Abstract: A surgical procedure is provided. The procedure acquires a plurality of points on or near a bone abnormality and registers them with a surgical navigation system. The navigation system uses the acquired points to make an implant having a surface adapted to contact the bone, and particularly an implant having a portion whose shape substantially matches that of the bone abnormality.

Abstract: A tensor for use with a surgical navigation system is provided. The tensor comprises a first bone engaging member engageable with a first bone and a second bone engaging member engageable with a second bone. A force-applying mechanism is configured to forcibly move the first and second bone engaging members relative to one another and a sensor detects the value of the force applied by the force-applying mechanism. A transmitter communicates a parameter associated with the tensor to the surgical navigation system.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a targeting member, an elongated guiding member, and an adjustment member. The targeting member has an elongated body along a first longitudinal axis and can be coupled to an intramedullary implant such that the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the intramedullary implant. The targeting member includes a first bore extending along a second longitudinal axis t1hrough the elongated body, the first bore having a cross-section elongated in the direction of the first longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal axes define a first plane. The elongated guiding member passes through the first bore and is pivotable relative to the first longitudinal axis. The adjustment member is coupled to the elongated body and operable to change an orientation of the guiding member relative to the first longitudinal axis in the first plane.

Abstract: An array for use with a surgical navigation system is provided. The array comprises a frame and first, second and third markers attached to the frame. The first, second and third markers are detectable by a tracking system used in image guided surgery, and the first marker is movable relative to the frame. In one embodiment, at least one marker slides along the frame from a first position where it is held in place to a second position where it is also held in place. In another embodiment, one or more of the markers is removed from the frame at a first position and reattached to the frame at a second position. In still another embodiment, a portion of the frame itself moves with the movable marker.

Abstract: An implantation apparatus for preparing adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an intervertebral implant including a plurality of keels. The implantation apparatus includes an elongated handle portion, and a template portion carried at a distal end of the handle portion substantially perpendicularly to the handle portion. The template portion defines a plurality of open channels corresponding in position and shape of the plurality of keels. Each channel is positioned and shaped for preparing a vertebral opening to receive a corresponding keel.

Abstract: A system for cutting a bone at a desired location may include an image guided drill cylinder configured to receive either a drill bit to create a bore at a target location on the bone or a pin for insertion into the target location, and a cutting block having a plurality of adjustable guides, each defining a cutting path to guide a cutting instrument, a mounting location configured to attach to the bone at the target location, and a plurality of adjustors for adjusting the position of the guides relative to the target location. The system may further include a tracking instrument for providing image guidance of the adjustments to the positions of the guides.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a targeting member, an elongated guiding member, and an adjustment member. The targeting member has an elongated body along a first longitudinal axis and can be coupled to an intramedullary implant such that the first longitudinal axis is parallel to the intramedullary implant. The targeting member includes a first bore extending along a second longitudinal axis through the elongated body, the first bore having a cross-section elongated in the direction of the first longitudinal axis. The first and second longitudinal axes define a first plane. The elongated guiding member passes through the first bore and is pivotable relative to the first longitudinal axis. The adjustment member is coupled to the elongated body and operable to change an orientation of the guiding member relative to the first longitudinal axis in the first plane.

Abstract: A surgical procedure is provided. The procedure acquires a plurality of points on or near a bone abnormality and registers them with a surgical navigation system. The navigation system uses the acquired points to make an implant having a surface adapted to contact the bone, and particularly an implant having a portion whose shape substantially matches that of the bone abnormality.

Abstract: An implantation apparatus for preparing adjacent vertebral bodies to receive an intervertebral implant including a plurality of keels. The implantation apparatus includes an elongated handle portion, and a template portion carried at a distal end of the handle portion substantially perpendicularly to the handle portion. The template portion defines a plurality of open channels corresponding in position and shape of the plurality of keels. Each channel is positioned and shaped for preparing a vertebral opening to receive a corresponding keel.

Abstract: A joint distraction device for facilitating joint arthroscopy disclosed. In the first embodiment of the invention, the distractor disclosed is a series of fluidly fillable spheroid members to form a toroid. The joint distractor is placed between articular cartilage surfaces and filled to hold the joint surfaces apart. In a second embodiment of the invention, a string of spheroidal members is disclosed. The spheroidal members have varying diameters and are used to separate the articular surfaces of a joint.