Abstract: A tool for digitizing a mechanical axis of a tibia using a computer-assisted surgery system is described. The tool includes upper and lower mounting ends interconnected by an alignment rod extending therebetween. The upper mounting end is releasably fastenable to an upper reference point on a tibial plateau and the lower mounting end includes a self-centering malleoli engaging mechanism having opposed caliper arms displaceable in a common plane relative to each other for clamping engagement with the medial and lateral malleoli of the ankle. At least one trackable member is mounted to the alignment rod of the tool and is in communication with the computer assisted surgery system for providing at least orientation information of the alignment rod. The mechanical axis of the tibia is parallel to the alignment rod and extends between the upper and lower reference points when the tool is mounted on the tibia.

Abstract: A stemless humeral component for replacing the humeral head of a patient's humerus includes a support flange having a number of cantilevered legs extending distally away from a bottom surface thereof. Instruments and methods for surgically installing the stemless humeral component are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is an expandable shoulder trial for a reverse shoulder system including a rotatably adjustable insert housed within a humeral cup. The insert has proximal and distal ends, the proximal end having a concave recess therein adapted to receive a glenosphere prosthesis. The distal end of the insert includes a shaft, the shaft having a helical groove disposed on at least a portion thereof. A distal end of the humeral cup is inserted in a humeral stem. The humeral cup has a proximal end including a recess therein, the recess defined by a circular wall. A guide pin protrudes from the circular wall and is adapted to engage the helical groove of the insert shaft. The proximal end of the insert may rotate along an axis toward the proximal end of the humeral cup and along the same axis away from the proximal end of the humeral cup.

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 method and a device are for determining the compatibility between an adapter, which is to be inserted into a third-party joint ball type to be replaced, and an outer cone of a prosthesis shaft of a modular joint prosthesis, which is inserted in the femur during revision surgery. A test body of a set of test bodies having various inner cones, comprising a marker and a length measuring scale, is fitted onto the outer cone of the shaft of the joint prosthesis and, subsequently, the adapter fitting on the outer cone of the joint prosthesis is determined by successively testing the inner cones for compliance with an admissible minimum distance between the front faces of the outer cone of the shaft of the joint prosthesis and the inner cone and for compliance with an admissible predefined insertion depth of the outer cone of the shaft of the joint prosthesis in the inner cone of the test body.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for tracking the human scapula during shoulder surgery, by a trackable device fixed to the coracoid process of the scapula. A device of the invention allows a trackable target to be fixed to the coracoid process by bone screws and an anchor. In one embodiment, a releasable coupling is provided between the anchor and the trackable target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for interbody fusion including distracting, in a given direction, and supporting opposing vertebral bodies. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the vertebral bodies to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the vertebral bodies so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An arthroscopic tibial sizer provided with a collapsible loop (for example, a nitinol loop) and a pin indicator located at about the center of the collapsible loop. The collapsible loop is formed of a flexible wire (for example, nitinol wire) and is designed to collapse so that it can be inserted through an arthroscopic portal and into the joint, and then to expand out to its original diameter once inside the joint space, for visual sizing. The collapsible loop may be provided in various diameters (i.e., 14, 17 or 20 mm, for example) to match various implant sizes. The pin indicator indicates the center of the loop and provides identification of the center of the tibial defect.

Abstract: An apparatus transfers predetermined spatial positioning information to an adjustable tool. Means are provided for temporarily holding at least a carrier portion of the adjustable tool stationary relative to a manipulable reference surface. Means are provided for imparting predetermined spatial positioning information to the reference surface in a first degree of freedom. Means are provided for imparting predetermined spatial positioning information to the reference surface in a second degree of freedom. The predetermined spatial positioning information is imparted to the reference surface in the first and second degrees of freedom to generate a pre-set reference surface. At least a portion of the adjustable tool is held stationary relative to the pre-set reference surface. At least a functional portion of the adjustable tool is manipulated into a predetermined setting position relative to the reference surface. The predetermined setting position reflects a position of the pre-set reference surface.

Abstract: A trial (100) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The trial (100) fits to a cavity (103) in the canal (105) of a long bone (107) and assists in the performing of a trial reduction in performing joint arthroplasty. The trial (100) includes a stem portion (102) and a neck portion (104) fixedly connected to the stem portion (102) in a plurality of selectable positions with respect to the stem portion (102).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A graft caliper provides for a first member having a first pick at its distal end and its proximal end attached to a handle. A second member of the graft caliper is disposed above the first member and has a second pick at its distal end that extends beyond the first pick. The proximal end of the second member is attached to an adjuster which causes the second member to move from a first position to a second position in order to change a distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick. The graft caliper provides for an indication of at least one metric for describing the distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick and places an identifier on a surface of bone representing the location of a tunnel to be formed through a femur, tibia or any other anatomical structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing parameters of an orthopaedic procedure for a particular patient, including parameters relating to the anatomic and biomechanic fit of an implant or implant system implanted into the patient's joint. These systems and methods may utilize patient-specific information gathered pre-operatively in conjunction with optimization algorithms to determine an optimal implant design and an optimal position and orientation for implantation of the implant into the particular patient's joint.

Abstract: A system and method for knee arthroplasty procedures, using a novel leg rotation fixture to enable the leg mechanical axis, the tibia and the femur to be mutually disposed such that the load bearing, mechanical axis of the leg runs through the center of the knee joint. A measurement gauge is provided for mounting on the tibia and for aligning a baseplate in a known position on the tibia. This baseplate supports an X-ray target plate in a known position relative to the tibia, used in determining the mechanical axis, and an optional surgical robot, used to perform tibial and femoral cuts. The position of the femur relative to the robot may be determined from X-ray imaging of the pelvic region after attachment to the baseplate of an additional target extending to the pelvic region. The system enables improvement in the accuracy of knee arthroplasty procedures.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring bone depth for determining the length of fastener to be employed in medical treatment of the bone includes an elongated inner bone probe having a bone-engaging portion and a plurality of first manually-engageable elements secured thereto. An outer sleeve overlies at least a portion of the inner bone probe and is movable with respect thereto. A second manually-engageable element is secured to the outer sleeve. The first and second manually-engageable elements may be generally ring-shaped, so as to facilitate insertion of a user's fingers. The apparatus is structured to have the bone-engaging portion of the inner bone probe pass through an opening in the bone and engage the distal exterior surface in intimate contact as a result of the first manually-engageable elements being engaged and urged away from the bone. The outer sleeve is moved generally toward the bone so as to achieve contact between the distal end of the outer sleeve and the proximal exterior surface of the bone.

Abstract: A method for estimating at least one of a fastener-hole depth and a fastener length prior to forming a hole in a bone can include selecting a position on a proximal side of a proximal cortical bone layer for forming the hole, transmitting a transmitted wave into the bone from the selected position, and receiving a reflected wave at the selected position after the transmitted wave has been reflected by a distal cortical bone layer. The method can further include determining a distance from the selected position to the distal cortical bone layer based on times at which the transmitted wave is transmitted and the reflected wave is received, and estimating the at least one of the fastener-hole depth and the fastener length based on the distance to the distal cortical bone layer.

Abstract: An adjustable tibial trial insert includes an upper plate having an upper articular surface and a lower plate. A height-adjustment mechanism of the insert is coupled to and positioned generally between the upper plate and the lower plate and is configured to move between a closed position where the upper and lower plates are adjacent each other and an opened position where the upper and lower plates are spaced-apart from each other in order to adjust a height or thickness of the insert.

Abstract: A guidewire for use with an implant delivery system in delivering a sheet-like implant is disclosed. The guidewire can include a distal tissue fixation member for releasable connection to a first location proximate a treatment site. An implant delivery system can include a distal guidewire port for receiving the proximal end of the guidewire. The implant delivery system is tracked over the guidewire to a selected position defined by the guidewire attachment. The tissue fixation member includes means for temporarily or reversibly fixing the distal end of the guidewire to tissue, such as bone. The means for affixing can include a K-wire, a screw, a pin or other fixation member.

Abstract: A dimensioned grid apparatus for determining: 1) leg length, offset, and cup position during arthroplasty replacement surgery; 2) fracture reduction/correction position during trauma procedures and 3) an apparatus to be used for defomity correction planning is provided.

Abstract: A device for measuring blind holes formed through a bone includes (a) a first elongated rod including a shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end including an increased diameter abutment extending radially outward therefrom, the abutment including a proximal surface formed to contact a portion of the bone adjacent a distal opening of the blind hole to assume a locked configuration with the bone and (b) a second elongated rod extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring location and/or trajectory information from a reference surface to a patient tissue surface for guiding placement of a landmark includes a landmark guiding structure. At least two locating feet are provided, each being laterally spaced from, and indirectly connected to, the landmark guiding structure. A holdaway structure is connected to each locating foot and to the landmark guiding structure. The landmark guiding structure is placed in desired location and/or a desired trajectory with respect to the reference surface. Each locating foot is adjusted into guiding contact with a particular portion of the reference surface. Each locating foot is maintained in the guiding contact position, and the apparatus is placed with each locating foot in guiding contact with a particular portion of the patient tissue surface. A method of transferring location and/or trajectory information from a reference surface to a patient tissue surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone cutting template is disclosed and can include a body. A plurality of grooves can be formed along the body and each groove can correspond to an incremental length of the body. The bone cutting template can include a plurality of length stamps along the body. Each of the plurality of length stamps can be adjacent to a corresponding groove.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool for detecting planes which are defined by anatomical landmarks, comprising a first and a second level abutment area for placing onto a body structure, wherein the first and second abutment areas have a predetermined position relative to each other, and comprising a tool marker device which has a stationary position relative to the first and second abutment areas.

Abstract: Devices and methods for identifying and maintaining the concentric spherical centers of a femur and acetabulum during revision or joint replacement surgery so that post surgery the anatomical spherical centers are maintained. Also disclosed are novel techniques and devices to project images onto an anatomical feature, such as exposed bone, to virtually fit trial prosthetic components, establish bone cut markings, and establishing the anatomical spherical center of a joint.

Abstract: An assembly for manipulating a bone includes a first manipulating element configured to be attached to a first portion of bone and including a location emitting signal and a second manipulating element configured to be attached to a second portion of bone and including a sensor detecting the location emitting signal to provide a position and orientation signal of the first and second manipulating elements relative to one another. The assembly also includes a tracking unit including a processor tracking movement of the first and second manipulating elements relative to one another in a plurality of dimensions using the position and orientation signals.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first component (2) having a first face (76) and a second component (4) coupled to the first component (2) such that the first and second components (2, 4) can rotate relative to one another. The instrument further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a third component (32) having a second face (74) coupled to the second component (4). Movement of the third component (32) relative to the second component (4) is arranged to bring the second face (74) into or out of engagement with the first face (76) so as to selectively restrict or allow rotation between the first and second components (2, 4). One of said faces (7, 76) comprises a first array (78) of two or more grooves or teeth spaced apart at a first angular pitch about the centre of rotation between the first and second components (2, 4) and at least one further groove (82) or further tooth which does not correspond to the first angular pitch.

Abstract: A device (10,10?,20,20?) for digitizing a center of rotation of a hip joint implant component (A,F) with respect to a bone element in computer-assisted surgery. The device (10,10?,20,20?) comprises a detectable member (12,22) trackable for position and orientation by a computer-assisted surgery system (30). A body (11,21) is connected to the detectable member (12,22) in a known geometry. The body (11,21) has a coupling portion (14,14?,24,25) adapted to be coupled to the hip joint implant component (A,F) in a predetermined configuration. The center of rotation of the hip joint implant component (A,F) is calculable in the predetermined configuration as a function of the known geometry and of the position and orientation of the detectable member (12,22).

Abstract: A method for detecting biometric parameters includes the steps of performing a bone graft procedure on a bone, providing a biometric sensor at the bone, and measuring a biometric parameter at the bone with the sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring parameters in an adjacent surrounding including pressure, tension, shear, relative position, and vascular flow. Data relating to the biometric parameter is transmitted to an external source and the data are analyzed to evaluate a biometric condition of the bone. A set of the sensors can be placed on the bone.

Abstract: A bone probe and method of use, for probing a hole formed in a bone. The bone probe includes a head having a peripheral edge, a tail member, and a shaft coupled therebetween. The peripheral edge of the head engages the sides defining a hole in the bone and transmits vibrations along the shaft to the tail member.

Abstract: A method for detecting biometric parameters includes the steps of performing a bone graft procedure on a joint, providing a biometric sensor at the joint, and measuring a biometric parameter at the joint with the sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring parameters in an adjacent surrounding including pressure, tension, shear, relative position, and vascular flow. Data relating to the biometric parameter is transmitted to an external source and the data are analyzed to evaluate a biometric condition of the joint. A set of the sensors can be placed on the joint.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to minimally-invasive devices, methods and systems for treating vertebral diseases and injuries using multiple therapeutic procedures through small access portals of sufficient dimension that minimize trauma to the patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are devices, methods and systems for an intraosseous transiliac-transsacral surgical approach through the iliac ala and sacral ala that can be used for a variety of surgical procedures within the lumbar spine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a desired trajectory and/or monitoring the trajectory of surgical instruments and/or implants in any number of surgical procedures, such as (but not limited to) spinal surgery, including (but not limited to) ensuring proper placement of pedicle screws during pedicle fixation procedures and ensuring proper trajectory during the establishment of an operative corridor to a spinal target site.

Abstract: A disposable measuring device for use in measuring the width, height and depth of an intradiscal space is provided, the device including an elongated body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated body also has a first pair of members configured for receiving a first cursor slidably arranged for measuring a width dimension, a second pair of members configured for receiving a second cursor slidably arranged for measuring a height dimension; and a detachable stop operatively connected to the first pair of members and the second pair of members, the detachable stop insertable into at least one opening located at the proximal end of the elongated body, the detachable stop configured for measuring a depth dimension.

Abstract: An orthopedic kit includes a hollow cannula having a distal end including spiral thread for engaging a bone, an elongated probe extending through the hollow cannula, and a metering device for moving the probe such that a distal end of the probe is moved away from a proximal end of the hollow cannula to into the bone to form a channel in the bone whereby the metering device measures a force applied by the distal end of the probe and thus the mechanical strengh of the bone. A cement injector also forms part of the kit which passes though the hollow canula beyond the distal end of the cannula into the channel to inject cement into the surrounding bone structure. A pedicle screw may also form part of the kit to be placed in the channel before the cement is cured.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for fixing bone with a bone plate supported temporarily at a slant on bone by a leg member before the bone plate is used as a lever to reposition a region of the bone. In some embodiments, the leg member may be a post member that attaches to the bone plate by threaded engagement with an aperture of the bone plate. In some embodiments, the bone plate and the leg member may be used near the end of a long bone, such as on a distal portion of a radial bone.

Abstract: Systems and method in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention can include an implant for positioning within a cervical facet joint for distracting the cervical spine, thereby increasing the area of the canals and openings through which the spinal cord and nerves must pass, and decreasing pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. The implant can be inserted laterally or posteriorly.

Abstract: A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee includes an adjustable femoral portion, a tibial portion and at least one sensor coupled with the femoral and/or tibial portions to sense pressure exerted by the femoral and tibial portions against one another. The femoral portion is adapted for removably coupling with a distal end of a femur to adjust tension in soft tissue adjacent the knee and has at least one positioning feature adapted to move relative to the distal end of the femur as the femoral portion is adjusted, thus helping position a femoral prosthetic on the distal end of the femur. The sensor(s) may be adapted to sense pressure at medial and lateral sides of the knee, and relative pressures may be displayed as data on a visual display. Adjustments to the femoral member may be made to balance pressure at flexion and extension of the knee.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring a depth of a hole in bone can comprise an instrument body having a cannulated sleeve that extends between a first end and a second end. A first reference portion can be disposed at the first end and a second reference portion can be disposed at the second end. A probe can selectively and alternatively translate in first and second opposite directions through the cannulated sleeve between a first measuring position and a second measuring position. The probe extends outwardly a distance spaced from the first reference portion in the first measuring position and extends outwardly a distance spaced from the second reference portion in the second measuring position.

Abstract: A method for determination of mechanical integrity of bone includes embedding a threaded rod into the bone, extracting the threaded rod out of the bone, and measuring the force required to extract the threaded rod from the bone, wherein the force required to extract the threaded rod is indicative of the mechanical integrity of the bone. A device for determining the mechanical integrity of bone includes a housing, a rod holder mounted to the housing and configured to hold a threaded rod which is embedded in the bone, a pulling force applicator which applies a pulling force to the rod holder to extract the threaded rod from the bone, and a pulling force measuring instrument which measures the pulling force applied to the rod holder by the pulling force applicator as the threaded rod is extracted from the bone.

Abstract: An exploration device to monitor the penetration of an instrument in an anatomic structure including at least two electrodes; a source of voltage supplying the at least two electrodes; a means for measuring impedance between the electrodes; a means of angular location formed by at least one electrode punctually coinciding with a peripheral surface of the penetration instrument, the coinciding surface of the electrode having a position set off from a longitudinal axis the instrument; and means for detecting a position of the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A graft caliper provides for a first member having a first pick at its distal end and its proximal end attached to a handle. A second member of the graft caliper is disposed above the first member and has a second pick at its distal end that extends beyond the first pick. The proximal end of the second member is attached to an adjuster which causes the second member to move from a first position to a second position in order to change a distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick. The graft caliper provides for an indication of at least one metric for describing the distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick and places an identifier on a surface of bone representing the location of a tunnel to be formed through a femur, tibia or any other anatomical structure.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) having a hoop (20) housed within a sheath (14) operable to be extended therefrom using a plunger (22) for placement about a joint (12) to obtain a measurement associated with the joint (12). The hoop (20) is of a resilient material and configured for insertion into a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical technique so as to obtain a precise measurement of the joint (12) while minimizing trauma to the patient.

Abstract: A device for determining an optimal size of an intervertebral implant, comprising movable posterior and anterior rods, each rod operatively connected to a pair of posterior and anterior distracting members, respectively. Each pair is movable in opposing radial directions in response to longitudinal rotation of the posterior and anterior rods, and has marks corresponding to the distance the distracting members have moved for the purpose of measuring posterior and anterior disc height. A position indicator allows measurement of longitudinal distance between the longitudinally movable posterior and anterior rods. The device further comprises load sensor plates movable in response to movement of the distracting members, first and second handles pivotally connected to the load sensor plates, a protractor disposed relative to the handles, allowing measurement of an angle between the first and second handles, and a transducer for measuring force applied during distraction.

Abstract: A load balance and alignment system is provided to assess load forces on the vertebra in conjunction with overall spinal alignment. The system includes a spine instrument having an electronic assembly and a sensorized head. The sensorized head can be inserted between vertebra and report vertebral conditions such as force, pressure, orientation and edge loading. A GUI is therewith provided to show where the spine instrument is positioned relative to vertebral bodies as the instrument is placed in the inter-vertebral space. The system can report optimal prosthetic size and placement in view of the sensed load and location parameters including optional orientation, rotation and insertion angle along a determined insert trajectory.

Abstract: A spinal instrument includes sensors for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The spinal instrument includes a sensored head region that can be inserted into a spinal region. The spinal instrument comprises a housing, a housing, an electronic assembly, and a flexible interconnect. Housing includes a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a support structure. Similarly, housing includes a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a support structure. Furthermore, housing has a cavity and a lengthwise passage respectively for receiving electronic assembly and flexible interconnect. A sensored head region of spinal instrument includes an assembly stack for measuring load magnitude and position of load on the support structure and the support structure. The flexible interconnect couples the electronic assembly to the sensors.

Abstract: A spine measurement system includes a plurality of sensored heads, a spinal instrument, and a remote system. The spinal instrument comprises a handle, a shaft, sensored heads, and a module. The sensored heads includes one or more sensors that couple to module and each has a different height. The module includes an electronic assembly for receiving, processing, and sending quantitative data from sensors in sensored heads. The module can be coupled to and removed from handle. Similarly, sensored heads can be coupled to and removed from shaft. A sensored head can be inserted between vertebra and report vertebral conditions such as force, pressure, orientation and edge loading. A GUI of remote system can display a workflow and report load and position of load during the workflow.

Abstract: A spine measurement system includes at least one spinal instrument and a remote system. The spinal instrument comprises a handle, a shaft, an accelerometer, a sensored head, and an electronic assembly. The sensored head includes one or more sensors that are operatively coupled to the electronic assembly. The sensored head can be inserted between vertebra and report vertebral conditions such as force, pressure, orientation and edge loading. A GUI of remote system can report position via the accelerometer to show spinal instrument relative to vertebral bodies as the instrument is placed in the inter-vertebral space. The system can report optimal prosthetic size and placement in view of the sensed load and location parameters including optional orientation, rotation and insertion angle along a determined insert trajectory.

Abstract: A measurement tool for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system is disclosed. The measurement tool includes a sensored head that comprises a first support structure, a second support structure, and a plurality of sensors for measuring load and position of load. The housing for the measurement tool includes a first housing component and a second housing component. The first housing component comprises a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a first support structure. Similarly, the second housing component comprises a handle portion, a shaft portion, and a second support structure. The sensored head includes an interconnect, a sensor guide, sensors, and a load plate. The interconnect and the sensor guide are aligned and retained in the first support structure by a sidewall.

Abstract: A spine measurement system comprises a spinal instrument, alignment circuitry, insert instrument, and a remote system. The insert instrument comprises a handle, a shaft, and a module. The insert instrument can be used to retain, direct, and place a prosthetic component in a spinal region. The module includes an electronic assembly for receiving, processing, and sending data from the insert instrument. The module includes alignment circuitry for providing trajectory, alignment, and position information on the placement of the prosthetic component. A GUI of remote system can display a workflow and report the trajectory, alignment, and position information of insert instrument during different steps of the workflow. The system allows accurate placement of a prosthetic component in a previously probed region.