Abstract: An apparatus for removing an osteophyte includes an elongated member. A portion of the elongated member includes a blunt end. A burr extends from this portion at a location proximal to the blunt end. An alternative embodiment includes a generally tongue-shaped elongated member. The elongated member includes a first portion and a second portion that define a passageway. The second portion includes a blunt end. At least one of a post and a wall extend from the first portion. A burr is coupled the second portion and the passageway at a location proximal to the blunt end. The burr includes a base with a generally pie-slice shaped perimeter, and includes a generally convex surface extending from the base. The generally convex surface includes a smooth portion facing generally toward the blunt end and a perforated, non-smooth portion facing generally toward the first portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: An implant for resurfacing at least a portion of an articulation surface of a bone includes a body having a first side with a top articular surface and an opposing second side with a bone apposition surface. The bone apposition surface is adapted to bias against a natural or resected articulation surface of a bone. An elongated flexible first line is coupled to and extends from the body.

Abstract: A trochlear groove implant includes a body having a first side with an articular surface and an opposing second sid with a bone apposition surface, the articular surface and the bone apposition surface each extending between a proximal end and an opposing distal end of the body. An elongated channel is recessed on the articular surface and longitudinally extends between the opposing ends of the body. An elongated ridge outwardly projects from the bone apposition surface and longitudinally extends between the opposing ends of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to guide systems and methods for resecting at least a portion of a joint articulation surface on a bone by mounting a first cutting guide on the joint articulation surface. A first portion of the joint articulation surface is resected using the first cutting guide as a guide for resecting. A second cutting guide is then mounted on the joint articulation surface following which the first cutting guide is removed. A second portion of the joint articulation surface is then resected using the second cutting guide template as a guide for resecting, at least a section of the second portion of the joint articulation surface having been previously covered by the first guide template.

Abstract: A guide template for use in resurfacing a portion of a bone includes a body adapted for positioning over a natural or resected articulation surface of the bone. The body has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface that each extend between a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The body at least partially bounds an opening extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. At least a portion of the top surface or the bottom surface has a convex curvature or a concave curvature that extends between the proximal end and the opposing distal end. At least three spaced apart supports project below the bottom surface of the body such that the body can be supported by the supports. Fasteners are provided for securing the body to the bone.

Abstract: A method includes the acts of sliding a first end of a flexible first line through a channel in a first bone anchor. A portion of the first line is connected to an implant having a top articular surface and an opposing bone apposition surface. The first line extending between the implant and the first bone anchor is then tensioned. While the tensioning force is maintained on the first line, the first line is secured to the first bone anchor.

Abstract: A two-piece cut block for performing a minimally invasive partial or total knee arthroplasty. The present invention comprises a cut block that can be inserted into an incision in two parts then assembled in vivo.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee component for implanting within a single compartment of a human knee includes, in a first embodiment a tibial tray having a superior surface having a plurality of tabs disposed along an exterior edge thereof, a bearing component having a superior surface adapted to articularly engage a femoral knee prosthesis and a circumferential groove disposed therearound with which the tabs of the tibial tray cooperatively engage such that the bearing component is movable relative to the tibial tray.

Abstract: A tibial implant apparatus includes a tibial plate having a medial-lateral width, and includes a generally keel-like base extending from the tibial plate. The base has a medial-lateral span within a range of about 0.6-0.9 times the width of the tibial plate. A tibial implant apparatus includes a tibial plate, a base extending from the tibial plate, and an elongated member. The elongated member includes a first portion and a second portion, and is removably attached to the base. The tibial plate and the base cooperatively define a through-channel. The elongated member is inserted superiorly into the through-channel such that the first portion of the elongated member is retained within the through-channel and the second portion of the elongated member protrudes out of the through-channel and extends inferiorly away from the base. A method for anchoring an implant in a proximal tibia is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for sizing a distal femur includes a base configured to concurrently abut a distal surface and a posterior surface of the distal femur, and further includes an axial distance scale. The scale includes a first sleeve axially fixedly coupled to the base and further includes a second sleeve spirally movably coupled to the first sleeve. A method for sizing a distal femur includes concurrently abutting a base against a distal surface and a posterior surface of the distal femur, and further includes measuring a distance relative to the base. The measuring step includes spirally moving a first sleeve relative to a second sleeve.

Abstract: A method includes resecting a portion of an articulation surface of a bone at a joint. A guide template is positioned on the resected articulation surface. The guide template at least partially bounds an opening that is disposed over the resected articulation surface. A portion of the resected articulation surface of the bone bounded within the opening of the guide template is then removed through the opening of the guide template.

Abstract: A method for mounting an implant at an orthopedic joint includes forming a tunnel through a bone, the tunnel having an open second end on a natural or resected articulating surface of the bone and an open first end at a location on the bone spaced apart from the natural or resected articulating surface. A fastener is advanced into the tunnel from the first end of the tunnel. The fastener, which is at least partially disposed within the tunnel, is then secured to the implant which is disposed over the second end of the tunnel.

Abstract: A unicondylar femoral component for use in a partial knee arthroplasty. A femoral component of the present invention comprises a post and a flange having a pre-determined angle there between whereby a clamping force is placed on a patient's distal femur to hold the implant in place. The implant further comprises a porous layer on its bone contacting surface. In an alternative embodiment the femoral component is attached to the distal femur at least two threaded fasteners.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of a femoral reference tibial cut guide are presented for cutting the proximal tibia to receive a tibial implant.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee component for implanting within a single compartment of a human knee includes, in a first embodiment a tibial tray having a superior surface having a plurality of tabs disposed along an exterior edge thereof, a bearing component having a superior surface adapted to articularly engage a femoral knee prosthesis and a circumferential groove disposed therearound with which the tabs of the tibial tray cooperatively engage such that the bearing component is movable relative to the tibial tray.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented. An illustrative set of instruments including an A/P sizer and femoral finishing guide for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a set of instruments and a method for their use in preparing a knee joint to receive knee implants. The inventive instruments and method are generally suitable for knee joint surgery. Furthermore, they include features that make them suitable for performing a minimally invasive knee surgery in which a smaller than normal incision is made and oriented to preserve the quadriceps mechanism and protect the suprapatellar pouch. The instruments permit switching from a minimally invasive technique to a standard open technique at any point in the procedure. An illustrative set of instruments for total knee arthroplasty and an associated minimally invasive technique are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting limb alignment in a unicondylar knee arthroplasty and linking the distal femoral cut and the proximal tibial cut. Alignment rods are connected to a spacing apparatus to facilitate correction of limb alignment. The alignment rods are positioned along the mechanical axis of the femur and the tibia and the knee joint is positioned to correct alignment. A spacing apparatus is positioned in the relevant knee compartment and utilized to hold the knee in position to correct limb alignment. The spacing apparatus includes a femoral cut slot through which the distal femoral cut is made and further includes tibial affixment apertures through which a headless securing device can be positioned to secure the spacing apparatus to the tibia. After the distal femoral resection is complete, the spacing apparatus is removed, with the headless securing devices remaining positioned in the tibia.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing an osteophyte is provided.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.