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: The present disclosure relates to bone resurfacing. One embodiment includes a method for preparing an implant site in bone, comprising establishing a first working axis extending from said bone; establishing a second working axis extending from said bone, the second working axis is displaced from the first working axis; creating a first socket in the bone by reaming about the first working axis; and creating a second socket in the bone, adjacent the first socket, by reaming about the second working axis.

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 The tether can be withdrawn through the passage to convey the device to a location proximate the articular surface.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: A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions.

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 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: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for repairing an articular surface. A guide pin may be secured to an articular surface of a glenoid, wherein the guide pin defines a working axis and the working axis is positioned at an angle ? relative to the articular surface, wherein angle ? is less than or equal to 90 degrees. An excision device may be advanced over the guide pin, wherein the excision device includes a cannulated shaft and at least one cutter, wherein the at least one cutter is generally aligned in a single plane. A generally hemi-spherical excision site may be formed with the excision device within the articular surface of the glenoid.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing a defect on an articular surface. An excision guide is positioned on an articular surface, wherein the excision guide includes a guide head and a guide sleeve disposed on the guide head, wherein the guide head includes a contact surface configured to locate the excision guide relative to the articular surface. A guide pin may be advanced through the guide sleeve and secured to the articular surface, wherein the guide sleeve is configured to receive the guide pin therethrough and position the guide pin at an angle ? relative to an axis generally normal and central to a defect on the articular surface, wherein angle ? is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A system for repairing a defect on a patient's articular surface comprising a guide, a guide pin, a reamer, and an implant. The guide is configured to be disposed about the defect and includes a passageway configured to establish a reference axis extending generally outwardly from the articular surface. The guide pin is configured to be received through the guide passageway along the reference axis and into bone beneath the articular surface. The reamer comprises a cannulated shaft configured to be advanced over the guide pin along the reference axis and further comprises a cutting surface configured to be rotated about the guide pin to form an excision site. The implant comprises a bone facing surface configured to be received in the excision site and a load bearing surface having a contour approximating a contour of the patient's articular surface.

Abstract: A system for repairing a defect on an articular surface of a patient's trochlear region, the system comprising a guide block comprising a body having an exterior surface configured to engage with the saddle portion and ridge portions of the patient's trochlear region, a protrusion extending generally from the body and configured to be received in a first bore formed in the articular surface along a reference axis, and a first cavity extending through the body configured to establish a first working axis displaced from the reference axis, wherein the exterior surface of the body and the protrusion are configured to secure the location of the guide block about the patient's trochlear region.

Abstract: A CoCr substrate for growing mammalian cells and, in particular, chondrocytes and synovial stem cells. The substrate may be treated electrolytically to produce a surface topography that is amenable to cell growth and migration. The substrate shows improved adhesion and migration characteristics and may be useful as a prosthesis or implant and in particular as a prosthesis in a joint such as the knee.

Abstract: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices and methods of using the sheaths are disclosed. Sheaths 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: Sheaths for implantable fixation devices and methods of using the sheaths are disclosed. Sheaths 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: 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: An implant for installation into a portion of an articular surface includes a protrusion configured to cover an un-excised portion of articular surface proximate to the implant. Another implant may form a cavity to allow the un-excised portion of articular surface to remodel over a perimeter edge of the implant. The implant may also include indentations such as grooves to promote articular cartilage remodeling over a portion of the load bearing surface of the implant. An elongated or non-round implant is also provided having two opposing concentric arcuate shaped sides, as well as a method to seat such an implant in an articular surface. A method for seating an implant without cutting articular cartilage is also provided.

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: An implant for installation into a portion of an articular surface includes an implant shell component having a proximal load bearing wall with an outer proximal load bearing surface. A peripheral rim extending distally relative to the load bearing wall may provide a bone-facing distal pocket on the shell component. An inner implant component may be received in the bone-facing distal pocket of the implant such that a proximal surface of the inner component is spaced apart from a distal surface of the load bearing wall. The contour of the load bearing surface may be based on an original surface contour of an articular surface, and the load bearing wall of the shell component may be a deflectable wall, so that the load bearing surface can deflect under an applied load. The space between the load bearing wall and the inner implant may include a compressible fluid such as elastomeric gels.

Abstract: An implant for installation into a portion of an articular surface includes a protrusion configured to cover an un-excised portion of articular surface proximate to the implant. Another implant may form a cavity to allow the un-excised portion of articular surface to remodel over a perimeter edge of the implant. The implant may also include indentations such as grooves to promote articular cartilage remodeling over a portion of the load bearing surface of the implant. An elongated or non-round implant is also provided having two opposing concentric arcuate shaped sides, as well as a method to seat such an implant in an articular surface. A method for seating an implant without cutting articular cartilage is also provided.

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: The present disclosure relates to bone resurfacing. One embodiment includes a method for preparing an implant site in bone, comprising establishing a first working axis extending from said bone; establishing a second working axis extending from said bone, the second working axis is displaced from the first working axis; creating a first socket in the bone by reaming about the first working axis; and creating a second socket in the bone, adjacent the first socket, by reaming about the second working axis.