Abstract: The present invention provides a modular device for restoring individual joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The modular implants include distinct components that include interconnection means. The modular implants provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. An expandable implant includes a plurality of elements are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of elements. The column of elements is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the elements are consecutively added to the column. The expandable implant includes a constraint including a cooperative engagement structure between adjacent elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular device for restoring individual joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The modular implants include distinct components that include interconnection means and tethering means. The modular implants provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting the opposite endplates of a vertebral body includes consecutively inserting a plurality of wafers between the endplates to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the endplates so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column to restore the vertebral body height.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sculpting bones, particularly in preparation for implanting prosthetic devices to replace articulating bone joint surfaces. Improved bone removal devices including burr mills driven by gears and loop drives are provided. Reciprocating cutters and belt cutters are also provided. Some devices have either integral or removable expandable portions to vary the force and bone resection depth. Devices can have irrigation ports and plenums to remove bone fragments. Some cutters are dual cutters, adapted to remove bone in two or more regions, such as the knee joint, simultaneously.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly includes a side plate for mounting on a bone and a barrel for receiving a portion of a lag screw, and configured to be inserted into a hole in the side plate. A mechanical spring located at the upper portion of the barrel biases a first detent portion toward a locking position with a second detent portion located on the side plate such that rotation of the barrel within the hole from a first position to a second position causes a compressing portion on the detent portion to contact a compressing portion on the second detent portion thereby compressing the mechanical spring so as to allow the barrel to be rotated to a third position wherein the mechanical spring is allowed to bias the first detent portion into the locking position such that a retaining portion of the first detent is adjacent to a retaining portion of the second detent and rotation of the barrel with respect to the side plate is restricted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematic using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normally articulates with a first bone by attaching a bone sculpting tool directly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool in bone sculpting engagement with the articular surface of the second bone, and then sculpting the articular surface of the second bone with the joint reduced and moving one bone with respect to the other. An implant is placed to replace the articular surface of the second bone using an impaction device directly or indirectly attached to the first bone, wherein the force to place the implant is reacted by the second bone and the first bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement is disclosed. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normally articulates with a first bone by attaching or supporting a bone sculpting tool directly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool in sculpting engagement with the articular surface of the second bone, and then sculpting the articular surface of the second bone with the joint reduced. The reamer system includes a reamer drive, a grater, a handle and a femoral broach.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool and a mount for attaching the tool to the second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A system and method for placing an implant into or onto supporting bone, or between adjacent bones, without impaction is disclosed. The system includes an implant, a distracter, and a sleeve. Optionally, the invention includes an alignment guide, a surgical navigational tracker, and a bone displacer. The sleeve is structured to interpose the implant and supporting bone and provide a differential engagement force between the sleeve-implant interface and the sleeve-bone interface to preferentially move the implant into, onto or between supporting bone structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool and a mount for attaching the tool to the second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normally articulates with a first bone by attaching a bone sculpting tool directly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool in bone sculpting engagement with the articular surface of the second bone, and then sculpting the articular surface of the second bone with the joint reduced and moving one bone with respect to the other. An implant is placed to replace the articular surface of the second bone using an impaction device directly or indirectly attached to the first bone, wherein the force to place the implant is reacted by the second bone and the first bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normally articulates with a first bone by attaching a bone sculpting tool directly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool in bone sculpting engagement with the articular surface of the second bone, and then sculpting the articular surface of the second bone with the joint reduced and moving one bone with respect to the other. An implant is placed to replace the articular surface of the second bone using an impaction device directly or indirectly attached to the first bone, wherein the force to place the implant is reacted by the second bone and the first bone.

Abstract: A strong, porous article useful as a bone substitute material. The article comprises a continuous strong framework structure having struts defining interstices which interconnect throughout the bulk volume, and may have ceramic or osteoconductive material occupying at least a portion of the same bulk volume as the framework structure. Either as a coating on the strong framework struts or between the framework struts and the ceramic or osteoconductive-osteoinductive materials is a resilient material which serves to distribute stresses within the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool and a mount for attaching the tool to the second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive total joint replacement. The method involves sculpting the articular surface of a second bone that normally articulates with a first bone by attaching a bone sculpting tool directly or indirectly to the first bone with the tool in bone sculpting engagement with the articular surface of the second bone, and then sculpting the articular surface of the second bone with the joint reduced and moving one bone with respect to the other. An implant is placed to replace the articular surface of the second bone using an impaction device directly or indirectly attached to the first bone, wherein the force to place the implant is reacted by the second bone and the first bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool and a mount for attaching the tool to the second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.