Abstract: A method of locating an acetabular cup implant (100) in a pelvis comprises locating a plurality of reference points on the pelvis, defining a target location of the implant relative to the reference points, and placing the implant at the target location. A method of locating a femoral head implant (102) is also disclosed, together with associated guidance systems.

Abstract: A method of installing a transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component, a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and the third component having an outer surface. The outer surface of the third component has a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of at least the first component and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis includes a first component configured for attachment to a bone, the first component including flutes or grooves on a surface thereof for deterring rotation of the prosthesis within a bone; a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and is adapted to extend directly from the skin surface in use, the third component having a coating of a non-stick material on an outer surface thereof, the coating having a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of the first and second components and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis includes a first component shaped for implantation into a bone, the first component including flutes or grooves on a surface thereof for deterring rotation of the prosthesis within a bone; a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and is adapted to extend directly from the skin surface in use, the third component having a coating of a non-stick material on an outer surface thereof, the coating having a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of the first and second components and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis is disclosed comprising a first component (1) shaped for implantation into a bone (2), a second component (4) intended for location between the bone (2) and the skin, and a third component (5) intended for location exterior to the skin surface, having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion. The second component (4) may carry an adhesion-promoting protein.

Abstract: A method of processing an auditable age record for an animal. The method includes acquiring an image of select teeth of the animal and associating a date the image was acquired with the image. In addition, the method includes acquiring an image of a specific biometric characteristic of the animal and generating an identification record from the biometric characteristic. In particular, an identification record may be generated from an image of the ocular fundus of the animal. The method also includes creating an auditable age record from input which includes at least the dated image of the select teeth of the animal and the identification record.

Abstract: An apparatus for surgical instrument location comprises a generally cylindrical tube (10,12,14) one end of which preferably includes teeth (20) for securing the tube to an area of bone to be prepared for an implant. An insert (60) fits within the tube and has a longitudinal aperture (64) the lateral edges of which define an operational area for an instrument inserted through the aperture. Means are provided for selectively positioning the aperture at a desired longitudinal and rotational position within the tube. An outer end (66) of the aperture is shaped, and forms a camming surface which, in co-operation with a cam follower on the surgical instrument, varies the longitudinal position of the instrument within the tube as the instrument is moved laterally across the operational area. Different sizes and shapes of tube may be provided, along with different inserts for each tube, allowing the surgeon to select an appropriate combination.

Abstract: A surgical distraction device is provided for applying extending or tensioning force non-invasively to a patient's skeleton or to an implant which comprises anchoring means for attaching first and second components of the device to a bone or to adjoining bones, said components being connected by a linkage of an extendible length, a magnet connected to the linkage via a reduction gearbox and actuating means located externally of the patient for generating a moving or varying electro-magnetic field, thereby causing the magnet to rotate and the linkage to be extended.

Abstract: A surgical distraction device is provided for applying extending or tensioning force non-invasively to a patient's skeleton or to an implant which comprises anchoring means for attaching first and second components of the device to a bone or to adjoining bones, said components being connected by a linkage of an extendible length, a magnet connected to the linkage via a reduction gearbox and actuating means located externally of the patient for generating a moving or varying electro-magnetic field, thereby causing the magnet to rotate and the linkage to be extended.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis is disclosed comprising a first component (1) shaped for implantation into a bone (2), a second component (4) intended for location between the bone (2) and the skin, and a third component (5) intended for location exterior to the skin surface, having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion. The second component (4) may carry an adhesion-promoting protein.