Abstract: The present invention features systems for orthopedic repair of, for example, a joint. The present systems deviate from conventional systems by virtue of combining a finer prosthetic ligament with a robust anchor. The relationship between these components and their various features are described herein and result in joint reconstruction in human and veterinary settings that is less likely to fail over time.

Abstract: A link (1) for connecting two loops of a flexible tension-carrying construct (2, 2a). It solves the problem of providing effective means to connect two anchor points (7, 7a), typically on bones articulating at a joint by the flexible tension-carrying construct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical treatment for a disordered knee in a dog, the disorder comprising a partially ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL), a fully ruptured CrCL, or a displaced patella. The methods of treatment include surgical transection of the tendon of the popliteal muscle, which reduces the in-toeing of the paw as it lands on the ground. In vitro experiments suggest that neutralization of this torque can reduce by several fold tensile forces in the CrCL or its replacement, as well as in its surrogate, a lateral suture placed extra-capsularly.

Abstract: The invention relates to surgical bone holding forceps provided with a drilling guide that allows for drilling parallel to the pointed jaws of the forceps clamped to a bone. Another aspect of the invention is the friction-based, stepless locking mechanism that retains the forceps arms in position with the jaws clamped to the bone.

Abstract: A trochlear groove prosthesis includes a base plate and cap. The base plate and cap are shaped to correspond to the shape of the trochlear groove. A cut is made in the femur to remove the worn or damaged trochlear groove. The base plate is attached to the cut portion of the femur. The cap is mated with the base plate. The prosthesis and procedure provide a properly shaped prosthesis with a single planar cut of the femur.

Abstract: A method and implant to treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are disclosed. The method involves advancing the insertion of the patellar ligament to the proximal tibia. The implant includes a spacer (30) which is inserted between the patellar ligament and the tibia and fixed to the tibia. The spacer decreases the angle between the patellar ligament and the tibia plateau and consequently modifies the internal joint force, restoring stability to the joint even if the ACL is ruptured. The method and implants are applicable to both human and canine patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external fixator device and the method of its use in treating bone fractures and in orthopedic interventions, such as corrective osteotomies.

Abstract: The invention reduces wear in total joint articulations by modifications of the shape of either component of the kinematic pair, so as to result in an annular surface contact between the two components. Fluid trapped between the two components within the inner contour of the annular contact area is pressurized under load due to elastic deformation of the components and exuded out through inter-articular gap over the surface of contact, aiding in lubrication and reducing the wear. Reduced to practice for a total hip joint with UHMWPE-metal pair, the wear rate tested in a hip joint simulator up to five million cycles was reduced by factor seven to fifteen compared to conventionally shaped components.

Abstract: An internal bracing system is disclosed for stabilizing a joint such as the knee, shoulder, ankle or the like. The internal bracing system includes an extra-articular tension band mechanism and an anchor assembly therefore. The internal bracing system adds substantial control to unstable joints which is effective in limiting the pathological joint motions and internal slippage. The anchor anchoring assembly designed to affix a tethering device to various bony structures which form a joint, for the purpose of providing stability. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a set screw. A series of disc structures compressed by the set screw securely holds the tether without binding.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a turbo-engine, particularly internal combustion engine, comprising a housing and therein a bladeless turbine section (30; 42; 67) of the stacked disc- or Tesla-type construction, wherein the turbine section (30; 42; 67) has a plurality of closely spaced discs (32; 49; 61) arranged for common rotation about a rotation axis in the housing, said turbine section (30; 42; 67) is adapted for passing with tangential flow components a working fluid stream from a radially inner region to a radially outer region of said turbine section (30; 42; 67) while adopting energy from said working fluid stream for rotating the discs (30; 49; 61).

Abstract: Methods and implants to treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are disclosed. The methods involve advancing the insertion of the patellar tendon to the proximal tibia by means of a partial osteotomy and a wedge-shaped cage (30). The wedge-shaped cage is specifically designed to facilitate transfer of not only compressive loads, but also of shear loads due to pull by the patellar tendon at its insertion to the tibial tuberosity. The cage decreases the angle between the patellar tendon and the common tangent plane formed by the condyles of the femur and the condyles of the tibia (sometimes called tibial plateau) and consequently modifies the internal joint force, restoring stability to the joint even if the ACL is ruptured. The methods and implants are applicable to both human and canine patients.

Abstract: The articulating joint prostheses of the invention demonstrate reduced wear and can include a cup (101) formed of UHMWPE. An insert (150) of a hard material, such as metal, ceramic or cross-linked UHMWPE is positioned within the cup at a location of the contact between the cup and head (102). The shape of either component of the kinematic pair may be modified so as to result in an annular surface contact between the two components, with the insert positioned at the annular surface contact. Fluid trapped between the two components within the inner contour of the annular contact area is pressurized under load due to elastic deformation of the components and exuded out through an inter-articular gap over the surface of contact of the insert. This aids lubrication and reduces wear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are distraction implants for treating, for example, spinal disorders. The implants can be comprised of a U-shaped elastic member, two bone anchor members and two tension members to couple the components together. Use of the tension members allows for transfer of distraction force without unintended forces in the perpendicular plane and parasitic moments. As there are several options for anchoring to bone, the present implants can be applied to all segments of the spine from the cervical spine to the lumbar regions. The implant can be temporary or permanent, covering indications from fracture treatment to management of chronic disc disorders, including disc protrusion. Use of the present implant and methods of use are also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: An interarticular ligament prosthesis is formed from a plurality of high strength high modulus polymeric fibers. The fibers are independent and free from intrinsic inter-fiber shear coupling found in braided or bonded fibers. The ligament prosthesis is installed with tubular, bone screw anchors. The fibers of the ligament prosthesis pass through the central hole of the anchors and are knotted at one end. The exit holes of the anchors include ceramic eyelets with polished edges. The edges are rounded to a defined radius for desired fatigue life of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A partial hip prosthesis for reducing friction and wear in partial hip prosthesis by combining optimized geometry of the articulation and surface treatment of the prosthetic component. In the prosthesis, one of the articulating surfaces—either that of the reamed acetabulum, or that of the femoral head prosthesis is a-spherical so that a fluid-filled gap is formed at the area of major load transfer. The fluid-filled gap is sealed by an annular area of contact, over which the concave and the convex components are congruent. A prosthetic head is fixed to the femur by either a conventional stem, a perforated shell, or a femoral neck prosthesis screwed onto the femur so that it is partially covered by bone and partially exposed on the medial-inferior aspect, where it abuts the reamed cortex of the calcar region.

Abstract: The present invention includes a device for engaging surgical tethers used in surgical repair, allowing for near full load application to the tether without failure at the site of restraint in the holding mechanism, with economical construction, compact size, and manageable complexity, without sharp edges that will cut the polymer fibers, and without requiring expensive polishing. The holding mechanisms comprise a tether, an orifice sheath, and a restraint element. The tether forms a bight projecting from the orifice sheath, the direction of projection being opposite to the direction of functional pull on the tether, where the bight is formed from a continuous tether or from coupled tether ends, and the restraint element is a fusiform structure positioned under the bight of the tether and over an orifice in the orifice sheath.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external fixator device and the method of its use in treating bone fractures and in orthopedic interventions, such as corrective osteotomies.

Abstract: An internal bracing system is disclosed for stabilizing a joint such as the knee, shoulder, ankle or the like. The internal bracing system includes an extra-articular tension band mechanism and an anchor assembly therefore. The internal bracing system adds substantial control to unstable joints which is effective in limiting the pathological joint motions and internal slippage. The anchor anchoring assembly designed to affix a tethering device to various bony structures which form a joint, for the purpose of providing stability. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a set screw. A series of disc structures compressed by the set screw securely holds the tether without binding.

Abstract: An internal bracing system is disclosed for stabilizing a joint such as the knee, shoulder, ankle or the like. The internal bracing system includes an extra-articular tension band mechanism and an anchor assembly therefore. The internal bracing system adds substantial control to unstable joints which is effective in limiting the pathological joint motions and internal slippage. The anchor anchoring assembly designed to affix a tethering device to various bony structures which form a joint, for the purpose of providing stability. The anchor assembly includes an anchor and a set screw. A double helix thread/chamber structure between the anchor and set screw securely holds the tether without binding.

Abstract: Methods and implants to treat anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are disclosed. The methods involve advancing the insertion of the patellar tendon to the proximal tibia by means of a partial osteotomy and a wedge-shaped cage (30). The wedge-shaped cage is specifically designed to facilitate transfer of not only compressive loads, but also of shear loads due to pull by the patellar tendon at its insertion to the tibial tuberosity. The cage decreases the angle between the patellar tendon and the common tangent plane formed by the condyles of the femur and the condyles of the tibia (sometimes called tibial plateau) and consequently modifies the internal joint force, restoring stability to the joint even if the ACL is ruptured. The methods and implants are applicable to both human and canine patients.