Abstract: Instrument handles isolate the functions of supporting the instrument and actuating controls on the instrument. An instrument handle may be grasped and supported by the less dexterous digits and palm of a human hand, and controls mounted on the instrument handle may be actuated by the more dexterous digits. The instrument handle may couple to an end effector so that the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder remain in a comfortable position when the end effector is positioned to act effectively on a selected portion of a workpiece, such as a surgical site.

Abstract: A novel fixation system for fixing a graft ligament in a bone tunnel. The fixation system comprises an interference screw comprising a body having a distal end and a proximal end, screw threads extending longitudinally along the body, and a transversely-extending region formed in the body for receiving a transverse pin therein, whereby to securely lock the interference screw, and hence the graft ligament, to the bone. In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, there is provided a method for attaching a graft ligament to a bone, the method comprising the steps of: (i) drilling a tunnel in the bone; (ii) positioning the graft ligament in the bone tunnel; (iii) placing an interference screw in the bone tunnel so as to force the graft ligament laterally against the opposite side of the bone tunnel; and (iv) advancing a transverse pin transversely through the bone and through the interference screw so as to securely lock the interference screw, and hence the graft ligament, to the bone.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of the cartilaginous structures of a spine motion segment is described. The prosthesis comprises an intervertebral disc prosthesis in combination with a facet joint prosthesis.

Abstract: A method for mounting an implant at an orthopedic joint includes forming a tunnel through a bone, the tunnel having an open second end on a natural or resected articulating surface of the bone and an open first end at a location on the bone spaced apart from the natural or resected articulating surface. A fastener is advanced into the tunnel from the first end of the tunnel. The fastener, which is at least partially disposed within the tunnel, is then secured to the implant which is disposed over the second end of the tunnel.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.

Abstract: A method includes the acts of sliding a first end of a flexible first line through a channel in a first bone anchor. A portion of the first line is connected to an implant having a top articular surface and an opposing bone apposition surface. The first line extending between the implant and the first bone anchor is then tensioned. While the tensioning force is maintained on the first line, the first line is secured to the first bone anchor.

Abstract: A method includes resecting a portion of an articulation surface of a bone at a joint. A guide template is positioned on the resected articulation surface. The guide template at least partially bounds an opening that is disposed over the resected articulation surface. A portion of the resected articulation surface of the bone bounded within the opening of the guide template is then removed through the opening of the guide template.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, manner of assembly, and their method of use are presented. In one form thereof, a tibial component of a knee prosthesis is providing including a tray having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and an extension forming an elongate body having a top end and a bottom end. One of the tray and extension includes an outwardly projecting boss, with the boss having an outer wall including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion. The other of the tray and extension includes an inwardly extending bore forming a bore wall, the bore wall including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion.

Abstract: A method for resecting at least a portion of a lateral or medial facet at the proximal end of a tibia includes forming a tunnel having a proximal end on a lateral, medial, or anterior side of a proximal end of a tibia and a distal end on a lateral or medial facet at the proximal end of the tibia. A first end of a retention rod is advanced from the proximal end of the tunnel to the distal end of the tunnel. The first end of the retention rod is coupled to a rasp. At least the rasp or the retention rod is moved so as to cause the rasp to resect at least a portion of the lateral or medial facet of the tibia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to guide systems and methods for resecting at least a portion of a joint articulation surface on a bone by mounting a first cutting guide on the joint articulation surface. A first portion of the joint articulation surface is resected using the first cutting guide as a guide for resecting. A second cutting guide is then mounted on the joint articulation surface following which the first cutting guide is removed. A second portion of the joint articulation surface is then resected using the second cutting guide template as a guide for resecting, at least a section of the second portion of the joint articulation surface having been previously covered by the first guide template.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.

Abstract: A method for mounting a tibial condylar implant includes forming a tunnel having a proximal end on a lateral, medial, or anterior side of a proximal end of the tibia and a distal end on an at least partially resected lateral or medial facet at the proximal end of the tibia. A condylar implant is positioned over the distal end of the tunnel. A fastener is advanced into the tunnel from the proximal end of the tunnel. The fastener which is at least partially disposed within the tunnel is secured to the condylar implant.

Abstract: An implant for on a resected articulation surface of a bone includes a tray having a top surface and opposition surface. An opening extends completely through the tray between the top surface and the bone apposition surface. A bearing member is mounted on the top surface of the tray, the bearing member having a top articular surface. Anchor downwardly projects away from the bone apposition surface of the tray, the anchor being adapted to engage the bone and being configured so that the anchor can selective pass completely through the opening of the tray. A fastener connects the anchor to the tray.

Abstract: A milling system for use in resecting at least a portion of a joint articulation surface of a bone includes an alignment guide having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with an opening extending therebetween. Fasteners are used to secure the alignment guide to the bone so that the alignment guide is suspended above the bone. A template is removably mounted to the alignment guide so that a plurality of guide paths extending through the template are aligned with the opening in the alignment guide. A mill extends down through the guide path and has a burr on the end thereof for resecting the bone.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.

Abstract: A milling system for use in resecting at least a portion of a joint articulation surface of a bone includes a template having a base with a top surface, an opposing bottom surface, and an opening extending therebetween. One or more fasteners are used to removably mount the template on a bone. A guide is movably mounted on the template and projecting across at least a portion of the opening of the template. The guide is selectively movable across at least a portion of the opening of the template. A rotatable mill is mounted on the guide. The mill is selectively movable along at least a portion of the length of the guide.

Abstract: A femoral knee prosthesis system for resurfacing a resected articular surface at the distal end of a femur includes a femoral component adapted to mate with the resected articular surface; and an attachment member. The interior surface of the femoral component is configured to connect to the first attachment member when the femoral component is mated on the resected articular surface of the femur and when the first attachment member is passed through the medial side or the lateral side of the resected articular surface. The femoral component is available in one-piece and two-piece systems. Mating femoral components (e.g., tapered or with lips that interlock with grooves) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for restoring articular cartilage has a cover, an anchor, and a tether that cooperate to retain graft tissue with respect to a graft site. The cover is attached to the anchor via the tether. The tether passes through a tunnel through a bone to which the articular cartilage is attached. The tunnel may be blind or may extend through the bone. The anchor is retained within the tunnel such that tension in the tether keeps the cover in place over the tissue graft. The anchor may receive the tether such that the tether can only pass through the anchor along one direction. Thus, tension applied to the tether between the anchor and the tissue graft is automatically maintained by the anchor. After passing through the anchor, the tether may exit the tunnel through the graft site, or through the opposite side of the bone.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of multiple diseased or traumatized spinal facets comprises a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the facets to be replaced and where the prosthesis attaches to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to, or abutment against, the lamina. Multiple configurations of the prosthesis provide for replacement of the two inferior facets, the two superior facets, a superior and inferior facet, or all four facets. A method of installing the prosthesis is provided that is comprised of the steps of resecting at least a portion of the facets that carry the diseased or traumatized spinal facets and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the lamina.

Abstract: Accessing a spine from a curved postero-lateral approach may include a curved cannula positioned along a curved path from an opening in the skin to a location proximate to the spine. Positioning of the distal end of a radiolucent curved access cannula may be assisted by use of one or more radio-opaque markers. Markers may be positioned to form a cross hair image in fluoroscopy to assist in cannula placement. Radio-opaque inserts placed in and extended beyond the curved access cannula may have radiolucent windows to allow viewing of the cannula's radio-opaque markers. An appropriately placed curved access cannula may be clamped to prevent subsequent movement. Appropriate tools may be introduced through the curved access cannula and the distal radio-opaque tool heads may be viewed relative to the radio-opaque markers. The curved access cannula may be attached to the spine through one or more screws.