Abstract: A method for using an insertion instrument to insert a cup into an acetabulum. The method includes inserting a convex outer surface of the instrument into an inner surface of the cup. The entire convex outer surface is made of a resilient material. A piston is activated in order to decrease pressure within a sealed cavity of the instrument, which causes the convex outer surface of the instrument to engage the inner surface of the cup. The instrument and cup are inserted into place in the acetabulum. The piston is de-activated in order to increase pressure within the sealed cavity, causing the convex outer surface of the instrument to disengage the inner surface of the cup.

Abstract: A kit for use in joint arthroplasty that includes a first component of a prosthesis, a second component of the prosthesis, and an assembly tool for assembling the first component to the second component. The tool includes a housing for contact with the first component and an internal component connected to the second component. The internal component includes an actuating device and an actuator rod. The actuating device has at least one scissor arm. The housing and the internal component are adapted to provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An instrument for positioning a hollow cup component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The instrument includes a longitudinal member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The instrument further includes a resilient cup engaging member coupled to the first end. The resilient cup engaging member has a convex outer surface adapted to engage an interior of the hollow cup component. The entire outer convex surface is manufactured of a resilient material. An actuator in fluid communication with the resilient cup engaging member is also included. When the actuator is actuated, the suction force between the resilient cup engaging member and the hollow cup increases.

Abstract: A kit for use in joint arthroplasty that includes a first component of a prosthesis, a second component of the prosthesis, and an assembly tool for assembling the first component to the second component. The tool includes a housing for contact with the first component and an internal component connected to the second component. The internal component includes an actuating device and an actuator rod. The actuating device has at least one scissor arm. The housing and the internal component are adapted to provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis. The tool includes a housing defining a housing longitudinal axis thereof. An internal component is also provided and is connected to the second component and includes an actuating device and an actuator rod defining a second longitudinal axis that is coexistent with the housing longitudinal axis. The internal component is adapted to provide relative motion of the internal component with respect to the housing when the actuating device is moved relative to the housing in at least a direction transverse to the housing longitudinal axis and the actuator rod of the internal component is moved relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the housing longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A kit for use in orthopaedic surgery. The kit includes a plurality of heads, at least two of the plurality of heads having a different diameter. Each of the plurality of heads includes a female taper. The kit further includes a plurality of sleeves, at least two of the plurality of sleeves having a different size. Each of the plurality of sleeves has a male taper. An extractor tool is also included and has a handle and a plurality of tips, each of the plurality of tips including a flexible portion.

Abstract: An extractor for extracting a first component used in an orthopaedic implant from a second component used in an orthopaedic implant. The extractor includes a handle and an extractor tip. The extractor tip has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end connects to the handle and the distal end includes a flexible portion adapted to engage the first component.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a housing defining a housing longitudinal axis thereof. An internal component is also provided and is connected to the second component and includes an actuating device and an actuator rod defining a second longitudinal axis that is coexistent with the housing longitudinal axis. The internal component is adapted to provide relative motion of the internal component with respect to the housing when the actuating device is moved relative to the housing in at least a direction transverse to the housing longitudinal axis and the actuator rod of the internal component is moved relative to the housing in a direction parallel to the housing longitudinal axis. The motion of the internal component is utilized to effect the motion of the first component with respect to the second component.

Abstract: A long bone prosthesis includes upper and lower articulating components, with the free ends of the components configured to engage a corresponding prosthetic joint. The overall length of the articulating components is adjustable to approximate the length of a patient's long bone, such as the humerus. The articulating components include a stem and collet arrangement for fixing the relative axial and rotational position of the components. A tapered lock nut is threaded onto the outer threaded surface of the collet portion to provide a pressure engagement of the articulating elements. Various surface features can be implemented among the components of the prosthesis to enhance the pressure fixation, restrict rotation or provide indexed movement of the articulating components relative to each other.

Abstract: A long bone prosthesis includes upper and lower articulating components, with the free ends of the components configured to engage a corresponding prosthetic joint. The overall length of the articulating components is adjustable to approximate the length of a patient's long bone, such as the humerus. The articulating components include a stem and collet arrangement for fixing the relative axial and rotational position of the components. A tapered lock nut is threaded onto the outer threaded surface of the collet portion to provide a pressure engagement of the articulating elements. Various surface features can be implemented among the components of the prosthesis to enhance the pressure fixation, restrict rotation or provide indexed movement of the articulating components relative to each other.

Abstract: A spacer-insertion instrument for delivering a spacer to a spine is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle portion and a guide coupled to the handle portion. The instrument further includes a shaft coupled to the handle portion and extending along the guide. The instrument further includes a tip including an attachment end portion coupled to the shaft and opposing fingers movable relative to one another and adapted to grasp the spacer when the shaft is moved to actuate the fingers. The handle portion includes a grip and a trigger coupled to the grip and to the shaft and movement of the trigger toward the grip causes the fingers to move toward one another. A method for delivering a vertebral body spacer to a disc space formed in a spine between adjacent vertebral bodies is also disclosed.