Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical device comprises a first sensor component and a second sensor component. Each sensor component includes a paddle set to contact a proximal tibia and a distal femur of a patient. The first sensor component and the second sensor component being movable with respect to one another to extend one paddle set beyond the other paddle set, and each paddle set includes cutouts for the clearance of the patellar tendon to avoid the need to avert the patella during use.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring an angle about a cavity axis defined by a cavity extending into a head of a bone is provided, the bone having been resected on a plane that is inclined relative to the cavity axis. The instrument includes a stem arranged to be inserted into the cavity, a plane finder and a scale. The plane finder is coupled to the stem and arranged to contact the resection surface as the stem is inserted into the cavity and to move relative to the stem until the plane finder lies in a plane parallel to the resection surface. Movement of the plane finder relative to the stem is indicative of the angle about the cavity axis between a radial position indicated by part of the stem and a line extending perpendicularly from the resection surface. The scale is configured such that movement of the plane finder relative to the stem is indicated by the position of a portion of the plane finder relative to the scale.

Abstract: A femoral sizing instrument for use in a knee joint replacement procedure has a housing which includes formations (4) by which it can be located relative to the femoral posterior condyles. A cortex arm (14) has a tip (16) for engaging the anterior cortex of the femur and a sulcus arm (20) has a tip (24) for engaging the sulcus. Each of the cortex and sulcus arms can be adjusted relative to the housing to adjust the distance between its tip and the posterior condyles measured generally parallel to the anterior posterior axis. The instrument includes at least one scale (13,23,27,25) for indicating the positions of the tips of the cortex and sulcus arms relative to the posterior condyles.

Abstract: A bone caliper 1 of the present invention is used in implant treatment, and measures the width (bone width) between the bone surface of the alveolar bone and a guide hole or an implant hole. The bone caliper 1 of the present invention has a shape resembling a pair of scissors, and is constituted by a probe arm 2 having a rod-shaped measurement portion 22 formed at its front end and a bent arm 3 having a curved-shaped measurement portion 32 formed at its front end. A tip 33 of the measurement portion 32 is machined into a needle shape and opposes a tip 23 of the measurement portion 22. For measurement of the bone width, the rod-shaped measurement portion 22 of the probe arm 2 is inserted into a guide hole or an implant hole, and the tip 33 of the curved measurement portion 32 of the bent arm 3 is pressed against the gingiva until the tip 33 reaches the bone surface of the alveolar bone. In this state, the numerical value on a scale plate 6 pointed by a pointer 7 is read.

Abstract: A reusable orthopaedic instrument includes a reusable orthopedic trial having a first outer surface and a second outer surface that is opposite the first outer surface. The second outer surface includes a plurality of sidewalls extending outwardly therefrom to form a cavity. A drain hole is formed in the second outer surface at a location within the cavity. The drain hole extends through the reusable orthopaedic trial from the second outer surface to the first outer surface. Further, the second outer surface slopes downwardly from the plurality of sidewalls toward the drain hole.

Abstract: A tissue resection guide for use with a datum includes a base releasably engagable with the datum. The tissue resection guide has a first frame fixed relative to the base and the first frame has at least one integral first guide path that is sized and configured to at least partially capture and guide a first tissue resection tool relative to the first frame.

Abstract: A cup for a hip replacement is disposed in a first relationship in an operating room with an object providing a sighting for the cup rotation in a first plane. The cup is thereafter rotated in the first plane through a first angle (e.g., 20°-30°). The cup is then disposed in a planar relationship in the operating room with another object providing a sighting for the cup rotation in a second plane transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to the first plane. The cup is subsequently rotated through a second angle (e.g. 40°-45°) in the second plane. In this way, the cup is properly positioned in the acetabulum socket. The length of the leg receiving the hip rotation is then adjusted so that the leg length matches the length of the patient's other leg. This adjustment is provided without affecting the offset position of the center of the ball on the femur.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the provision and use of new and improved arthroscopic instrumentation for (i) harvesting a tissue biopsy from a non-critical section of a joint, and (ii) sizing and seating an autologous graft at an implant site.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an orientation sensor that detects an actual orientation of a surgical tool. The apparatus also includes an orientation feedback device that selectively provides an orientation feedback signal. Moreover, the apparatus includes a controller that causes the orientation feedback device to provide the orientation feedback signal when the actual orientation of the surgical tool detected by the orientation sensor is substantially equal to a predetermined target orientation of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A femoral tibial spreader (100) for spreading adjacent bones includes a radial measurement gauge (111) for providing incidia corresponding to an amount of force being applied to the forward ends (105,106) of the femoral tibial spreader (100). The femoral tibial spreader (100) may be used, for example, to separate the femur (301) and tibia (302) during knee surgery. The radial measurement gauge (111) may be used to determine an amount of force being applied to the femur (301) and tibia (302), for example, by the medial and arterial ligaments. Two handle members (104,109) are squeezed together, which causes the forward ends (105,106) to open. A biasing member (110) allows a measurement extension (108) to pivot towards a handle member under tension, thereby providing a measurement of force applied by the ligaments.

Abstract: The patent discloses a system and method for correcting changes in the shape of joint bones in a bone joint, including: providing a three-dimensional imaging data set of a bone joint; identifying the joint bones in the data set based on the shapes of the joint bones; inscribing a portion of a joint bone to be reconstructed with a base shape; determining contour deviations of the inscribed joint bone from the base shape by ascertaining contour distances between the base shape and the shape of the inscribed joint bone in different incision planes; determining a three-dimensional deviating volume using the contour deviations; and using the deviating volume for correction planning.

Abstract: A trial head and shell for use in trial reduction of hip implants, and particularly bipolar implants, having locking features that prevent the head from dissociating from the shell during trialing, yet which allow the head and shell to be readily assembled and disassembled in the operating room. A cut-out region is formed in an outer bearing surface of the head. The cut-out region allows the head to pass through a trial shell opening and into the shell, yet is oriented such that when the head is associated with a femoral neck, the head cannot disassociate from the shell. Orientation indicators can be provided for use in assembly and disassembly. The trial head and associated shells can be provided in the form of a surgical kit including hip implants. Methods of use are 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: A tensor/ligament balancer for use in measuring a gap existing between an anatomy is provided. The tensor/ligament balancer can include a first paddle. The tensor/ligament balancer can also include a second paddle movable relative to the first paddle. The tensor/ligament balancer can further include a biasing member operable to apply a substantially constant force on the second paddle to move the second paddle relative to the first paddle. At a first position, the second paddle can be substantially adjacent to the first paddle. The second paddle can be automatically movable away from the first paddle to a second position by applying the substantially constant force to the second paddle.

Abstract: A rod cutter and method of measuring rod length and then cutting, and including two telescoping handles operable with only longitudinal force on the handles. The cutting precision is effective by a gauge that aligns with the cutting line on the rod and then positions the rod in the cutter according to that alignment. Storage for the gauge is provided on the cutter.

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: Disclosed is a modular femoral sizing guide which facilitates the selection and rotational orientation of a femoral prosthetic for a resected femur. The femoral sizing guide has a base which is coupled to the resected femur. An extension portion which is configured to have a pair of feet which are coupled to the posterior surface of the resected femur is rotatably coupled to the base portion. A superstructure having a pair of drilling guides and a stylus is slidably coupled to the base.

Abstract: Systems and methods for joint replacement are provided. The systems and methods include a surgical orientation device, a reference sensor device, and at least one orthopedic fixture. The surgical orientation device, reference sensor device, and orthopedic fixtures can be used to locate the orientation of an axis in the body, to adjust an orientation of a cutting plane or planes along a bony surface, or otherwise to assist in an orthopedic procedure(s).

Abstract: Template systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for use in conjunction with corresponding spinal fusion plates. Preferred templates are slotted to allow for use with distractor pins and a distractor. Additionally preferred templates include windows to allow the operating surgeon to have more visibility of the intervertebral area, including the graft. After the appropriate sized template has been placed against the targeted vertebrae, holding pins can be placed into the vertebral bodies to help guide the fusion plate and to compress the intervertebral space.

Abstract: An orientation guide comprising a housing arranged to couple to a surgical instrument. In one embodiment the orientation guide further comprises first and second indicators (22, 26). The first indicator (22) is pivotally coupled to the housing (20) such that the first indicator (22) can rotate relative to the housing (20) about a first axis (24) to maintain its angular position about the first axis (24) relative to a vertical axis irrespective of movement of the housing (20). The second indicator (26) surrounds the first indicator (22) and is pivotally coupled to the housing (20) such that the second indicator (26) can rotate relative to the housing (20) about a second axis (32) orthogonal to the first axis (24) to maintain its angular position about the second axis (32) relative to the vertical axis irrespective of movement of the housing (20).

Abstract: A medical instrument includes first and second support members movably coupled to one another to provide variable spacing between distal portions of the support members. A first engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the first support member and extends generally along a first axis, and a second engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the second support member and extends generally along a second axis. At least one of the engagement elements includes an articulating portion articularly engaged with a mounting portion to provide multi-axial movement therebetween to thereby vary an angular orientation of the first axis relative to the second axis. An indicator extends between proximal portions of the support members and includes multiple indicia corresponding to variable distances between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements to provide an indication corresponding to a select distance between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements.

Abstract: An expandable shoulder trial for a reverse shoulder system is described. The trial includes a rotatably adjustable insert housed within a humeral cup. The insert has a proximal end and a distal end, 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 shaft of the insert. 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 method for providing joint arthroplasty includes providing a gauge for making a measurement of the contour of a long bone, making a measurement of the contour of a long bone with the gauge, providing a plurality of joint prostheses, selecting one of the plurality of joint prostheses based upon the measurement of the contour, resecting a long bone, and implanting the selected one prosthesis onto the long bone. A kit is also provided for selecting one of a plurality of joint implants for use in joint arthroplasty on a bone. The kit includes a first gauge and a second gauge.

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 detecting and measuring a change in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses three orthogonal rate sensors, along with integrators and averagers, to determine angular position changes using rate of change information. A display provides position changes from a reference position. Various alignment guides are useful with surgical instruments to obtain a reference plane.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and measuring changes in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses dual orientation devices of a type capable of measuring angular position changes from a reference position. One such device provides information as to changes in position of an anatomical landmark relative to a reference position. The second device provides information as to changes in position of a surgical instrument and/or prosthesis relative to the reference position.

Abstract: Measuring devices and methods of determining the appropriate graft length for reconstructive surgery, for example for an all-inside ACL reconstruction ligament repair. The measuring device accurately determines the graft length based on the total length between the femoral and tibial tunnels (sockets) plus the intraarticular space between them. The measuring device may comprise two small, cannulated beads (preferably polished metal) and three strands (for example, three suture strands). The beads may have a diameter of about 5 mm and the three sutures may preferably have distinct and different colors.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods are disclosed for creating a 3D model of a patient's affected area using an imaging device, using the model to determine an implant orientation and position, creating patient-matched instrumentation, placing the patient-matched instrumentation on the patient's anatomy, registering a computer-assisted surgical tool, and acquiring registration information. The methods and systems also include associating the surgical tool with a computer to perform a computer assisted surgery. Also disclosed are embodiments of patient-matched instrumentation to acquire registration information.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the distraction pressure between vertebral bodies comprises a control device (34, 36; 64, 66) for introducing a pressure force onto surfaces of opposing vertebral bodies and a measuring device (50; 84) associated with the control device (34, 36; 64, 66) for determining the pressure force applied onto the vertebral bodies. According to the invention, at least one end region of the control device (34, 36; 64, 66) carries a support body (10), which is designed for engaging in a concave dome that is surrounded by a bone ring of the vertebral bodies. The support body can be pivoted about at least one pivoting axis with respect to the control device and/or has a convex support surface, so that the support body when engaging into the dome can be pivoted in a sliding manner with respect to the vertebral body about at least one pivoting axis.

Abstract: A method of determining a reference point on condyles of a femur uses a computer assisted surgery system having a digitizer with perpendicular first and second planar surfaces, the digitizer being locatable and trackable in three dimensional space by the computer assisted surgery system. A digitized plane is created using the digitizer, the digitized plane being a posterior plane and/or a distal plane of the condyles. The posterior plane and the distal plane are respectively defined by the first and second planar surfaces of the digitizer. A location of the reference point in the digitized plane is then determined using the computer assisted surgical system. The reference point is a most remote point of the femur within the digitized plane.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus has a body that includes a reference surface that defines a reference line. The body further includes a first elongate window defining a first measurement line and a first measurement indicia positioned in association with the first elongate window. The first measurement line and the reference line define a first angle having a first magnitude. The first measurement indicia corresponds to the first magnitude.

Abstract: An internal bone fixation sizing device and methods for using this device during a procedure for repairing a weakened or fractured bone are disclosed herein. A medical device for determining a depth and a diameter of a medullary cavity of a bone includes an outer shaft having a proximal end engaging an activation mechanism, a distal end having a first opening at an upper surface and a second opening at a lower surface, and a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the longitudinal axis of the outer shaft includes a plurality of markers; and an inner shaft having a proximal end engaging the activation mechanism, a distal end terminating in two sizing arms, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the two sizing arms are able to move from a retracted position to an extended position extending beyond the outer shaft.

Abstract: A computer assisted surgery system and a method for operating a computer assisted surgery system is described therein. The system and method includes providing a virtual representation of a medical device to provide an easier application of a medical device, such as an implant or the like. The described system and method allows for simple and fast positioning of a medical device to be applied, such as an implant, for example.

Abstract: A method of performing an arthroplasty of a ball and socket joint with a surgical navigation system includes the step of digitizing landmarks to provide geometrical parameters of the joint and a limb depending there from, including digitizing aspects of a socket region of the ball and socket joint. A range of motion parameter is determined. A soft tissue tension parameter is determined. A functional goal is computed based on landmark data, the range of motion parameter, the soft tissue tension parameter, and a database of potential implants. An optimal socket position is solved for to minimize impingement of potential implants. An implant is chosen based on the optimal socket position and the functional goal. The joint is prepared to receive the chosen implant. The chosen implant is installed into the joint.

Abstract: A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded may enhance and expedite bone healing.

Abstract: Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for determining the spacing between locations in an animal subject are employed to size a connecting element to secure along a bony segment in the animal subject. The instruments and methods include a measuring instrument mountable to proximal ends of extensions extending from anchors engaged to the bony segment. The measuring instrument is configured to provide an indication of the spacing between the anchors even if the extensions are in non-parallel relation to one another.

Abstract: One or more disposable devices suitable for use in a surgical field of an operating room are disclosed. One device comprises a sensor (101) communicatively coupled to the wand (102) to register points of interest on a first or second bone of the muscular-skeletal system and transmits location data related to the points of interest to the sensor (101) to assess orthopedic alignment with the points of interest. A display (150) having a GUI (152) are coupled to the devices for providing device and surgical information in real-time. A communication device (104) includes display (150) and a digital signal processor (154). A transducer (142) receives vocal commands (140) for generating an action (146) that produces an operative change in the devices or display (150). The DSP (154) includes voice recognition software (144) for identifying words or phrases to produce an action (146) that are received by the transducer (142).

Abstract: An improvement in a trialing system and method for use in connection with the implant of a prosthetic joint component having a first part for engaging bone at an implant site to secure the component at the implant site, and a second part for enabling articulation of the prosthetic joint. A trial first member corresponds to the first part of the component, a trial second member corresponds to the second part of the component, and an offset adapter facilitates selective coupling and uncoupling of the trial first member and the trial second member with the trial second member offset from the trial first member and placed at a selected angular orientation relative to the offset adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus and measuring instrument (2) comprise a first part and a second part configured for sliding movement relative to each other. The first part (9) comprises a locking member (20) comprising a hard portion (22) movable from a first position to a second position. The second part (6) comprises a compressible portion (18) which has a Shore hardness less than the hard portion and is positioned such that when the locking member is in the first position the compressible portion is not engaged by the hard portion, and when the locking member is in the second position the compressible portion is at least partially compressed by the hard portion thereby preventing relative movement of the first and second parts, hi an alternate embodiment the first part may comprise the compressible portion (34) and the second part may comprise the hard portion (38).

Abstract: A method and device for finding isometric points in the joints of mammals for use in surgical repair of a joint. Isometric points are first identified in radiographic or other two dimensional images and then located in the actual joint. A method for repairing a cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle employing the method and device for finding isometric points is described. A method and apparatus for locating the axis of rotation of a joint is also described.

Abstract: A reference guide comprising an attachment portion configured to abut with and attach to an anatomical feature such as a bone. The reference guide further comprises a reference indicator that may be formed integrally with, or selectively secureable to, the attachment portion and that indicates a reference point with respect to the attachment portion. The reference guide may be used to identify a target location during a surgical procedure even in the absence of traditional landmarks.

Abstract: An assembly for joint surgery comprises a goniometer for determining an angle for hip surgery, and a surgical tool comprising an axis of extension. The goniometer comprises an indicator and a contraindicator configured to indicate an angle between at least a portion of the indicator and at least a portion of the contraindicator with respect to a first axis of rotation. The goniometer is connected to the surgical tool with at least a first rotary joint arranged so as to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the axis of extension and a second rotary joint arranged so as to be rotatable about a third axis of rotation substantially parallel to, preferably coinciding with, the axis of extension such that the axis of rotation of the goniometer is arrangable with respect to the axis of extension in three dimensions.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing hip replacement surgery are described. According to one embodiment, a method comprising providing an incision locator, the incision locator comprising at least one location indicator and at least one incision indicator, the location indicator configured to align with a central axis of the femur, and the incision indicator configured to guide a proper placement of a surgical incision when the location indicator is aligned, aligning the location indicator with at least one anatomical feature of the patient, making an incision in the proper location as guided by the incision indicator, and completing the surgical procedure is described.

Abstract: Methods of selecting and implanting prosthetic devices for use as a replacement meniscus are disclosed. The selection methods include a pre-implantation selection method and a during-implantation selection method. The pre-implantation selection method includes a direct geometrical matching process, a correlation parameters-based matching process, and a finite element-based matching process. The implant identified by the pre-implantation selection method is then confirmed to be a suitable implant in the during-implantation selection method. In some instances, the during-implantation selection method includes monitoring loads and/or pressures applied to the prosthetic device and/or the adjacent anatomy. In some instances, the loads and/or pressures are monitored by a trial prosthetic device comprising one or more sensors. Methods of implanting meniscus prosthetic devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.

Abstract: A medical tool and method are provided. The tool includes a shank for insertion into an animal to produce a hole, inject material and/or extract a sample. The shank is provided with color zones which, when referenced to a portion of a body part, will indicate depth of penetration of the shank.

Abstract: A femoral head center locating mechanism and method for using same. The femoral head center locating mechanism may include a frame and a plurality of lasers which emit laser beams which intersect to identify a reference point relative to a center of a femoral head.

Abstract: A bone void measuring apparatus includes a compliant inflatable member adapted for disposal with bone adjacent soft tissue. The bone has a bone defect surface that defines a bone defect cavity. A lumen is connected to the inflatable member and a fluid source for communication therebetween. The inflatable member receives a fluid of the fluid source for compliant inflation in a configuration such that outer surface of the inflatable member engagingly conforms to the bone defect surface and avoids displacement of the adjacent soft tissue to measure a volume of the bone defect cavity. The measured volume of the bone defect cavity is equivalent to a volume of bone void filler configured for introduction to the bone defect cavity. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone reposition device includes first and second bone supports for supporting first and second portions of a fracture or osteotomize bone about a fracture or osteotomize site, a plurality of sequentially connected connection members and a plurality of joints each with at least a pair of adjacent parts for connecting the connection members therebetween and to the first and second bone supports. The plurality of joints includes at least six joints, each of which possesses one degree of freedom and allows controllable relative rotation or translation of said pair of adjacent parts about one of three axes respectively.