Abstract: A method for excising a portion of an articular surface using a retrograde procedure. An access tunnel is provided extending through a bone and to the articular surface. A central shaft is inserted through the access tunnel to the articular surface and a cutter is coupled to the central shaft. The cutter is coupled to the central shaft to allow the cutter to rotate with the central and to allow the cutter to be tiltable relative to the central shaft. The cutter is rotated and a retrograde force is applied to the cutter to urge the cutter into the articular surface.

Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring that is shaped to be placed on the superior tibial surface and a bore section that is connected to the ring to create an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. The drill guide permits a drill pin and/or drill to be advanced through the tibia to the superior tibial surface. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes an elongated tubular structure having a first end and a bone-cutting end, and the bone-cutting end is terminated in a transverse angle thereby creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring and a bore section for creating an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes a bone-cutting end, having a transverse angle creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end defining a load-bearing surface, and a second end. The first end is formed at an angle that creates an elliptical face of the first end.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering an implant for replacing a portion of an articular surface. The method may include forming a socket in an articulating feature that is capable of moving relative to the articular surface. An implant may be placed in the socket and the articulating feature may be moved relative to the articular surface to generally align the socket with an implant site formed in the articular surface. The implant may be transferred from the socket into the implant site.

Abstract: An implant for replacing a portion of an articular surface including a load bearing surface and a bone contacting region. The load bearing surface had a contour defined by a first curve string which is based on a contour of the articular surface being replaced in a first plane. The load bearing surface of the implant is further defined by the contour of the articular surface being replaced in a second plane, in which the first and second planes are mutually intersection planes.

Abstract: A system and method may be used for accessing an articular surface and for preparing an implant site on the articular surface. The method may include locating a portion of the articular. An access passage may be drilled towards the articular surface though bone behind the articular surface. An implant site may be excised in the articular surface relative to an axis defined by the access passage.

Abstract: A system for positioning an element relative to an articular surface. An embodiment of the system may include a first element having a positional reference relative to an articular surface. The system may further include a second element capable of indicating the positional reference of the first element relative to said articular surface. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.

Abstract: A system and method may be used for accessing an articular surface and for preparing an implant site on the articular surface. The method may include locating a portion of the articular. An access passage may be drilled towards the articular surface though bone behind the articular surface. An implant site may be excised in the articular surface relative to an axis defined by the access passage.

Abstract: A system for replacing a portion of an articular surface including providing an implant site and installing an implant into the implant site. The implant site includes a first and a second excision site which at least partially intersect with one another. Each of the first and second excision sites are formed by providing a respective axis and excising a portion of the articular surface relative to the respective axes.

Abstract: A method of closing a tissue wound includes providing a wound closure device having a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible member movably attached to the second anchor, positioning the first anchor against tissue, passing the flexible member across the wound, positioning the second anchor against tissue, and pulling on a free end of the flexible member to shorten a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors, thereby closing the wound. A wound closure device includes a first anchor, a second anchor; and a flexible member connecting the first anchor to the second anchor, the flexible member being movably attached to the second anchor, such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may provide access to an articular surface of a bone. The method includes forming a passage through at least a portion of the bone. The passage provides an opening in the articular surface. The method further includes inserting a tether through the passage. The tether inserted through the passage can be coupled to at least one device from an insertion site remote from the articular surface. The tether can be withdrawn through the passage to convey the device to a location proximate the articular surface.

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second fixation members, a flexible member coupled to the first and second fixation members, and a limiting element coupled to the flexible member. The limiting element is movable relative to the second fixation member and acts to limit loosening of the flexible member relative to the second fixation member. The limiting element can be slidably received by the flexible member. The flexible member can be coupled to the fixation members such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fixation members.

Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices and methods of using the sheaths are disclosed. In some embodiments, the sheaths have a flexible body with a perforated wall, and an interior of the body is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device. In other embodiments, the sheaths include a plurality of flexible or inflexible tubes arranged to form a ring, where the central cavity defined by the ring is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.

Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices have a flexible body with a perforated wall, and an interior of the body is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device. Sheaths include a plurality of flexible or inflexible tubes arranged to form a ring, where the central cavity defined by the ring is sized and shaped to receive the fixation device.

Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring that is shaped to be placed on the superior tibial surface and a bore section that is connected to the ring to create an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. The drill guide permits a drill pin and/or drill to be advanced through the tibia to the superior tibial surface. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes an elongated tubular structure having a first end and a bone-cutting end, and the bone-cutting end is terminated in a transverse angle thereby creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A sheath for organizing soft tissue includes a first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a fixation device, and a second tube coupled to the first tube having a flexible body sized and shaped to receive a soft tissue graft. A method for implanting soft tissue in a bone tunnel includes coupling a soft tissue graft to a sheath assembly; and positioning the sheath assembly relative to the soft tissue graft based on a measured depth of a bone tunnel. A set of surgical devices for implanting soft tissue grafts in a bone tunnel includes a sheath assembly, a measurement device for measuring the depth of the bone tunnel, a securing element configured to secure the sheath assembly to the soft tissue graft at a position determined by the measured bone tunnel depth, and a tensioning device configured to organize a plurality of soft tissue grafts.

Abstract: A surgical assembly includes a fastener, a retainer, and a flexible member. The fastener is configured to be secured within bone tissue. The flexible member connects the fastener to the retainer and is movably attached to the retainer such that pulling on a free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fastener and the retainer. A method includes positioning a fastener within bone tissue, positioning a retainer against soft tissue to be attached to the bone tissue, and pulling a free end of a flexible member. The fastener and the retainer are connected by the flexible member, the flexible member is movably attached to the retainer, and pulling on the free end of the flexible member shortens a length of the flexible member between the fastener and the retainer.

Abstract: A lens warming and cleaning device for use with an optical surgical instrument is disclosed. The device includes a heat-conducting tube sized and shaped to receive the lens portion of the instrument, a heating element thermally coupled to an exterior of the tube, and a cleaning member disposed within the tube. The cleaning member is disposed such that when the lens portion of the instrument is inserted into the tube, the lens portion contacts the cleaning member.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into a bore of a surgical handpiece and a latch that includes a resilient member connected to the body. The resilient member has a latching structure configured to latchingly engage a surface of the surgical handpiece within the bore.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and miniature instruments are disclosed for minimally invasive surgical procedures. A miniature surgical instrument can be inserted directly into a body cavity through a cannula in a way that a surgeon can insert his or her hand into the cavity through a separate minimal incision and use the miniature instruments. A miniature surgical system can include: a cannula having a hollow body configured to receive a miniature surgical instrument and a tether connected to the instrument; and a plunger sized to engage a proximal end of the body and including a conduit therethrough for receiving the tether. The system can also include the tether and the instrument. During use, the instruments can be quickly and safely removed from the body cavity to enable the surgeon to use his or her fingers, e.g., to manipulate tissue.