Abstract: An acetabular reamer (10) has a cutting structure (12) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (14) with a domed shell portion (16). The shell (16) has an outer surface (18) presenting multiple cutting sites (20) and an inner surface (22) for accumulation of debris. The shell (16) has a static insertion profile area that is defined by a pair of first curved portions (24) generated about a first radius (30) with a center that lies on the axis (14) and a pair of second curved portions (26) generated about a center that is spaced apart from the axis. The cutting structure (12) has a circular dynamic profile area generated upon rotation of the reamer (10) by a handle (40). Both the static insertion area and dynamic profile area lie transverse to the axis (14), the former being smaller than the latter.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer has a cutting structure rotatable about a longitudinal axis with a domed shell portion. The shell has an outer surface presenting multiple cutting sites and an inner surface for accumulation of debris. The shell has a static insertion profile area that is defined by a pair of first curved portions generated about a first radius with a center that lies on the axis and a pair of second curved portions generated about a center spaced apart from the axis. The cutting structure has a circular dynamic profile area generated upon rotation of the reamer by a handle. Both the static insertion area and dynamic profile area lie transferase to the axis, the former being smaller than the latter. Several distinctive alignment structures are described, alone and in combination with reamers having a conventional hemispherical shell, as well as in combination with present reamers that are less invasive.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer (10) has a cutting structure (12) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (14) with a domed shell portion (16). The shell (16) has an outer surface (18) presenting multiple cutting sites (20) and an inner surface (22) for accumulation of debris. The shell (16) has a static insertion profile area that is defined by a pair of first curved portions (24) generated about a first radius (30) with a center that lies on the axis (14) and a pair of second curved portions (26) generated about a center that is spaced apart from the axis. The cutting structure (12) has a circular dynamic profile area generated upon rotation of the reamer (10) by a handle (40). Both the static insertion area and dynamic profile area lie transverse to the axis (14), the former being smaller than the latter.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer (10) has a cutting structure (12) rotatable about a longitudinal axis (14) with a domed shell portion (16). The shell (16) has an outer surface (18) presenting multiple cutting sites (20) and an inner surface (22) for accumulation of debris. The shell (16) has a static insertion profile area that is defined by a pair of first curved portions (24) generated about a first radius (30) with a center that lies on the axis (14) and a pair of second curved portions (26) generated about a center that is spaced apart from the axis. The cutting structure (12) has a circular dynamic profile area generated upon rotation of the reamer (10) by a handle (40). Both the static insertion area and dynamic profile area lie transferse to the axis (14), the former being smaller than the latter.

Abstract: According to the invention, a torque-transmitting assembly is described. A female coupling member defines a shape with a tapered bore. A radially flexible sleeve member has a wall with a tapered exterior surface, received within the bore, and an inner surface defining a through-bore. An elongated shaft member made of super-elastic alloy has an outer surface that is received within the through-bore. Relative motion among at least two of the members causes the inner surface to contact the outer surface, inducing a super-elastic activation in the shaft, simultaneously securing the members together in a fixed relative position. The radially flexible sleeve member has a plurality of collet fingers, which preferably contact the shaft at discrete locations. It is further preferred that the super-elastic activation in the shaft occurs as a result of the discrete contact thereby changing the cross-sectional shape of the shaft, which is generally non-circular, e.g., polygonal, in a further preferred form.

Abstract: According to the invention, a torque-transmitting assembly is described. A female coupling member defines a shape with a tapered bore. A radially flexible sleeve member has a wall with a tapered exterior surface, received within the bore, and an inner surface defining a through-bore. An elongated shaft member made of super-elastic alloy has an outer surface that is received within the through-bore. Relative motion among at least two of the members causes the inner surface to contact the outer surface, inducing a super-elastic activation in the shaft, simultaneously securing the members together in a fixed relative position. The radially flexible sleeve member has a plurality of collet fingers, which preferably contact the shaft at discrete locations. It is further preferred that the super-elastic activation in the shaft occurs as a result of the discrete contact thereby changing the cross-sectional shape of the shaft, which is generally non-circular, e.g., polygonal, in a further preferred form.