Abstract: A spinal implant is inserted between adjacent vertebrae to function as an disk prosthesis. The prosthesis has two plates fastened to adjacent vertebrae facing each other. The facing sides of the plates each have a depending skirt formed as concentric arcs of about 90 degrees. The skirts are either bowed or tapered in the axial direction. A protrusion is centrally located between the arcs on one plate and a depression is centrally located between the arcs of the other plate. The plates are oriented to each other with the concentric arcs of each interrupted skirt at 90 degrees and the protrusion is engaged in the depression. The plates are then rotated about 90 degrees and the opposed arcs of one plate interlock with the opposed arcs of the other plate to prevent separation in the axial direction.

Abstract: A spinal implant is inserted between adjacent vertebrae to function as an disk prosthesis. The prosthesis has two plates fastened to adjacent vertebrae facing each other. The facing sides of the plates each have a depending skirt formed as concentric arcs of about 90 degrees. The skirts are either bowed or tapered in the axial direction. A protrusion is centrally located between the arcs on one plate and a depression is centrally located between the arcs of the other plate. A spring mechanism is centrally located on one of the plates to provide axial compression. The plates are oriented to each other with the concentric arcs of each interrupted skirt at 90 degrees and the protrusion is engaged in the depression. The plates are then rotated about 90 degrees and the opposed arcs of one plate interlock with the opposed arcs of the other plate to prevent separation in the axial direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis for total or partial replacement of an articulating skeletal joint has two opposed bearing surfaces. The opposed bearing surfaces are made of a ceramic and a metal, respectively. The ceramic material is a silicon nitride or silicon carbide and the metal is preferably a nitrogen alloyed chromium stainless steel, know as Cronidur 30.

Abstract: A surgical kit for minimally invasive total hip replacement includes a guide for inserting a guide wire into the body at the appropriate angle for reaming an Acetabulum. A shaft is inserted along the path of the guide wire. Working heads are sequentially attached to the shaft. The working heads of the reamers, impactors, trials and screw drivers are changed in the primary surgical incision thereby reducing the size of the incision and the trauma.

Abstract: A surgical kit for minimally invasive total hip replacement includes a guide for inserting a guide wire into the body at the appropriate angle for reaming an Acetabulum. A shaft is inserted along the path of the guide wire. Working heads are sequentially attached to the shaft. The working heads of the reamers, impactors, trials and screw drivers are changed in the primary surgical incision thereby reducing the size of the incision and the trauma.