Abstract: A system for performing osteochondral transplantation surgery includes a harvesting guide tool for harvesting one or more osteochondral plugs and a transfer guide tool for insertion of each osteochondral plug in a damage site on an articular surface of a joint. A cartilage contact surface of each respective guide tool is adapted to follow the shape of a surface of cartilage or subchondral bone such that they conform to each other. Each respective guide tool includes one or more guide channels adapted to receive a respective surgical tool that slides within the guide channel, and is supported by the guide channel during surgery. The guide channels are configured to harvest and insert a plurality of osteochondral plugs of different sizes. The interiors of the guide channels are provided with markings for marking a rotational position of harvested plugs enabling positioning of the osteochondral plugs at a predetermined angle of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool for removing an implanted item from beneath the skin, the tool comprising: a clamping device configured to engage with the skin to retain the implanted item in a known position relative to the tool; a cutting device for cutting an opening in the skin; and a gripping device configured to move through an opening in the skin and grip an implanted item; such that, in use, the implanted item is retained by the clamping device substantially in the known position and the cutting device creates an opening in the skin through which the gripping device then passes to grip an implanted item. Advantageously, the tool reduces the complexity of an implant removal process and does not require significant operator skill to use. It further reduces the time required and the variation in the outcome of such a procedure.