Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration). Some of the present apparatuses and methods are configured to create microfractures with smaller transverse dimensions (e.g., diameters) and greater depths than previously known. Some of the present apparatuses and methods comprise a penetrator removal tab coupled to the penetrator and configured to retract the penetrator relative to the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical system for use in correcting hammer toe or otherwise straightening toes or fusing other bones to one another includes a male drill bit and a female drill bit, as well as an absorbable pin. The male and female drill bits are configured to define complementary features from opposed, or facing, ends of bones that are to be fused to one another. The male and female drill bits may also be configured to define channels through the lengths of the bones that are to be fused to one another, with the channels being configured to align and define a continuous channel through the bones when they are assembled. The absorbable pin, which may be absorbed by a subject's body over time, is configured to be positioned in the continuous channel, and may hold the bones in an assembled relationship before and while they fuse to one another.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a socket having a housing and an aperture within the housing, the socket configured to receive a ball and a pin at least partially in the aperture. The ball is positioned at least partially in the socket and configured to rotate within the socket, the ball comprising an elongated opening extending through the ball. The pin is coupled to the socket and disposed at least partially in the socket on opposite sides of the socket, the pin including a first longitudinal axis and extending through the elongated opening of the ball between opposite sides of the socket. The ball is configured to partially rotate about the first longitudinal axis of the pin, and partially rotate, about a second axis perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis of the pin, in a plane aligned with the elongated opening.

Abstract: Methods of cutting bone using a robotic cutting system are provided. The robotic cutting system includes one or more controllers, a robotic manipulator, and one or more cutting tools, such as those including a bur or a saw blade, that can be coupled to the robotic manipulator. An initial cut, such as a notch, is made into the bone with the bur or the saw blade. This notch is then used to constrain the saw blade for limiting skiving of the saw blade during cutting along a cutting plane.

Abstract: Minimally invasive percutaneous methods, devices, and systems for placing guide wires in bones in a desired position and orientation and for facilitating the treatment of fractures such as but not limited to intertrochanteric fractures or other applications such as osteotomies. The methods, devices, and systems may allow for rapid and reproducible placement of a guide wire in a bone. Each degree of freedom may be controlled independently.

Abstract: A medical or dental device for determining a bone's quality by cutting a thread into the bone with a rotating threaded element comprises a control unit having a measurement circuit configured: (i) to determine values of the motor current via a first electrical contact device with which the motor drive is supplied for rotational drive of the threaded element that can be connected to the motor drive, the current values being a measure of the bone's quality; (ii) to monitor and/or to determine the penetration depth of the threaded element into the bone, and (iii) to generate measurement signals which show the relationship between the penetration depth and the determined current values or parameters derived therefrom, and to transmit these signals to a display unit, which displays the relationship between the determined current values or parameters derived therefrom, in particular the bone's quality, and the penetration depth.

Abstract: An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Abstract: A handle for a surgical tool including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end with a gripping handle affixed to the proximal end of the shaft. A bushing is attached to the distal end of the shaft, the bushing including a plurality of flexible members circumferentially spaced apart. The handle further includes a sleeve circumscribing the shaft and the bushing. The sleeve is moveable between a first position substantially covering an entirety of the bushing and a second position spaced from a most distal end of the bushing.

Abstract: Described herein are examples of orthopedic reamer heads for preparing a bone to receive an implant, as well as methods of assembling reamer heads. An illustrative example of a modular reamer head can include a body and a cutting system. The body can include a generally dome shape having an outer surface extending from an apex region to a base. The outer surface can have a recess including one or more arcuate channels that extend from the apex region towards the base of the dome. The cutting system can have one or more arcuate elements having cutting elements. One or more arcuate elements can extend from first end portions in the apex region towards second end portions proximate the base. At least a portion of the one or more arcuate elements can be located in the one or more arcuate channels to extend outward beyond the outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to material removal instrument for forming cavities in interior body regions, particularly cavities in intervertebral discs and vertebrae. The instrument includes a cannula and a rotation mechanism disposed at least partially within the cannula. A cutting element extends from the rotation mechanism and impacts and dislocates tissue as the rotation mechanism is rotated within the body. Dislocated tissue with withdrawn from the body via the cannula.

Abstract: Disclosed screwdrivers may include a rotatable drive shaft having a drive portion disposed at a distal end thereof, and a drive end disposed at a proximal end thereof. Disclosed screwdrivers may include an angled tip portion that is angled with respect to the longitudinal direction, and a mechanism configured to transfer a rotational force applied to the drive portion of the drive shaft through the angled tip portion to the drive end of the drive shaft. Disclosed screwdrivers may include an elastic retaining clip configured to have a bone screw securely attached therein at a clipping force and progressively release the bone screw therein at an extraction force. Disclosed screwdrivers may include at least one spring contacting the elastic retaining clip and the angled tip portion that is configured to facilitate the progressive release of the bone screw.

Abstract: A handheld surgical instrument includes a motor that transmits rotational movement to a drill bit of the handheld surgical instrument. The drill bit extends through a depth measurement module with a depth measurement extension, and a cannula, which extends forward from the drill to measure bore depth. The depth measurement extension is moveably mounted to the drill so as to extend into the rotor bore of the motor. As the drill advances forward, the depth measurement extension remains static. As a result of the advancement of the drill, the rotor extends over the proximal end of the depth measurement extension. A controller is configured to determine a breakthrough time and a breakthrough displacement of the drill bit based on displacement data and derived signals. The controller is further configured to determine a proper length of a screw to be used in a fixation surgical procedure based on the displacement data.

Abstract: Measurement of a leading edge of an instrument passing from a first medium having a first density to a second medium having a second density using a displacement sensor alone. In particular, a displacement signal, a velocity signal, and an acceleration signal measured from or derived from a displacement sensor are analyzed to determine when the leading edge of the instrument passes from the first material to the second material as the leading edge of the instrument is advanced relative to the material. For instance, the measurement may be used to output an occurrence signal that indicates to a user that the instrument has passed from the first medium to the second medium. Additionally, a length measurement of the path of the instrument when passing from the first medium to the second medium may be recorded, and/or the instrument may be controlled (e.g., the instrument may be stopped).

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an outer shaft, an inner shaft, a trial sizer, a rod, and a head. The outer shaft is operatively coupled with the housing such that rotation of the housing causes axial displacement of the outer shaft. The outer shaft includes a keel cutter configured to form a channel in a vertebral body. The inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft. The trial sizer is configured to be received in intervertebral space. The trial sizer includes a pair of wings transitionable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the pair of wings extends transversely outward. The head is connected to the rod, wherein the head is operatively coupled with the pair of wings such that axial displacement of the rod causes transition of the pair of wings between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A drill assembly for creating a reverse counterbore bone tunnel while increasing bone preservation. The drill assembly including a housing having an actuation mechanism and a cannulated shaft connected to the actuation mechanism. The drill assembly also includes a rigid rod extending through the cannulated shaft. Engaging the actuation mechanism moves the cannulated shaft along the rigid rod. The drill assembly additionally includes a distal tip connected to the cannulated shaft and the rigid rod. Proximal movement of the cannulated shaft along the rigid rod causes the distal tip to rotate from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the second configuration, the distal tip extends at an angle relative to the cannulated shaft.

Abstract: A rotary surgical assembly is disclosed. The assembly has a plurality of cutting teeth (216), a hollow dome (200) and a spindle (10). The hollow dome has a pole having a pole axis X, and a cutting surface featuring some of the cutting teeth. The cutting surface includes a curved part (214) and a substantially flat part (212) proximal the pole with an aperture (210) extending therethrough. The spindle has a proximal end (12) and a distal end (14) including a spindle mounting element (16). The spindle mounting element is secured to the dome beneath the substantially flat part of the cutting surface. The spindle mounting element has a cutting tooth (22) that extends distally through the cutting surface's aperture to form one of the said plurality of cutting teeth. A kit, and methods of manufacturing the rotary surgical assembly are described also.

Abstract: A method where a propeller is set into locomotion relative to a medium at least partially surrounding the propeller. An actuator induces a rotation of the propeller relative to the medium and about a rotational axis of the propeller, and the propeller converts its rotational movement into locomotion relative to the medium. The aspect ratio of at least one cross-section of the propeller is three or more. Also a helical or modifiedly helical propeller for converting rotational movement of the propeller into locomotion of the propeller relative to a medium at least partially surrounding the propeller, where the aspect ratio of at least one cross section of the propeller is three or more. And a method of producing a propeller, including the step of providing a plate extending along the helical axis, where the aspect ratio of at least one cross section of the plate is three or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for measuring osseous quality.

Abstract: In some examples, a fixation device includes a flexible band with a first base portion, a second base portion, and a connecting strap connecting the first base portion to the second base portion, the connecting strap configured to retain a medical device to an anatomical structure of a patient, wherein the flexible band is constructed of a first material. The fixation device may further include a plurality of inserts, each insert of the plurality of inserts defining an inner channel and constructed of a second material more rigid than the first material of the flexible band, wherein a first insert of the plurality of inserts is at least partially within the first base portion, and wherein a second insert of the plurality of inserts is at least partially within the second base portion.

Abstract: A bone material removal device, including a tubular element comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a shaft received within the tubular element and comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a cutting tooth movably coupled to the distal end of the shaft and a shaft displacement actuator at the proximal end of the tubular element rotatably coupled to the shaft, wherein at least partial rotation of the actuator in a first direction brings the cutting tooth to travel from a closed retracted position to an open extended position.

Abstract: A surgical tool adaptor includes a distal interface member and a proximal holder. The surgical tool adaptor is formed with a lumen through the distal interface member and the proximal holder for passing a guiding element (e.g., K-wire) distally through the distal interface member. The proximal holder includes a locking element for locking the guiding element in the lumen and the distal interface member includes a connecting element for connecting to a surgical tool. The proximal holder is movable relative to the distal interface member so that the proximal holder is movable to a position wherein the guiding element does not protrude proximally out of the proximal holder.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tip and methods of operating the same. The ultrasonic tip comprises a shaft including a base and a flexible body. The body comprises a first portion and a second portion. The body is coupled to the base at the first portion and extends from the first portion to the second portion along a longitudinal axis. The second portion includes a cutting portion comprising a neck, and a head extending radially from the longitudinal axis. The head is coupled to the neck. A circular aperture is disposed between the head and the neck to define an inner circumferential surface. The head and the neck form an outer circumferential surface comprising a plurality of cutting teeth, the outer circumferential surface having a first thickness at the head that is greater than a second thickness at the neck.

Abstract: Embodiments of bone and tissue resection devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a device can include a blade having a distal cutting edge configured to perform a cutting action that produces a plug or core from a media being cut by the cutting edge, a drive mechanism arranged to transfer an oscillating force to the cutting edge for oscillating the cutting edge, a shield positioned to block contact with a portion of the cutting edge, and a depth adjustment mechanism configured to translate the cutting edge along a proximal-distal axis of the shield to adjust an axial position of the cutting edge relative to the shield.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing, minimizing symptoms and/or treating the pathology of intervertebral disc degeneration includes introducing a first cannula through a vertebra along an axis of at least one pedicle of the vertebra from a generally posterior to a generally anterior direction and inserting a second cannula within a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula constrained to a relatively straight configuration within at least a portion of the first cannula and assumes a nonlinear or curvilinear geometry external to the first cannula within at least a portion of a vertebral body of the vertebra and away from a longitudinal axis of the first cannula. The method includes forming a channel with the second cannula, the channel extending to or adjacent to a vertebral endplate of the vertebral body in order to create a defect through the vertebral endplate of the vertebra. Related systems, devices, and methods are described.

Abstract: A surgical tool that has a pair of transmissions coupled to one another to effect driving of a cutting tool in both an oscillating manner and a reciprocating manner. The transmissions are driven by a motor coupled to one of the transmissions.

Abstract: A sacroiliac joint fusion screw and associated delivery tools and method. Embodiments of the sacroiliac joint fusion screw comprise a shaft having proximal and distal end portions and a head on the proximal end of the shaft. A threaded portion on a distal portion of the shaft is configured to engage a sacrum. A glide zone portion on the shaft between the threaded portion and the proximal end portion is configured to extend through an ilium. The screw can provide stability and compression to the joint.

Abstract: A drill device including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, one or more first reaming heads configured to be positioned along the shaft adjacent the distal end and one or more second reaming heads configured to be positioned along the shaft at a location axially proximally spaced from the first reaming head.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applier including a housing containing a compartment, an elongated member extending distally from the housing, first and second jaws and a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position to effect firing of fasteners into the tissue clamped between the first and second jaws. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having a motor and an engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism within the compartment when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism. An interchangeable battery pack is removably loadable into the power pack for powering the motor. Bearings restrict axial and radial movement of the firing and articulation assembly in the power pack.

Abstract: A bone reamer is provided and may include a shaft and a cutting element. The shaft may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible portion. The flexible portion may be disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The cutting element may be carried by the shaft and may include a cutting surface facing the distal end of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft may be offset from the cutting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for surgical application of a glenoid anchor of a shoulder joint prosthesis and instruments advantageously used in the method. The method includes making a delto-pectoral incision providing a delto-pectoral access to a shoulder joint; with the delto-pectoral access being suitable for inserting at least one machining tool; and making a trans-deltoid incision providing a trans-deltoid access to the humeral head; with the trans-deltoid access being suitable for inserting a stem of a machining instrument to be mounted on the machining tool for machining the glenoid cavity.

Abstract: A decompression device and method for removing marrow and other fluid from an intramedullary canal. The decompression device includes a cannula having a channel that allows fatty marrow to pass therethrough. A first port extends from the device and is in operable connection to a vacuum source that creates suction for removing fluid from the intramedullary canal. In some embodiments, one or more fenestrations are disposed along the second end of the cannula to expedite the removal of the fluid. In operation, the cannula is inserted into the intramedullary canal of a femur. Once fatty marrow is removed from the intramedullary canal, the cannula is removed and a reaming device is inserted into the femur. In this way, the fatty marrow is removed prior to the reaming procedure in order to prevent these fluids from traveling to the lungs causing blockage that leads to severe cardiorespiratory and vascular dysfunction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an osseous pin (1) for bone fracture fixation. The pin comprises a threaded front section (2) and an unthreaded rear section (3). The threaded front section is configured with two or more kerfs (4) to facilitate breaking of the pin at any one of said kerfs. The present invention also relates to a guide sleeve for use in insertion of the osseous pin (1) into bone fragments at a bone fracture and breaking of said pin at the kerf (4) closest to the entrance site of the pin into the bone fragments. The present invention also relates to an extraction member for use in extraction of the osseous pin (1) from bone fragments at a healed bone fracture and a kit, comprising said components.

Abstract: A tool for use with a surgical robotic manipulator that comprises an energy applicator including a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The shaft has a retention surface and an ejection surface. A tool assembly comprises a support structure to support the energy applicator and an axial connector assembly arranged to engage and releasably lock the energy applicator to the support structure in a locked state via the retention surface. The tool assembly is also configured to apply an ejection force to the energy applicator to provide a tactile indication to the user that the energy applicator is not fully engaged by the axial connector assembly if a suitable force is not provided by the user to overcome the ejection force and place the energy applicator in the locked state.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an orthopedic milling machine for preparing a glenoid bone. The milling machine uses a hub and a sleeve. The hub includes reliefs arranged to cut or mill the bone and the sleeve couples to the hub to transfer rotational motion to the hub. The hub has an axial bore sized to receive an orthopedic guide pin. The hub also has a lateral passage slot that allows the hub to move laterally towards the guide pin in order to place the guide pin within the axial bore.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe includes an elongated shaft assembly having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A distal housing is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and optionally includes a laterally open window where a plane of the window is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. An interior channel extends axially through the shaft and further through an interior of the housing to the window in the housing. An electrode member with a serrated or other elongated edge may extend longitudinally across the window and may be configured to reciprocate the elongated edge longitudinally relative to the window.

Abstract: A system (200) and method (600) for identifying cutting tools for use during a surgical procedure are described. For example, the system includes a cutting tool assembly (210) including a shaft (212) having a cutting element (214) and at least one identifying feature (216) that uniquely corresponds to the cutting element. The system further includes a drive assembly (220) including a reference pin (224), a motor (230) mechanically connected to the drive assembly, a control unit (240) configured to activate the motor to move the cutting tool assembly such that the reference pin engages with the at least one identifying feature, a sensor system (226) configured to determine positioning information related to the reference pin when the reference pin engages the at least one identifying feature, and a computing unit (250) configured to receive the positioning information from the sensor system and identify the cutting element based upon the position information.

Abstract: A flip cutter and drill instrument and method of antegrade drilling and retrograde cutting using such an instrument. The flip cutter and drill instrument is provided with a drill which has a multi-blade configuration and which engages an inner tube or inner member of the instrument to articulate between at least a first “straight” position (for example, about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the drilling mode, and at least a second “flip” position (for example, a non-parallel position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument is in the cutting mode.

Abstract: A bone removal device, including: an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end; a bone borer having a distal drilling tip configured to drill into a bone tissue and at least one proximal reamer, wherein the bone borer is movably coupled to a distal end of the elongated shaft, wherein the bone borer is configured to move between a drilling state in which the drilling tip is placed in contact with bone tissue, and reaming states in which the at least one proximal reamer is placed in contact with the bone tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical rotational cutting tool, a surgical kit and a method of preparing a femur to receive a stem of a femoral prosthetic. The tool includes a longitudinal axis and a shaft extending along the longitudinal axis, which has a proximal end and a distal end. The tool also includes a head located at the distal end of the shaft. The head includes a pointed distal tip, a bone contacting outer surface having a portion which curves inwards toward the longitudinal axis as it approaches the tip, and a plurality of flutes. The edges of distal parts of neighboring pairs of the flutes meet to define a plurality of cutting edges which extend proximally from the pointed distal tip. A proximal part of each flute extends proximally across the curved portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to assemblies and methods for repairing bone defects. The assemblies disclosed herein may be utilized for determining a dimension of a surgical site and removing bone prior to positioning a graft and/or implant at the surgical site.

Abstract: Cranial perforator (1) comprising a rotating element (10) capable of being fixed to a driving element, a first drill-head (20) and a second drill-head (30), clutch means (50) disposed on the first drill-head (20) and the rotating element (10) means of disengagement (60) from a engaged position of the first drill-head (20) to an idle position of the first drill-head (20) and a casing (40) fixed at one of its extremities to the rotating element (10) and partly encasing the second drill-head (30).

Abstract: According to one example, a for revision knee arthroplasty is disclosed. According to this example, the method can include shaping a bone of a patient to create one or more recesses therein, selecting a stem provisional, disposing the stem provisional within the one or more recesses, and assembling in vivo the stem provisional with both a first provisional component configured to simulate a shape of one of a tibial tray implant or a femoral implant and a second provisional component configured to simulate a shape of at least one of a sleeve component, a cone component or a keel component of an implant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guide for a flexible bone drill, including: a first body provided internally with a through channel; a second, internally hollow body, into which said first body can be inserted; said second body being provided with a through hole suitable to be placed in fluidic connection with the internal through channel of said first body; and said second body and said first body sliding relative to one another to vary the relative position of the hole with respect to said through channel. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A patient matched instrument is disclosed. The patient matched instrument includes a body having an interior patient matched surface; a cutting slot extending through at least a portion of the body; a first paddle extending from the body; and a second paddle spaced apart from the first paddle and extending from the body; and wherein at least one of the first paddle and the second paddle further comprises a hook.

Abstract: A ventricular guide for ventriculostomy which includes a curved base plate, an upstanding support member which extends upwardly from the base plate and an upper support member which extends transversely from the upper end of the upstanding member. A first tubular guide, having a bore extending therethrough, is secured to one end of the upper support member. A second tubular guide, having a bore extending therethrough is secured to the other end of the upper support member. The bores of the tubular guides may have a drill bit, needle or catheter extending downwardly therethrough.

Abstract: A revision is performed on a bone. A first cutting tool is placed over a rod inserted into the bone such that the rod extends through a cannula of the first cutting tool. The inserted rod is curved within the bone. A hole is formed in the bone with the first cutting tool placed over the curved rod.

Abstract: A system for decorticating at least one bone surface includes an elongated soft tissue protector, an elongated drive shaft and a cutter. The elongated soft tissue protector has a bore extending therethrough. The bore has a non-circular lateral cross-section, a maximum lateral extent and a minimum lateral extent. The cutter may be located on or near a distal end of the drive shaft. The cutter has a non-circular lateral cross-section, a maximum lateral extent and a minimum lateral extent. The maximum lateral extent of the cutter is greater than the minimum lateral extent of the bore but is no greater than the maximum lateral extent of the bore. The bore of the soft tissue protector is configured to slidably receive the cutter therethrough. Other systems and methods for decorticating at least one bone surface are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical positioning system including a rotation guide slide and a rotation guide pointer configured to be coupled to the rotation guide slide. The rotation guide pointer includes a base and a pointer extension. The base includes protrusion and a hole extending through the base and the protrusion where the protrusion is sized and configured to be received within a channel such that the rotation guide pointer can translate parallel to a plane defined by the first side of the rotation guide slide. The hole is sized and configured to receive a screw to fix the position of the rotation guide pointer relative to the rotation guide slide, with the protrusion configured to expand when the screw is advanced in the hole.

Abstract: Various surgical devices and methods are disclosed herein. Also disclosed is multi-component prosthesis, which can be used as an ankle prosthesis. One of the disclosed surgical alignment systems includes a guide arm, a ratchet arm frame configured to be coupled slidably to the guide arm, a ratchet arm configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm frame, and a sagittal sizing guide body configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm. The sagittal sizing guide body includes a first radiopaque object disposed at a first position and a second radiopaque object disposed at a second position that is spaced apart from the first position.