Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system that is able to verify the success or failure of the positional adjustment of a valve without the need for additional energy during non-invasive reprogramming is provided. The acoustic monitoring system includes a programmer for generating a sequence of commands to adjust the valve mechanism, and for receiving acoustic signals for analysis, a transmitter to implement the command and adjust the valve, and a sensor for detecting an acoustic signal generated from the valve during execution of the commands. A method for using the acoustic monitoring system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a contact surface of an implantable bone, joint or similar prosthetic component subject to contact or motion includes the steps of mounting the prosthetic component on a turning or cutting machine and cutting the face of the prosthetic component with a diamond cutting tool using computerized control of tool position along a cross direction to machine cut a super finished surface. The variations of contour and the surface roughness are both under about 0.5 micrometers, and preferably under about 0.2 micrometers or less. The super finished surface generates wear particles at an asymptotically low or residual level during wear-in which may enhance wear characteristics and reduce local reaction or systemic rejection effects. The component is preferably formed by a strong hard polymer, such as UHMWPE.

Abstract: An acoustic monitoring system that is able to verify the success or failure of the positional adjustment of a valve without the need for additional energy during non-invasive reprogramming is provided. The acoustic monitoring system includes a programmer for generating a sequence of commands to adjust the valve mechanism, and for receiving acoustic signals for analysis, a transmitter to implement the command and adjust the valve, and a sensor for detecting an acoustic signal generated from the valve during execution of the commands. A method for using the acoustic monitoring system is also provided.

Abstract: A method for preparing a contact surface of an implantable bone, joint or similar prosthetic component subject to contact or motion includes the steps of mounting the prosthetic component on a turning or cutting machine and cutting the face of the prosthetic component with a diamond cutting tool using computerized control of tool position along a cross direction to machine cut a super finished surface. The diamond cutting tool has a precise contact point and is shaped with a waviness under about 0.5 micrometers effective to cut a surface profile free of visible tool marks. As cut, the variations of contour and the surface roughness are both under about 0.5 micrometers, and preferably under about 0.2 micrometers or less. Upon implantation, the super finished surface generates wear particles at an asymptotically low or residual level during wear-in which may enhance wear characteristics and reduce local reaction or systemic rejection effects.

Abstract: A cement restrictor is provided for creating a fixed obstruction within a bone. An exemplary cement restrictor includes a member or body that is expandable or transitionable from a first diameter to a second diameter.

Abstract: A cement restrictor is provided for creating a fixed obstruction within a bone. An exemplary cement restrictor includes a member or body that is expandable or transitionable from a first diameter to a second diameter.

Abstract: An acetabular cup having an outer surface elongated in a superior/lateral direction is effective to anatomically transfer load to the acetabulum and reduce the likelihood of bone fracture during implantation into the acetabulum. The outer surface has a first portion defined by a first radius and a second portion defined by a second radius. The second radius is offset from the first radius in superior and lateral directions to elongate the outer surface of the acetabular cup.

Abstract: An alignable orthopedic prosthesis system includes a prosthesis and an alignment guide. The prosthesis includes a stem having at least one slot extending along its length. The alignment guide has an alignment body with a guide surface extending from an end thereof, namely a key element formed as a blade for engaging and guiding the slot to orient the prosthesis stem. The alignment body also fits against a machined bone surface so that the blade is positioned in a plane that is oriented to guide the stem smoothly into contact with a recess formed in the bone.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis has a shell component that is implantable within bone and a liner component that is matable to the shell. The shell has a generally convex bone engaging outer surface and a generally concave inner surface. A groove is formed in the inner surface of the shell and extends about at least a portion of the inner circumference of the shell. The liner has an inner concave surface and an outer, convex surface with a shape complementary to and matable within the inner surface of the shell. One or more deformable positive surface features is formed on the outer surface of the liner, adapted for selective mating with the slot of the shell. The liner may be joined to the shell by press fitting the two components together such that the positive surface features engage the groove.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis has a shell component that is implantable within bone and a liner component that is matable to the shell. The shell has a generally convex bone engaging outer surface and a generally concave inner surface. A groove is formed in the inner surface of the shell and extends about at least a portion of the inner circumference of the shell. The liner has an inner concave surface and an outer, convex surface with a shape complementary to and matable within the inner surface of the shell. One or more positive surface features is formed on the outer surface of the liner, adapted for selective mating with the groove of the shell. The liner may be joined to the shell by press fitting the two components together such that the positive surface features engage the groove.

Abstract: An orthopedic reaming instrument has an elongate member and a reaming member disposed on a distal end of the elongate member. The reaming member includes a distal apical region in the form of a partial sphere having an arc of less than 180.degree. and a proximal cylindrical region. An acetabular instrumentation system has an acetabular prosthesis in the form of a partial sphere having an arc of less than or equal to 180.degree. and an acetabular reamer which includes a distal apical region in the form of a partial sphere having an arc that is less than the arc of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A cement restrictor is provided for creating a fixed obstruction within a bone. An exemplary cement restrictor includes a member or body that is expandable or transitionable from a first diameter to a second diameter.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis has a shell component that is implantable within bone and a liner component that is matable to the shell by a locking member disposed with the shell component. The shell has a generally convex bone engaging outer surface and a generally concave inner surface. A groove is formed in the inner surface of the shell and extends about at least a portion of the inner circumference of the shell. The liner has an inner concave surface and an outer, convex surface with a shape complementary to and matable within the inner surface of the shell. One or more deformable tabs are formed on the locking member, adapted for securing the liner within the shell. The liner may be joined to the shell by press fitting the two components together such that the locking members engages one or more positive surface ridges on the liner.

Abstract: A bistable cement restrictor is provided for creating a fixed obstruction at any selected point within a long bone, particularly at points beyond the isthmus of the bone. An exemplary cement restrictor includes a body having a first end and a second end. One or more bistable fins extend radially from the body and are movable from a first stable state to a stable state either mechanically or thermally. In the first stable state, the cement restrictor is narrower than in the second stable state. While the cement restrictor is readily transitionable from the first stable state to the second stable state, the transition can be irreversible.

Abstract: A cement restrictor system is provided for making a cement plug within the medullary canal of a long bone. The system includes an inflatable body, a conduit having first and second ends that defines a fluid passage to and from the inflatable body, and a shield releasably securable to the conduit. In an exemplary method of making a cement plug with the system an obstruction, such as the shield, is placed in a medullary canal of a long bone beyond the isthmus of the long bone. The obstruction is held in place with the flatable body. A predetermined quantity of bone cement is poured into the medullary canal and localized by the obstruction. The bone cement is allowed to harden; and the conduit and inflatable body are removed from the bone.