Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for replacing the articular surface of the ball of a ball and socket joint. The method comprises the steps of establishing the location of the intramedullary canal adjacent the ball of the joint, and placing a locating component, such as a reamer or broach, in the canal. The method further comprises sizing the articular surface of the ball to be replaced, placing on the component a resecting guide having an opening therein for receiving the component and a complementary surface to the articular surface of the ball to be replaced, rotating the component in a manner determined by the opening in the resecting guide, and resecting the ball in a manner determined by the orientation of the resecting guide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for replacing the articular surface of the ball of a ball and socket joint. The method comprises the steps of establishing the location of the intramedullary canal adjacent the ball of the joint, and placing a locating component, such as a reamer or broach, in the canal. The method further comprises sizing the articular surface of the ball to be replaced, placing on the component a resecting guide having an opening therein for receiving the component and a complementary surface to the articular surface of the ball to be replaced, rotating the component in a manner determined by the opening in the resecting guide, and resecting the ball in a manner determined by the orientation of the resecting guide.

Abstract: A prosthesis template for aiding in the determination of a desired position of a prosthesis relative to a bone, the prosthesis having an exterior surface that simulates the exterior surface of the bone and an interior surface comprised of one or more contact surfaces to which the prepared bone must conform to provide an adequate fit of the prosthesis. The template comprises a template member having an interior surface which corresponds to an exterior surface of the prosthesis, whereby the template can be positioned adjacent to the bone and thereby provide means for evaluating a desired position of the prosthesis exterior surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic saw guide for confining the blade of a surgical saw to movement in a single plane while allowing translational and rotational movement of the blade within the plane. A pair of elongated guideplates are secured together at either end to form a partially enclosed space. The distance between the inner surfaces of the guide plates is adjustable, and is preferably adjusted to be slightly greater than the thickness of the specific blade to be used. Mounting means is provided for rigidly securing the saw guide relative to the bone, so that the plane defined by the space between the inner surfaces corresponds to the cut plane. The inner surfaces of the guide plates include guide liners that are comprised of a low-friction material. The liners may be permanently secured to the guide plates or removable and disposable.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The bone imobilization device includes two semicircular frame pieces having a plurality of radial apertures through which bone gripping components adjustably extend in order to contact the bone. The bone gripping components include a shaft with a point inserted through a shaft bore of a serrated bone contact element. A support attaches to the frame to adjustably secure and position the frame relative to the reference structure.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to the reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.

Abstract: The method of this invention relates to preparing a bone to secure a prosthesis thereto by improving the mechanical interdigitation of bone cement and the bone and facilitating hemostasis of the bone. First, the bone is mechanically shaped to expose cancellous bone in a desired configuration for reception of a joint prosthesis. A pressurized jet of dry-flowing gas is then applied to the exposed bone, to clean and dry the trabecular interstices of the exposed cancellous bone. To further withdraw debris and liquids dislodged from the interstices of the prepared bone by the pressurized jet of dry-flowing gas, suction is applied to the bone concurrently with the application of the pressurized jet of dry-flowing gas. Bone cement in liquid form is then applied to the bone, with cement penetration into the cleaned and dried interstices of the bone.

Abstract: A prosthetic glenoid component is provided for attachment to a glenoid surface of a scapula to replace a natural socket of a shoulder. The glenoid component includes a molded plastic body having an outer concave bearing surface for engagement by a corresponding humeral head and an inner convex surface for abutting the glenoid surface. A plurality of attachment pegs are integrally molded on the inner surface of the glenoid component for penetrating the glenoid surface to secure the plastic body to the glenoid surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to instruments for preparing a glenoid surface of a scapula to receive a prosthetic glenoid component to replace the natural socket of a shoulder. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drill guide assembly for aligning and guiding a drill bit to form holes in the glenoid surface at predetermined locations to secure the glenoid component to the glenoid surface. A reamer assembly including a ratchet drive mechanism is also included to facilitate preparation of the glenoid surface prior to installation of the glenoid component.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool relative to a patient's bone to facilitate the performance of a surgical bone alteration task. The system comprises a bone immobilization device for supporting the bone in a fixed position with respect to a reference structure, and a robot that includes a base fixed in position with respect to the reference structure. The robot also includes a mounting member, and a manipulator connected between the base and the mounting member and permitting relative movement therebetween. The tool to be positioned by the system is mounted to the mounting member. The mounting member is caused to move relative to the reference structure in response to movement commands, so that the tool can be moved to a desired task position to facilitate performance of the task. The system preferably also includes a template attachable to the mounting member, a feature of the template representing a portion of a task.