Abstract: An implement for orientating a tool at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane of a target surface to be engaged by the tool, particularly for orientating a surgical cutting tool perpendicularly to bone tissue for harvesting and implanting a bone plug to repair damaged bone tissue, includes a rod having a distal end coupled to a head formed with three contact points arranged in a circular array around the longitudinal axis of the rod, such that the three contact points define a plane. The rod is coupled to the head with the longitudinal axis of the rod at the predetermined angle to the plane defined by the three contact points, such that when the three contact points of the rod are in contact with the target surface, the longitudinal axis of the rod is at the predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the target surface.

Abstract: An implement for orientating a tool at a predetermined angle with respect to a plane of a target surface to be engaged by the tool includes a rod having a distal end coupled to a head formed with three contact points arranged in a circular array around the longitudinal axis of the rod, such that the three contact points define a plane. The rod is coupled to the head with the longitudinal axis of the rod at the predetermined angle to the plane defined by the three contact points, such that when the three contact points of the rod are in contact with the target surface, the longitudinal axis of the rod is at the predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the target surface. The implement is described particularly for orientating a surgical cutting tool perpendicularly to bone tissue for harvesting and implanting a bone plug to repair damaged bone tissue.

Abstract: A method of meniscal repair promotes the healing of avascular meniscal tears undergoing repair. At least one vascular channel is formed from the white zone to the periphery of the meniscus by removing a cylinder of the meniscus. The approximately 1.5-2 mm channel remains open to allow vascularity to the avascular meniscus.

Abstract: A bone plug removal and emplacement tool includes a cylindrical cutting element having a proximal cutting edge and a cutting tooth. The outer surface of the cutting element can include an integral shoulder (e.g., in lieu of a replaceable outer sheath) that is spaced-apart from the proximal cutting edge and that engages the surface of the bone to define a depth stop for the cutting edge. An additional cylindrical element can be disposed within the cutting element. The proximal end of that additional element, which is referred to as a "harvester," is substantially aligned with the proximal end of the cutting element to receive a plug cut from the bone. The harvester can be slidably withdrawn from the cutting element to facilitate transplating the bone plug at another location. For this purpose, a stem or plunger can be slidably inserted and moved in the harvester to dislodge the plug.

Abstract: A bone plug removal tool is described. The tool includes a cylindrical cutting element having an external surface and having an internal surface defining an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the cutting element from a proximal end to a distal end. A cutting tooth is located at the proximal end of the cutting element and extends into the internal bore. A replaceable outer cylindrical sheath is arranged concentrically around the external surface of the cylindrical cutting element.A bone plug emplacement tool to be used in conjunction the removal tool is also disclosed. The emplacement tool includes a cylindrical element having an internal surface defining an internal bore extending along a longitudinal axis of the element from a proximal end. The internal surface further defines an internal step adjacent a distal end of the element. A stem is disposed for co-axial movement within the element, the stem having a proximal end disposed within the internal bore.