Abstract: The present invention is a load sharing intervertebral fusion device that allows for reconstruction of the proper disc space between two vertebral bodies while allowing bone material packed within the fusion device to share loading and stress for enhanced healing. The device includes two sections, an upper and lower section, separated by a bioresorbable spacer. The upper section slides relative to the lower section with the bioresorbable material being placed in load therebetween. The upper section and lower sections are effectively held apart, creating an initial fixed spacer for implantation of the intervertebral disc space. Openings in the implant construct allow for bone graft and bone substitutes to be placed within the implant to allow for fusion through the implant construct. After implantation and over a period of time based on bone resorbtion and remodeling, the spacer resorbs, thereby maintaining load on the bone graft material.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for locking a rod to a bone member. The locking mechanism includes a bone fixation member for attachment to the bone member, the bone fixation member having a spherical portion; an inner housing member having a channel for receiving the rod and having a spherical portion for engaging the spherical portion of the bone fixation member; and an outer housing member for locking the inner housing member to the rod and the spherical portion of the bone fixation member.

Abstract: A device (10) for removing cancellous bone during machining of a long bone canal includes a brush mechanism for scraping cancellous bone from cortical bone while deflecting off the cortical bone and a center post (14) operatively connected to the brush mechanism (12) for centering the brush mechanism (12) relative to the long bone canal. An adapter mechanism (16) is connected to the center post (14) for connecting the center post (14) to a motion actuator to move the brush mechanism (12) relative to the long bone canal and scrape off cancellous bone therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for driving and rotating a prosthesis of the type having a stem for implanting into a bone, and a neck extending from the stem. The surgical instrument includes a shaft having a first end for engaging the prosthesis, having a second end, and having an axis between the first and second ends; and a bracket adjustably attached to the shaft so that the relative position between the shaft and the bracket can be adjusted, and for gripping the neck of the prosthesis so that force applied along the axis of the shaft toward the first end of the shaft will drive the prosthesis into the bone and so that rotational force applied to the axis of the shaft will rotate the prosthesis.

Abstract: An adjustable length prosthetic implant includes a stem having a rod portion, the rod portion including a first end portion adapted for connection to a bone and a second end portion including a piston reciprocable in a sleeve. The sleeve includes a closed end and an inner chamber extending to an opposite open end and defining an axial dimension. The chamber contains the piston for sliding movement therethrough and extension of the first end portion of the stem from the open end of the sleeve. The closed end of the sleeve includes an outer surface having a mounting component thereon for mounting on a bone. An inner surface of the closed end cooperates with the piston to define an axially expandable pocket therebetween. Hydrogel is disposed within the pocket and is axially expandable relative to the axis defined by the chamber upon contact with fluid for forcing extension of the stem from the open end of the sleeve. A valve or metering pump controls the flow of the fluid to the hydrogel.

Abstract: An adjustable length prosthetic implant includes a stem having a threaded portion and an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone. A barrel includes an end portion adapted for mounting with a bone and a sleeve portion extending therefrom and including an elongated chamber defining an axial dimension. The sleeve portion overlies at least a portion of the threaded portion of the stem. A connecting mechanism is mounted on the barrel for interconnecting the barrel and stem and for controlling the axial extension and retraction of the stem from the barrel.

Abstract: A medical instrument and procedure mills a groove at a precise angle and location in a partially formed bone canal that has been drilled and reamed to provide a frustoconical seat for a prosthesis stem that has a conical proximal region. The groove finishes preparation of the canal in a precise manner so that an anti-rotation lug attached to the conical proximal region of the prosthesis stem seats in the finished canal accurately.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided surgical instrumentation for implanting an orthopedic prosthesis comprising a handle having opposed longitudinal ends and a head assembly situated at one end of the handle. The head assembly includes an external impact surface for transmitting force to an orthopedic instrument or prosthesis. A spring and sliding shaft arrangement are disposed within the head assembly for dampening the force from the impact surface. The head assembly is adjustable for varying the force absorbed by the spring and sliding shaft arrangement.