Abstract: An implantable externally driven fluid delivery system for localized delivery of medical agents and drugs, such as antibiotics, may be provided herein. The fluid delivery system includes a housing that incorporates a filling septum connected to a flexible internal reservoir. The reservoir is connected to a miniature diaphragm pump with coupled magnetic components. The entire fluid delivery system is implantable into a body cavity or surgically formed location that provides for local medical agent delivery. The reservoir is filled via percutaneous injection through the skin into the septum. Fluid delivery is achieved through proximity of the external controller that generates an oscillating or reversing magnetic field suitable to actuate the pump's diaphragm resulting in controlled fluid flow. Once local drug delivery treatment is complete, the controller can be discarded.

Abstract: A hip positioner for hip surgery (e.g., total hip arthroplasty surgery) is disclosed in which the patient is in a lateral position with the hip upon which surgery is to be performed facing upwardly. The patient lies on a support board having a plurality of holes therein with pins inserted in selected ones of these holes so as to prevent the patient from rolling on to the patient's back. A stanchion is inserted in at least one of the holes on the front of the patient at or above the level of the patient's hips and a support arm extends horizontally from the stanchion toward the upper hip. A pad is carried on the distal portion of the support arm for positive engagement with a desired anatomical feature of the patient (preferably the crest of ilium of the patient's upper hip) thereby to hold the patient in such desired lateral position during surgery.

Abstract: A total joint arthroplasty is described having a first bearing member (e.g., the femoral head of the femoral component of a total arthroplasty hip joint) and a second bearing member (e.g., an acetabular component) cooperable with the first bearing member with the articulating surfaces of the bearing members in engagement with one another, and wherein at least one of the bearing members has a substrate of a magnesia-stabilized zirconia ceramic material and a bearing surface having a carbon coating applied to the bearing surface.