: a housing (36); a stylus arm (38) extending through the housing (36) and a linear adjustment mechanism. The linear adjustment mechanism comprises: a shaft (30) at least partially received within a bore extending through the housing (36) such that the shaft (30) can slide along its longitudinal axis relative to the housing (36), the shaft (30) incorporating a shaft tooth (50); and a dial (44) rotatably coupled to the housing (36) and incorporating a helical dial groove (48) defining a longitudinal axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft (30). The shaft tooth (50) engages the dial groove (48) such that rotating the dial (44) relative to the housing (36) causes the shaft tooth (50) to slide along the dial groove (48) causing the shaft (30) to slide within the bore along its longitudinal axis. The housing (36) and the stylus arm (38) can rotate about the shaft (30) without causing the shaft (30) to slide within its bore along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of marking a surgical article is described that includes the steps of providing a surgical article having a surface; engraving a portion of the surface to create an engraved surface; darkening an area of the surface that includes the engraved surface; and removing the marking on that area of the surface that does not include the engraved surface.

Abstract: A counter mechanism useable with a dry powder inhaler is disclosed. The mechanism features first and second indicator members rotatable about a central axis. The indicator members have counting indicia visible to indicate inhaler doses remaining or dispensed. A coupling transmits rotary motion from the inhaler to the second indicator member when the inhaler is charged with a dose. A slave wheel, rotatable about an axis offset from the central axis, has a drive transfer wheel on one face and a gear on an opposite face. The gear engages the second indicator member, the drive transfer wheel intermittently engages and rotates the first indicator member in response to rotary motion of the second indicator member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mining method for steeply dipping orebodies. In the method, an excavator 152 is tethered to a deployment system 120 by one or more cables/umbilicals 144. The excavator 152 excavates slices 172a-h of the orebody 100 by moving generally up-dip, down-dip or a combination thereof. The excavator can be automated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mining method for steeply dipping orebodies. In the method, an excavator 152 is tethered to a deployment system 120 by one or more cables/umbilicals 144. The excavator 152 excavates slices 172a-h of the orebody 100 by moving generally up-dip, down-dip or a combination thereof. The excavator can be automated.