Abstract: A method of managing the power consumption of a local communications network to which at least one piece of user equipment is connected, the local communications network being managed by a gateway for access to a remote communications network. The method is implemented by the gateway and includes: obtaining at least one piece of information relating to at least one power supply source of the local communications network; obtaining at least one piece of information relating to a power consumption level of the at least one piece of equipment, and commanding the power consumption level of the at least one piece of equipment and/or the at least one power supply source to be modified on the basis of the information obtained.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone rod reduction device and method is disclosed. The device includes an actuator having a drive surface and a bone rod engagement element for engaging with a bone rod. The assembly further includes a spring positioned between the drive surface of the actuator and the rod engagement element. The rod reduction assembly controls movement of a bone rod relative to a bone anchor positioned in a bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone rod reduction device and method is disclosed. The device includes an actuator having a drive surface and a bone rod engagement element for engaging with a bone rod. The assembly further includes a spring positioned between the drive surface of the actuator and the rod engagement element. The rod reduction assembly controls movement of a bone rod relative to a bone anchor positioned in a bone.

Abstract: A method of performing a knee replacement procedure in an individual in need thereof. The method comprises preparing the distal end of the individual's femur to receive a femoral component of a knee prosthesis. The preparation includes resecting a proximal surface and a distal surface of a medial and/or lateral condyle of the femur, determining the amount of uncut bone left between said resected proximal and distal surfaces after said resection, and then determining, from the amount of uncut bone, a pre-operative, natural profile of a trochlear groove between the medial and lateral condyles of the individual's femur. A selection of femoral components can then be provided with the one selected preferably having medial and lateral condyle components and a trochlear section therebetween that has a profile which substantially matches the natural profile of the trochlear groove of the individual. Knee prostheses components and kits are also provided.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) has a support ring (20) and a valve body (30). The valve body (30) is supported by the ring (20) and comprises an annular body portion (31) that is rotatably engageable with the support ring (20). The annular body portion (30) supports a plurality of leaflets (32) that are moveable relative to each other and the annular body portion (30) between: a closed position and an open position upon changes in pressure differential across the valve assembly (10).

Abstract: A chondrocyte delivery device that has a main body (14) containing chondrocytes. The delivery device is at least partially insertable into a bone (18) of a patient and allowed or caused to elute the chondrocyte from the main body of the delivery device to damaged cartilage (17) in the region.

Abstract: A process of forming a prosthetic implant component, such as the femoral component of a knee replacement prosthesis. The process comprises the steps of: (i) forming a prosthetic component having a shape at least approximating the desired final shape of the component from a metal alloy; (ii) subjecting the component to a relatively elevated temperature and pressure followed by a cooling regime; (iii) machining the surface of the component; (iv) polishing the surface of the component.

Abstract: A method of supply of medical implants directly from an implant manufacturer to a hospital without going via a distributor, allows the manufacturer to sell an implant to the hospital at the same price as they would ordinarily sell to a distributor which provides the hospital with the implant at a much reduced cost. The hospital may use its own in-house management and storage abilities to maintain an inventory of implants resulting in increased efficiencies and cost savings. Hence, when a surgeon at a hospital wishes to obtain, say, a knee implant for an operation, instead of having to go to a distributor for the implant, the surgeon can simply obtain the implant from the hospital's own inventory management system. Preferably, the inventory management system incorporates an inventory based management system which interfaces with the hospital's stock management system and that of the manufacturer.