Abstract: A method for automated opening of craniotomies includes, under the control of a computer processor, drilling into a skull for a predetermined distance and determining when there is a conductance drop near the drilling tip that indicates skull breakthrough. If the conductance is not below a predetermined threshold, drilling continues iteratively manner until conductance is below the threshold. A craniotomy pattern may be predetermined and automatically drilled under control of the processor. A cranial window may be created by drilling along a path that interpolates between holes to form the circumference of the window. An automated craniotomy opening apparatus includes a drilling apparatus with a drilling tip, at least one drilling apparatus positioning device, a detection device, and a computer processor that controls the drilling apparatus, the positioning device, and the detection device according to the method. Determining conductance may include use of an impedance detection circuit.

Abstract: A depth limiting device includes an axial braking structure; a limited shrinking structure, the limited shrinking structure surrounding a moving object, and being in a home position or a compressed position; and a structure adapted for pushing the limited shrinking structure to the home position. The axial braking structure axially brakes the moving object such that the moving object moves together with the depth limiting device, and when the moving object enters into a subject, the limited shrinking structure is pressed against the subject, moves from the home position to the compressed position, and stops the moving object from entering further into the subject.

Abstract: A glenoid implant comprises a body comprising: an articular surface and a scapula-engaging surface, the scapula-engaging surface including first and second portions angled relative to each other; and a fixation feature extending from the scapula-engaging surface. A method comprises: forming a planar bone surface at a glenoid using a guide pin; forming a first bore into the glenoid located near the guide pin; forming a second bore into the glenoid offset from the first bore; inserting an augment ream guide into the first and second bores; and forming an angled bone surface at the glenoid relative to the planar bone surface using the augment ream guide. A ream guide comprises: a base having first and second surfaces; a bone peg extending from the first surface; an alignment peg spaced from the bone peg; and a guide peg extending from the second surface at an oblique angle to the bone peg.

Abstract: A novel and improved elbow prosthesis and method of implanting same including a novel aggregate prosthesis having a retaining system in conjunction with a set plate.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods for altering the draw of a cigar are provided. The systems may include an elongate shaft with a working portion at the distal end. The working portion may have any of number of blades, corners, recesses, grooves, textures, and sharp points, among others. The methods may include assessing the draw of a cigar, inserting the working portion into the cigar, using the working portion to catch, cut, and pull and then remove tobacco from within the cigar, testing the draw of the cigar, and repeating the above steps until the draw is ideal.

Abstract: A surgical device of a drill/driver with bit recognition to set a desired application mode and a method of utilization thereof is provided. Various operating modes of the drill/driver are automatically set by a sensor which recognizes the bit applied to the drill/driver. A method of utilizing the drill/driver allows the drill driver to apply surgical screws at very high speeds while automatically preventing excessive torque levels that would strip out the surgical screw from the patient's bone.

Abstract: Implants and instruments for providing an ideal trajectory for the insertion of instruments and screws during implantation of an interbody implant in a spinal surgery are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses and systems for controlling an apparatus for cutting an opening in a tissue wall. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for controlling a counter-rotatable cutting apparatus includes a first radial actuator configured to engage a first drive shaft. A second radial actuator is configured to engage a second drive shaft, the second drive shaft being coaxially disposed with the first drive shaft. A housing supports the first radial actuator and the second radial actuator and permits the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft to extend therethrough, the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft being relatively counter-rotatable responsive to rotation of at least one of the first radial actuator and the second radial actuator.

Abstract: A surgical connector is provided. The connector includes a first member including a mating surface engageable with an implant and a locking element and a second member translatable relative to the first member to urge the locking element into engagement with the implant. At least one of the members is connectable with a surgical instrument. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A system including an instrument having a working tool configured to penetrate a tissue; a sensor configured to generate in real-time one or more torque signals related to torque of the working tool; a controller in operative communication with the sensor and configured to receive the one or more torque signals. The controller processes the torque signals into one or more processed signals representative of torque, energy, power or a combination thereof. The system also includes a display providing to the user in real-time the one or more processed signals. Related devices, systems, methods, and articles are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal osteotomy device comprising a first body component and a second body component. The first body component has an upper guide edge for forming a cutting track. The second body component has a lower guide edge disposed below the upper guide edge. A guide slot is formed between the upper guide edge and the lower guide edge for guiding the saw blade to cut. The guide slot has a connecting member for connecting the upper guide edge and the lower guide edge. The surface of the first body component and the surface of the second body component have an average curvature of the bone surface.

Abstract: A surgical pin positioning block comprising a top portion comprising a pin position dial including one or more pin hole guides, the pin position dial setting angular pin positions of the one or more pin hole guides, wherein the one or more pin hole guides includes an orifice for drilling of pin holes, one or more dial position notches that secures the pin position dial in a given angular pin position, one or more sliding members coupled with one or more receptacles of a bottom portion, the bottom portion comprising the one or more receptacles, an adapter including one or more prongs that attach to a prosthetic inlay device, and a locking mechanism for securing the one or more sliding members in the one or more receptacles.

Abstract: A system for accessing lesions or abnormalities using intra articular localization, the system has a first arm with a localizing pin at a first end for defining a virtual pathway and a guide component. The guide component has a straight guide portion and a curved guide or arcuate portion. The curved guide or arcuate portion defines a second arm having a plurality of angularly spaced guide notches for locating a movable guide configured for passing a pin or drill or pin or punch held in the movable guide along a selected path to form an entry access. The straight guide portion has a plurality of notches for holding or coupling the first arm at or in proximity to a second end of the first arm. The selected path extends toward the virtual pathway to form the entry access using intra articular localization.

Abstract: A bone resection guide for the resection of a bone of a patient. The bone resection guide comprises a body and a resection alignment guide. The body extends between a tool engaging surface and a bone-facing surface superposable to the bone of the patient and is removably securable to the bone of the patient with the bone facing surface superposed thereto. The resection alignment guide defines at least one resection plane and extends along a resection path. The resection alignment guide comprises a plurality of guiding bores extending from the tool engaging surface into at least a section of the body, along the resection path. A method for performing a resection of a portion of a bone of a patient is also provided.

Abstract: A system includes a medical device and a charging device. A sterile barrier may be interposed between the medical device and the charging device. The medical device includes an integral power source and an active element. The charging device is configured to charge the integral power source. The charging device may charge the integral power source through direct contact between features of the charging device and features the medical device. The charging device may alternatively charge the integral power source wirelessly, such as through inductive coupling. The medical device may include conductive prongs that are retained by the charging device. The charging device may physically couple with the medical device via magnets. The medical device and the charging device may be provided together in a sterile package as a kit. The kit may also include a reclamation bag to facilitate reclamation of electrical components.

Abstract: Hydraulic extrusion system for delivering a fluid including drive means, connection means and a delivery unit including a cartridge, wherein the connection means are adapted for allowing the direct connection between the drive means and the delivery unit.

Abstract: A modular system for total knee arthroplasty includes a modular trial implant assembly. The modular implant assembly includes an elongate shaft configured for insertion into an elongate cavity in a bone, a reamer removably coupleable to the elongate shaft via a connection that allows the reamer to rotate while the elongate shaft remains in a substantially fixed angular orientation. The reamer has an outer surface that tapers toward the distal end configured to form a tapered cavity in an end of a bone in which the reamer is inserted and rotated. The modular trial implant assembly further includes a trial implant removably coupleable to a proximal end of the reamer. A modular final implant assembly includes an elongate stem, a tapered body and an implant body, each having a size and shape that can substantially correspond to a size and shape of the elongate shaft, the reamer and the trial implant, respectively.

Abstract: An assembly for guiding resection of a femur and tibia of a knee joint in preparation for installing a femoral and tibial knee components. For example, the assembly can include tibial and femoral IM rods to which are connected through a tensioning bolt that allows controlled adjustment of the distraction of the tibia and femur during cut positioning in a range of flexion angles. Also, the assembly is usable with relatively small, noninvasive approaches to the knee joint by way of relatively narrow, low profile components that attach to tibial and femoral IM rods. Further, the assembly includes several quick-release components to allow fast assembly and disassembly in a surgical setting. Each of these aspects, along with the ability of the assembly to accurately guide initial reference cuts to the tibia and femur, promotes an improved outcome for the patient.

Abstract: A system for performing a fusion procedure on a sacroiliac joint defined between a sacrum and an ilium. The system may include a working cannula including a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular body extending between the proximal and distal ends, a cannula passageway defined within the tubular body and having a cannula axis extending there through, a pair of prongs coupled to the tubular body and extending distally there from, an anchor arm engagement structure coupled to the tubular body, and a pin guide coupled to the tubular body and defining a pin passageway having a guidance axis there through that is generally parallel with the cannula axis.

Abstract: A method of preparing a shoulder to receive a glenoid component includes accessing a glenoid of a shoulder, rotationally coupling a distal portion of a combination device to an instrument, applying a torque to a proximal portion of the combination device, transferring the applied torque from the proximal portion to the distal portion through a pivotable connection, rotating the instrument using the transferred applied torque, and reaming a portion of the glenoid with a rotating reaming section of the instrument using the transferred applied torque.

Abstract: A driver for an orthopaedic reamer includes a drive shaft defining an axis of rotation; a reamer connector connected to the drive shaft and having at least one first annular portion about the axis of rotation and at least one second annular portion about the axis of rotation radially spaced from the at least first annular portion to define at least one holding recess therebetween; and a collar associated with the reamer connector and slidable in a direction of the axis of rotation between a first position and a second position, the collar being unaligned with the at least one holding recess circumferentially about the axis of rotation in the first position and, in the second position, being rotatably locked to the reamer connector and having a portion aligned with the at least one holding recess circumferentially about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Methods and instruments for placement of orthopedic implants in bones of a patient. The placement may include selective placement of the implant relative to structure of the bone using a measurement system that may detect interfaces between layers of the bone. The orthopedic implants may be engaged by various embodiments of chucks. The chucks may include structure for engaging indexing features of a corresponding orthopedic implant to restrict movement of the implant relative to the chuck along a working axis. The chucks may allow for use of an instrument having a measurement system for accurate and repeatable placement of the implants using the instrument.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for adjusting an alignment for a first metatarsal may include making a plurality of cuts along the length of the first metatarsal. In different applications of the technique, a plurality of transverse cuts may or may not be made intersecting the longitudinal cuts. In either case, the cuts can separate the first metatarsal into two individual portions and release a removable wedge of bone. The different portions of the metatarsal can be moved relative to each other to adjust an anatomical alignment of one portion relative to another portion, for example in multiple planes. After suitably adjusting the alignment of the different bone portions, the portions can be fixed together.

Abstract: A flexible drill bit including a proximal shaft portion for connecting to a source of turning; a distal cutting tip portion for boring into a material; and an intermediate shaft portion extending between the proximal shaft portion and the distal cutting tip portion, the intermediate shaft portion being characterized by (i) sufficient longitudinal flexibility so as to permit the flexible drill bit to be passed along a curve, and (ii) sufficient torsional strength to permit the flexible drill bit to bore into the material.

Abstract: A surgical method and tool for expanding an initial osteotomy (42) to receive a bone implant (44). An osteotome (22) having a tapered working end (28) is inserted into the initial osteotomy (42). The initial osteotomy (42) is enlarged by simultaneously rotating and pushing the working end (28) of the tapered osteotome (22) into the osteotomy (42). When rotated in one direction the burnishing edges (40) concentrate the pushing and rotational force in outward normal and tangential component forces against the interior surface of the osteotomy (42) to incrementally expand the osteotomy (42) with little to no removal of bone material (46). When rotated in the opposite direction the burnishing edges cut the interior surface of the osteotomy. Progressively larger tapered osteotomes (22) are used until an osteotomy (42) of predetermined size is achieved.

Abstract: A surgical metal debris reduction system is provided for use in orthopedic surgical procedures having a metal block with one or more guide openings that accept bone cutting tools or bone drilling tools. One or more non-metallic bushings are included in the system that have outer dimensions such they can be removably inserted in the guide openings and have internal dimensions sized to accept bone cutting tools or bone drilling tools such that metal on metal contact is prevented during use of the tools, thus preventing or reducing generation and deposition of metal debris within the surgical field.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly includes a hemispherical component having a convex outer surface extending from a circular rim to an apex point, and a plurality of cutting teeth extending outwardly from the outer surface between the circular rim and the apex point. Each cutting tooth of the plurality of cutting teeth includes an elongated cutting edge that is positioned on an arced imaginary line of a plurality of arced imaginary lines extending outwardly from the apex point of the hemispherical component. A method of manufacturing an orthopaedic surgical instrument assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall. The sheath may include an obliquely angled distal edge. A cleaning instrument may be used to clean debris from the first cutting member.

Abstract: A flexible bone tool including a plurality of links pivotly coupled to each other and collectively define a substantially tubular, bendable body coupled (a) at a proximal end to a holding portion and (b) at a distal end to a bone tissue removing element. The plurality of links includes one or more proximal links having an engaging portion, a wall of which comprising a first aperture and one or more distal links comprising a receiving portion, a wall of which comprising one or more second apertures, the receiving portion being sized and fitted to receive the engaging portion such that the first and second apertures are aligned and at least one pin sized and fitted to be received by the aligned first and second apertures and pivotly couple said proximal and distal links.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for implanting a cross-pin through a bone tunnel, such as in an arthroscopic surgical procedure. In general, the methods and devices allow a cross-pin hole to be formed in a medial side of a knee bone such that it intersects a bone tunnel formed in the knee bone. In one embodiment, a cross-pinning guide device is provided that can be configured to angularly position the cross-pin hole relative to the bone tunnel to allow the cross-pin hole to intersect the bone tunnel without passing through another side, e.g., a lateral side, of the knee bone. The knee bone can be a femur or a tibia such that the cross-pin hole and the bone tunnel can each be entirely formed in the femur or in the tibia.

Abstract: Surgical cutting instruments and methods of use are described. The surgical cutting instrument (100) comprises an instrument body (102) with a first attachment mechanism (106) at a distal end. A cutter (104) has a central core (110), a plurality of cutting formations (130, 136) and a plurality of lobes (112, 114, 116) extending from the central core. The central core has side walls (118, 120, 122) which define an entirely open mouth and the side walls include a second attachment mechanism (140, 142, 144) which can interact with the first attachment mechanism to releasably attach the cutter to the distal end of the instrument body. At least one cutting formation (136) is provided on an end outer face (138) of the cutter opposite the entirely open mouth.

Abstract: A surgical instrument extraction system includes a first extraction tool having a first body that extends between a first end and a second end. The first extraction tool has a first plurality of threads formed on the first end and a second plurality of threads formed on the second end. A second extraction tool has a second body that extends between a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The second extraction tool has a first plurality of threads formed on the first end and a second plurality of threads formed on the second end The first body of the first extraction tool is sized to extend through a bore of the second extraction tool. The second body of the second extraction tool is sized to extend through a bore of the first extraction tool.

Abstract: A cartilage trimmer according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, inter alia, a guide pin connected to a cutter with a blade projecting from only one side of the guide pin.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates an osteotome for treating hard tissue. The osteotome embodiments described herein include a shaft with a working end configured to displace hard tissue and a lumen to deliver material through the shaft. The working end may create pathways by selectively transitioning from a linear to a non-linear configuration. The lumen may deliver material through the shaft while the working end is in a linear or a non-linear configuration allowing precise filling of the pathways.

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

Abstract: A tool for inserting a spinal implant is disclosed. The tool includes a tube with a handle end, an inserter end having an opening, and a curved portion located between the handle end and the inserter end. A driveshaft with an actuator extends within the tube so that the actuator is proximate to the opening. A knob is attached to the handle end and the driveshaft, wherein turning the knob rotates the actuator. Methods of utilizing the tool, as well as variations of the tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A gate driving circuit includes a shift unit and a switch unit. The shift unit receives a start input signal, a first clock input signal and a second clock input signal to generate an enable output signal. The switch unit is connected to the shift unit and receiving the enable output signal. The switch unit outputs a third clock signal based on the enable output signal.

Abstract: A method and system for femoral condylar resection arthroplasty of the knee, which preserves the undamaged meniscus, whether by arthroscopy or arthrotomy, and only replaces the damaged area of the femoral condyle. In one embodiment, only the distal femoral condyle is replaced and the posterior femoral condyle remains intact. In another embodiment, both the distal and posterior femoral condyle are replaced. The method and system include placing an intercondylar insert between articular surfaces of a distal femoral condyle and a tibial plateau with the knee in extension. The method and system also includes a box retractor having four right angle blades, two for medial structures and two for lateral structures. The blades are at two depths, shallow and deep. The components of the system are preferably of plastic material. The method and system preserve the meniscus on top of the tibial plateau.

Abstract: Methods for resecting a portion of a knee joint are described herein. While the described methods can comprise any suitable step, in some implementations, the methods include cutting a cylindrically-shaped hole in a portion of the knee joint selected from at least one of a distal portion of a femur and a proximal portion of a tibia in the knee joint; and using a depth of the cylindrically-shaped hole as a reference point to resect bone around the cylindrically-shaped hole to a depth substantially matching the depth of the cylindrically-shaped hole. Other implementations are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention that provides a method of treating a bone void of a patient through the use of an implantable device whilst minimising the potential for an increase in pressure within the bone void thus avoiding embolization of the void contents into the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electromechanical surgical systems configured for use with removable disposable loading units and/or single use loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue. A force transmitting assembly of surgical instrument transmits a rotation of a rotatable drive member of the surgical instrument to the rotation receiving member of the end effector. A distal neck assembly of the surgical instrument includes at least one gear system configured to convert a rotational input of the rotatable drive member into at least two output forces to the end effector; and an articulating neck assembly interconnecting the tubular body and the distal neck housing. The articulating neck assembly is configured to enable off-axis articulation of the distal neck assembly. The rotatable drive member extends through the articulating neck assembly.

Abstract: The flexible and fluted cutting device for drilling and/or milling a space in bone tissue or connective tissue includes, on the one hand, a cutting element (2) made up of a rigid tube (20) secured at one of its ends to a supple and flexible connection (21) extended by a fluted cutter (22) and at the opposite end to drive element provided with a safety connector (23) for uncoupling the cutting device and, on the other hand, a guide element (3) providing the positioning and angular deformation of the cutting element (2) within the bone tissue or connective tissue.

Abstract: Various torque-limiting screwdriver devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. The screwdriver can include a body, a motor that is configured to rotate a screw engaged with the screwdriver, and a processor configured to control operation of the screwdriver. The screwdriver can have torque-limiting functionality, such as by monitoring the amount of torque applied to the screw and reducing or stopping rotation of the screw when certain torque-limiting criteria are met. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be switched between manual operation by a user, and automated operation by a motor within the screwdriver. In some embodiments, the screwdriver can be attached to a robotic arm.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a patient-specific acetabular guide that may be used for preparing an acetabulum of a patient to receive an acetabular implant. The acetabular guide has a body with an outer three-dimensional surface configured to match an acetabulum of a specific patient's hip joint designed from data of the patient's hip joint. The acetabular guide may further include a peripheral annular rim.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibration of a shaft of a surgical tool are provided. The tool includes an elongate shaft configured to be coupled to an electromechanical arm of a robotic surgical system and having an end effector coupled to a distal end thereof, the shaft being rotatable about its longitudinal axis. The tool also includes at least one target associated with the shaft and configured to be non-independently movable with respect to the shaft, wherein a position of the target is detected using at least one sensor disposed such that the shaft is able to move independently of the sensor. The detected position is used to determine a rotational angle of the shaft. This can involve accessing a memory on the tool or the system storing values related to a target position in association with corresponding values of a shaft rotation angle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sagittal saw blade mount and corresponding sagittal saw blade. The blade mount is configured to rotationally oscillate along a plane of motion about an axis of rotation which passes through the blade mount crossing the plane of motion at a point of rotation. The blade mount comprises a securing portion comprising two securing faces passing through the plane of motion and a locking member configured to urge a blade towards the securing portion in a first direction parallel to the plane of motion, thereby securing the blade between the locking member and the securing faces. The two securing faces are angled such that the planes of the securing faces intersect with each other and with the plane of motion at a point of intersection which is positioned such that the point of rotation lies between the point of intersection and the securing portion.

Abstract: Sensing technology methods related thereto for determining cut through of bone and a depth of penetration of a working portion of a surgical instrument (e.g., an oscillating saw blade in a cut). A first sensor outputs a first signal representative of a displacement of the cutting edge of the saw blade in the cut. A second sensor outputs a second signal representative of a force applied to the cutting edge of the saw blade. As such, monitoring the first and/or second sensor may allow for the saw to be stopped upon completion of a cut (e.g., when the saw passes completely through a medium to be cut or upon reaching a predetermined depth for the cut).

Abstract: Described herein are specialized endoscopic drilling devices that may be readily powered by a conventional shaver handpiece and further may be utilized to secure a soft tissue graft to a boney surface. More particularly, the devices, systems and methods of the present invention enable the efficient and minimally invasive formation of off-axis sockets and/or tunnels in boney surfaces that may then serve as a site for graft placement by aperture and/or suspensory fixation means. As such, the present invention has particular applicability to the surgical repair and reconstruction of torn or ruptured tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, in the leg, knee and shoulder, for example.

Abstract: A mobile cage system for restoring motion kinematics of the spine featuring a pair of opposing caps that form a cavity and a nucleus disposed in the cavity. The system allows for motion of the caps relative to the nucleus. The mobile cage system provides sufficient support so as to eliminate the need for incorporation of a metal plate or rod and pedicle screws that may be used for spinal fusions. The mobile cage system of the present invention also prevents vertical collapse of the vertebrae and complete bone fusion, and the mobile cage system helps preserve intervertebral motion of the spine.

Abstract: A bone implant comprising an elongate body having a first end and a second end coupled by a shaft is disclosed. The first portion is configured to couple to a first bone. The second portion comprises a first expandable section comprising at least one expandable feature. The first expandable section is configured to be received within a reverse countersink in a second bone in a collapsed state and to expand within the reverse countersink. The expandable feature couples to a bearing surface of the reverse countersink. A surgical tool comprising a shaft and at least one expandable cutting edge is disclosed. The shaft is sized and configured to be received within a canal formed in a bone. The expandable cutting edge is formed integrally with the shaft. The expandable cutting edge is configured to expand from a collapsed position to an expanded position for forming a reverse countersink.