Abstract: A modified system for assessing tension intraoperatively during joint arthroplasty includes a discrete sensor array, protector and trial. The protector is mechanically connected to the joint trial and covers the sensor array to protect it from wear. The sensor array can be positively located to prevent it from moving during use. In assembly of the modified system, the sensor array and protector are sterilized as discrete elements. After sterilization, the protector is removably attached to one of the trials with the sensor array substantially covered by the protector to protect the sensor from wear.

Abstract: A fixed-bearing prosthesis includes a femoral component having a medial condyle surface and a lateral condyle surface. The knee prosthesis also includes a bearing having a medial bearing surface configured to articulate with the medial condyle surface of the femoral component, and a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with the lateral condyle surface of the femoral component. A tibial tray is secured to the bearing. The tibial tray has a platform with an elongated stem extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. A posterior buttress extends along a posterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform, and an anterior buttress extends along an anterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform. Differently-sized tibial trays are interchangeable with differently-sized bearings.

Abstract: A fixed-bearing prosthesis includes a femoral component having a medial condyle surface and a lateral condyle surface. The knee prosthesis also includes a bearing having a medial bearing surface configured to articulate with the medial condyle surface of the femoral component, and a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with the lateral condyle surface of the femoral component. A tibial tray is secured to the bearing. The tibial tray has a platform with an elongated stem extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. A posterior buttress extends along a posterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform, and an anterior buttress extends along an anterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform. Differently-sized tibial trays are interchangeable with differently-sized bearings.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant is provided for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the bone. The orthopaedic implant includes a hollow support structure and a synthetic vascular graft. The support structure defines a passageway and includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The synthetic vascular graft is received, at least in part, within the passageway such that a proximal end portion of the synthetic vascular graft is received through the proximal opening of the support structure and a distal end portion of the synthetic vascular graft is received through the distal opening of the support structure.

Abstract: A system for providing information related to an orthopaedic surgical procedure to a surgeon includes a user-worn computer coupled with a heads-up display. The user-worn computer and the heads-up display cooperate to display orthopaedic surgical information to the surgeon. The user-worn computer receives data from a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit. The first processing circuit determines navigational data based on data signals received from navigation sensors. The second processing circuit determines patient condition data based on data signals received from patient condition sensors. Additionally, the system may include one or more peripheral ports for receiving a removable memory device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cleansing solution and system for administering the cleansing solution to decontaminate a wound surface. A method and kit for decontaminating a wound surface is also provided.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant is provided for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the bone. The orthopaedic implant includes a hollow support structure and a synthetic vascular graft. The support structure defines a passageway and includes a proximal opening and a distal opening. The synthetic vascular graft is received, at least in part, within the passageway such that a proximal end portion of the synthetic vascular graft is received through the proximal opening of the support structure and a distal end portion of the synthetic vascular graft is received through the distal opening of the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a halogen coated biomedical device and a method for producing the device. The method generally involves generating a plasma that affects the release of a halogen species from a source. The halogen reacts with the surface of the biomedical device to form a halogen coating.

Abstract: A tissue protector is adapted to be positioned on the skin surrounding an incision. The tissue protector provides a load bearing surface for surgical tools and instruments to prevent blunt force and pressure trauma to the skin and soft tissues within the incision. In one embodiment, the tissue protector is a sheet of wear-resistant material having an opening corresponding to the incision and expandable as the incision is retracted. In another embodiment, a tissue protector device includes a continuous expandable arrangement of interconnected L-shaped links. In still another embodiment, a one-piece tissue protector includes a flexible panel supported on the skin and a flexible sleeve extending into the incision. Yet another embodiment of the invention resides in a track that is supported about the incision. An instrument support platform is slidably mounted to the track to support a surgical tool relative to the incision.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a joint prosthesis (10) having a first component (12) for cooperation with a first long bone (14) and a second component (16) for cooperation with a second long bone (20). The joint prosthesis (10) further includes a bearing component (22) positionable between the first component (12) and the second component (16) and cooperable with the first component (12) and the second component (16). The bearing component (22) includes a reinforcing component (36) having a first portion (54) defining a first centerline (50) and having a second portion (56) defining a second centerline (52). The first centerline (50) and the second centerline (52) are non-coincidental. The bearing component (22) includes a polymeric material (112) surrounding the reinforcing component (36) and molded to the reinforcing component (36).

Abstract: A tibial trial assembly for evaluating the stability and kinematics of a tibial implant, particularly a mobile bearing implant, prior to committing to the final preparation of the proximal tibia is described. The tibial trail assembly includes a tray trial adapted to be secured onto a resected proximal end of a patient's tibia. An evaluation bullet is either adapted to removably fit into a configured recess in the trial tray, or is integral therewith. A trunnion on the evaluation bullet accepts a recess in a corresponding articular tibial insert trial. The tibial insert trial is thus received on the trunnion. Preferably, the evaluation bullet is removable from the trial tray such that the remaining assembly is used to locate and guide (orient) the instrument(s) that prepare the tibia for the final implant. Typically, this includes broaching, drilling, or punching through the opening in the trial tray/plate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing component for use in arthroplasty for cooperation with a first and a second component includes the step of providing a non-linear support of a durable material having. The method further includes providing a molding die for manufacturing the bearing component having first and second mold portions. The first mold portion provides a first surface for cooperation with the first joint component and the second mold portion provides a second surface for cooperation with the second joint component. The method includes positioning the support in a desired position within the molding die with the first end or the second end located in the first mold portion, adding moldable material into the molding die, surrounding the support with the moldable material, heating and pressurizing the moldable material, permitting the moldable material to cool, and removing the component from the molding die.

Abstract: A modified system for assessing tension intraoperatively during joint arthroplasty includes a discrete sensor array, protector and trial. The protector is mechanically connected to the joint trial and covers the sensor array to protect it from wear. The sensor array can be positively located to prevent it from moving during use. In assembly of the modified system, the sensor array and protector are sterilized as discrete elements. After sterilization, the protector is removably attached to one of the trials with the sensor array substantially covered by the protector to protect the sensor from wear.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a joint prosthesis (10) having a first component (12) for cooperation with a first long bone (14) and a second component (16) for cooperation with a second long bone (20). The joint prosthesis (10) further includes a bearing component (22) positionable between the first component (12) and the second component (16) and cooperable with the first component (12) and the second component (16). The bearing component (22) includes a reinforcing component (36) having a first portion (54) defining a first centerline (50) and having a second portion (56) defining a second centerline (52). The first centerline (50) and the second centerline (52) are non-coincidental. The bearing component (22) includes a polymeric material (112) surrounding the reinforcing component (36) and molded to the reinforcing component (36).

Abstract: A joint prosthesis (10) including a first component (12)for cooperation with a first long bone (14) and a second component (16) for cooperation with a second long bone (20) is provided. The joint prosthesis (10) also includes a bearing component (222) positionable between the first component (12) and the second component (16) and cooperable with the first (12) and second (16) components. The bearing component (222) has a reinforcing component (236) having a first end (286) and a second end (294) and a polymeric material (207). The polymeric material (207) surrounds at least 99% of the surface area of the reinforcing component (236) and is molded to the reinforcing component (236) so that the material may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology. The bearing component (222) defines a first peripheral region (271) and a second peripheral region (282).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a polymeric bearing component (22) for use in joint arthroplasty for cooperation with a first joint component (12) and a second joint component (16). The method includes the step of providing a non-linear reinforcing support (36) of a durable material having a first end (86) and a second end (94). The method further includes the step providing a molding die (62) adapted for manufacturing the bearing component (22) for use in total joint arthroplasty and having a first mold portion (66) and a second mold portion (76). The first mold portion (66) is adapted to provide a first surface (70) of the bearing component (22) for cooperation with the first joint component (12) and the second mold portion (76) is adapted to provide a second surface (80) of the bearing component (22) for cooperation with the second joint component (16).

Abstract: A tibial trial assembly for evaluating the stability and kinematics of a tibial implant, particularly a mobile bearing implant, prior to committing to the final preparation of the proximal tibia is described. The tibial trail assembly includes a trial tray adapted to be secured onto a resected proximal end of a patient's tibia. An evaluation bullet is adapted to removably fit into a configured recess in the trial tray. Alternatively, it is possible that the evaluation bullet is made integral with the trial tray. A trunnion on the evaluation bullet accepts a recess in a corresponding articular tibial insert trial. The tibial insert trial is thus received on the trunnion. In this manner, a surgeon may evaluate the stability and kinematics prior to committing to the use of the final tibial implant design. In one form, the evaluation bullet allows the tibial insert trial to move, such as rotate, thereon for checking a mobile bearing implant.

Abstract: A femoral knee implant includes a fourth compartment of articulation. The superior posterior articulating surface is achieved by first increasing the thickness of the superior posterior condylar portion of the femoral component to widen the superior posterior edge of the posterior condyle. Second, the newly created surface at the superior posterior condyle is smoothly rounded to provide an articular surface with no sharp changes in the surface contours. In one embodiment, the fourth articular compartment of this invention is provided in a one piece femoral design. In another embodiment, it is provided as a modular addition to an existing prior art femoral component. In another embodiment, the fourth compartment is combined with a posterior stabilized (PS) TKR design that includes a tibial post and cooperating femoral cam characterized by low engagement of the cam on the spine.

Abstract: A femoral knee implant includes a fourth compartment of articulation. The superior posterior articulating surface is achieved by first increasing the thickness of the superior posterior condylar portion of the femoral component to widen the superior posterior edge of the posterior condyle. Second, the newly created surface at the superior posterior condyle is smoothly rounded to provide an articular surface with no sharp changes in the surface contours. In one embodiment, the fourth articular compartment of this invention is provided in a one piece femoral design. In another embodiment, it is provided as a modular addition to an existing prior art femoral component. In another embodiment, the fourth compartment is combined with a posterior stabilized (PS) TKR design that includes a tibial post and cooperating femoral cam characterized by low engagement of the cam on the spine.

Abstract: Orthopaedic instrumentation used for preparing a distal end of a femur during an orthopaedic revision surgery includes a cutting guide block with a medial side, a lateral side and an anterior cutting guide surface. The medial side and the lateral side each have a notch therein. An anterior flange is removably attached to the cutting guide block and positioned adjacent to the anterior cutting guide surface. The anterior flange includes a pair of arms which are respectively disposed within the medial side notch and the lateral side notch.