Abstract: A guide for cutting a bone comprising an anterior portion and a distal portion orientated at about a right angle to the anterior portion. The distal portion includes a guiding side, a distal surface at the guiding side, a box-cut shaped opening defined by the guiding side, a plurality of first cutting surfaces disposed at the guiding side at an acute angle relative to the distal surface of the guiding side operable to guide a cutting device to the bone to form chamfer cuts in the bone, and a second cutting surface disposed at the guiding side at at least about a right angle to the distal surface operable to guide a cutting device to the bone to form a posterior cut in the bone.

Abstract: A bone-cutting apparatus and associated method and system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide removably attachable to a bone, and a rotatable mill coupled to the guide. The guide has a box-cut opening and the mill is pivotable within the opening. In one embodiment, the mill is laterally adjustable relative to the opening.

Abstract: Improved ceramics which promote bone ingrowth are disclosed. The coating of the present invention consists essentially of oxyhydroxyapatite, and alpha- and beta-tricalcium phosphate. Methods of making and using the ceramics are also disclosed. The present invention uses a microscopically powdered form of calcium-phosphate materials and electrophoretic deposition to create ceramics having significantly higher dissolution rates than previous materials. By agitating the electrophoretic solution, agglomeration is prevented and a uniform coating is achieved. Thus, the present invention presents both improved ceramic materials and novel methods of depositing them uniformly upon metal surfaces, such as titanium wire mesh.

Abstract: Improved ceramics which promote bone ingrowth are disclosed. The coating of the present invention consists essentially of oxyhydroxyapatite, and alpha- and beta-tricalcium phosphate. Methods of making and using the ceramics are also disclosed. The present invention uses a microscopically powdered form of calcium-phosphate materials and electrophoretic deposition to create ceramics having significantly higher dissolution rates than previous materials. By agitating the electrophoretic solution, agglomeration is prevented and a uniform coating is achieved. Thus, the present invention presents both improved ceramic materials and novel methods of depositing them uniformly upon metal surfaces, such as titanium wire mesh.