Abstract: Described are passively activated safety needle assemblies and methods for use. The assemblies comprise an elongate hollow outer shield, an elongate hub slidably engaged within the outer shield and biased to move proximally with respect to the outer shield. A locking ring in the hub has a ring element that cooperates with an activation element on the outer shield rotate the locking ring and disable the assembly.

Abstract: Described are passively activated safety needle assemblies and methods for use. The assemblies comprise an elongate hollow outer shield, an elongate hub slidably engaged within the outer shield and biased to move proximally with respect to the outer shield. A locking ring in the hub has a ring element that cooperates with an activation element on the outer shield rotate the locking ring and disable the assembly.

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: A method and apparatus for implanting various portions of a prosthesis into an anatomy. The instruments can include portions that allow for positive and rigid engagement with a selected prosthesis member to allow for positioning it relative to the anatomy. Further, various instruments can include portions that allow it to engage or match with marking portions or alignment portions on a first prosthesis member to align a second prosthesis member with the first one. Further, methods of using the various instruments are taught and providing for a less or minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant and associated method. The intervertebral implant can include a first component having a first articulating surface and a first bone engagement surface for engaging a first vertebra, and a second component having a second articulating surface and a second bone engagement surface for engaging a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra. The first and second articulating surfaces articulate with each other for substantially replicating a natural spinal movement. The first and second bone engagement surfaces define an outer surface substantially shaped as an envelope of five cylinders.

Abstract: A bone cutting apparatus configured to guide a surgical instrument during a bone cutting procedure is provided. The apparatus is attachable to a bone and comprises a cutting guide having a resection slot and a fine adjustment block coupled thereto. The fine adjustment block has a first adjustment dial configured to change the position of the resection slot relative to a resection plane. The system may further include a tracking element that is detectable and trackable by a surgical navigation system.

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 moveable marker.

Abstract: A method of separating two articulating surfaces of a joint is provided. The method includes providing a distractor having a series of generally spheroidal members. The method also includes inserting the distractor into the joint, and moving the distractor to separate the two articulating surfaces.

Abstract: Femoral head modular resurfacing systems are described. The systems primarily include a head component and a stem component. The configuration of the head component and stem components allow for minimum invasiveness into the femur head region, thus conserving greater amounts of bone tissue than would be possible with conventional hip replacement systems. The systems also provide for various angles and offsets to be achieved between the systems and the femur head. The systems are useful in partial hip replacement procedures, as well as total hip replacement procedures, in which case an optional acetabular component would also be employed.

Abstract: A method for producing a prosthetic having metal articulating surfaces is disclosed. The method includes impinging at least a portion of the articulating surface with high energy laser electromagnetic radiation, to form a lasershot peened surface. A hardened portion of the surface is then post-processed to form a layer having a predetermined finish.

Abstract: Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the head and neck of the femur with an artificial component having a ball-shaped head and neck similar to that of a replaced femoral head and neck and inserting a cup-shaped component into the acetabulum to act as a liner to receive the ball of the femoral component. During this procedure, a surgeon encounters or has to overcome several problems. These problems include establishing the correct inclination, version and medialization for the acetabular component of the artificial hip; the correct version or angle of the femoral component; and maintaining correct leg length.

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: Described are passively activated safety needle assemblies and methods for use. The assemblies comprise an elongate hollow outer shield, an elongate hub slidably engaged within the outer shield and biased to move proximally with respect to the outer shield. A locking ring in the hub has a ring element that cooperates with an activation element on the outer shield rotate the locking ring and disable the assembly.

Abstract: Described are passively activated safety needle assemblies and methods for use. The assemblies comprise an elongate hollow outer shield, an elongate hub slidably engaged within the outer shield and biased to move proximally with respect to the outer shield. A locking ring in the hub has a ring element that cooperates with an activation element on the outer shield rotate the locking ring and disable the assembly.