Abstract: An instrument assembly for use in orthopaedic surgery comprises a reamer or other cutting component which is to be positioned within a body cavity to engage a bone, having at least one bar portion extending across it. A manipulator has at least one clasp for engaging the bar portion so as to fasten the cutting component to the manipulator, the clasp comprising a hook and a keeper pin. The hook can be displaced relative to the keeper pin between an open position in which the keeper pin is retracted relative to the hook so that the hook is open at one side to allow the bar portion to be slid between the hook and the keeper pin, and a closed position in which the keeper pin closes the hook sufficiently to prevent the bar portion from being removed from under the hook.

Abstract: An assembly for use in orthopaedic surgery, comprises a component (2, 34, 50) which is to be positioned within a body cavity to engage a bone. The component comprises a hollow shell which is open on one side to allow access to its interior and has a fastening formation (10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 60) within it. The assembly includes a manipulator (36, 52) having a clasp (62) for engaging the fastening formation so as to fasten the component to the manipulator. The portion of the formation which is engaged by the clasp is located within the shell so that, when the component is fastened to the manipulator, the clasp is located at least partially within the shell.

Abstract: An assembly for use in orthopaedic surgery comprises a component which is to be positioned within a body cavity to engage a bone the component comprises a hollow shell which is open on one side to allow access to its interior and has a bar extending across it. The assembly includes a manipulator having a clasp for engaging the bar so as to fasten the component to the manipulator, in which the clasp allows rotation of the bar so that the angular orientation of the component relative to the manipulator can be changed.

Abstract: A method of implanting an acetabular cup includes preparing an acetabular socket to receive said cup, placing cement in said socket before or after locating a loading tube in line with the socket and inserting the acetabular cup through the tube into said socket. This is done by pushing it down the tube with an inserter to a predetermined position therein defined by a stop element acting on the inserter or an attachment thereto.