Abstract: A reaming instrument, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a rotatable cutting head and a cutting face on a distal end of the cutting head. At least one radially displaceable cutting element has a cutting edge projecting in a distal direction from the cutting face. An adjustment element is operable to displace the cutting element toward a fully retracted state, or toward a fully expanded state. In another embodiment, a method of modifying a bone surface includes displacing at least one cutting element on a reamer instrument to a fully retracted state, inserting the instrument into a human or animal, operating an adjustment element to displace the cutting element toward an expanded state, and activating the cutting head to begin cutting the bone.

Abstract: A modular reaming system for reaming a plurality of pockets in an anatomical feature extends along a longitudinal axis. The system includes a first reamer in a first position on the longitudinal axis, and the first reamer reams a first pocket in the anatomical feature. The system further includes a second reamer that is removably coupled to the first reamer in a second position on the longitudinal axis. The second reamer reams a second pocket in the anatomical feature. The second reamer is keyed against rotation relative to the first reamer to ream the first and second pockets substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A percussion device for bone implantology includes a body housing an electromagnetic coil for the acceleration of a percussion anchor and from which a stem of a metal tool projects, a sonic rod which runs through the core of the electromagnetic coil and along which the percussion anchor is slidable, the sonic rod including a terminal head with which the stem of a metal tool is integrally engageable, a floating yoke arranged in the proximity of the terminal head which acts as travel end stop for the anchor, and wherein the electromagnetic coil is energized impulsewise with an electric current of a duration below 20 milliseconds and energy ranging between 0.8-1.2 KW, to produce an impact of the anchor on the yoke which develops an energy transferred to the tool stem through a sonic wave and a translational momentum, the force developed ranging between 60 and 260 daN.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for creating a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other body structure. An example method of forming a void in bony structure includes accessing a bony structure with a cannula, inserting a distal end of a combined drill and reaming device through the cannula and into the bony structure, manipulating the distal end of the combined drill and reaming device to create a void in the bony structure, and removing the distal end of the combined drill and reaming device from the cannula.

Abstract: A Lisfranc injury between a second metatarsal and medial cuneiform is repaired by gaining access to the injury site and placing two arm members of a novel drill guide around the two neighboring bones at the injury site, drilling a guide wire through the two bones guided by the drill guide to a desired depth, and measuring the depth of the guide wire for determining proper length for a bone screw for securing the two bones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coupling a soft tissue implant into a locking cavity formed within a bone is disclosed. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with an outer surface of the bone. The bone cutting tool is rotated about the longitudinal axis while driving it from the outer surface of the bone to a predetermined depth in the bone to form a bore. The bone cutting tool is then continuously rotated at the predetermined depth to establish an enlarged bone pocket at a distal end of the bore. The bone pocket defines a shoulder extending around a circumference between the bone pocket and bore. The bone cutting tool is removed from the bone pocket and bore. The fixation device is then inserted into the bone pocket through the bore, where it is seated against the bone pocket shoulder.

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as cartilage on the femoral head. A microfracture pick system for repairing cartilage on a femoral head is provided. The system can include a handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The system can also include an arcuate arm shaped to extend from the distal end of the handle and adapted to extend around the femoral head. The arcuate arm can have a distal tip extending toward the handle along a longitudinal axis of the handle. The system can also include an impaction member at the proximal end of the handle.

Abstract: A device for guiding a drilling tool to form an opening in a bone, includes a body extending from a distal end to a proximal end, the body including a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen being sized and shaped to slidably accommodate a guidewire therein and a plurality of arms extending proximally from the proximal end, the arms being disposed about the lumen with a gripping surface of each arm being spaced radially from an axis of the guide wire lumen by a distance corresponding to a thickness of a guidewire to be received therein, the gripping surfaces gripping the guidewire to maintain a portion thereof extending proximally of the lumen along the axis of the lumen.

Abstract: A method and tool for forming a hole in a bone. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with a cortical portion of the bone. A distal portion of the bone cutting tool is passed into the cortical portion of the bone up to a first predetermined depth to form a first bore. The bone cutting tool is then driven in the axial direction to a second predetermined depth to form a keyway portion in the first bore with a cutting tooth of the bone cutting tool. The bone cutting tool is then rotated about the longitudinal axis to form a second bore in a cancellous portion of the bone. The first bore and the second bore have a shoulder extending therebetween. The bone cutting tool is removed from the hole formed by the first and second bores in the bone.

Abstract: An adapter and associated method is provided. One of the many embodiments of the present application is comprised of a one-piece adapter attachable along the backside of the shell component of an acetabular reaming tool, and having a geometric configuration approximating an annular collar. The adapter has a smooth peripheral surface including an area of greater circumference converging to an area of lesser circumference. When the adapter attaches to an acetabular grater shell component, the area of greater outer circumference is proximal to, and traverses the theoretical equator of, the shell component, and the area of lesser outer circumference is distal to the shell component and is the leading end of the adapter when the reaming tool is extracted from the surgical site. The contours and smooth surface of the adapter facilitate fast, safe, unimpeded extraction.

Abstract: A tunneling device (10) for introduction into a body via a linearly extending guide (100) is formed as an elongated tunneling device (10) having an end portion (10E) bent to a predefined curvature. The elongated tunneling device (10) when confined in the linearly extending guide (100) is confined lengthwise in the guide (100). Upon movement of the tunneling device, advancing past the guide (100) into the body, the end portion (10E) of the tunneling device (10) returns to the predefined curvature without requiring any external physical resistance of load forces to initiate the bending.

Abstract: An ultrasonic applicator includes an ultrasonic converter accommodated within a converter housing, a first housing, and a second housing. A rear end portion of the first housing is located in the second housing and an inner end portion of the converter housing is located in the rear end portion of the first housing. A length of the rear end portion of the first housing is adjustable. An outer end portion of the converter housing is connected with the second housing via an elastic element, so that a restoring force may be applied on the converter housing by virtue of a movement of the converter housing relative to the second housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive discectomy procedures are described herein. In some variations, a tissue removal system may comprise a handheld housing, an outer shaft comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion coupled to the handheld housing, a distal sheath coupled to the distal portion of the outer shaft, a motor, an inner shaft coupled to the motor, where the inner shaft is located partially within the outer shaft and partially within the distal sheath, a tip portion coupled to a distal portion of the inner shaft, and an elongate member distally extending through a distal opening of the inner shaft, the elongate member having a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, where the distal sheath comprises at least one element (e.g. at least one protrusion) that engages the tip portion to couple the tip portion to the distal sheath.

Abstract: A tool set for preparing a joint, inserting an implant or removing an implant from a joint in an open or less invasive procedure generally comprises a set of nested tools, pin guides, jigs, and/or immobilization elements. The nested tool set comprises at least one pin and at least one cannulated tool. The cannula can comprise tangs that project from the distal end of the cannula. The tangs can be offset such that drilling removes different amounts of bone relative to drilling through a centered drill guide. The cannulated tool kit can comprise at least one tool guide/cannula, drill bits/reamer, syringe, and/or inserter. At least one cannula is positioned over and around the pin position into the joint. The channel of the cannula guides the other tools into the joint.

Abstract: A surgical device for severing a targeted tissue structure embedded within biological tissue of a patient includes a solid needle having an elongated length and extending lengthwise between opposing first and second ends. The solid needle includes an outer surface and a needle cross-sectional dimension, A hollow needle is slidingly received along the solid needle. The hollow needle includes a needle passage having a passage cross-sectional dimension. A surgical filament is operatively connected to the solid needle and has a filament cross-sectional dimension. The passage cross-sectional dimension can be greater than the sum of the needle cross-sectional dimension and the filament cross-sectional dimension such that the solid needle and the surgical filament can co-extend through the needle passage in substantially freely sliding relation to the hollow needle. A surgical device kit and methods of use are also included.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for creating channels within bone. One method for treating bone generally includes traversing an elongated member through cancellous bone of a vertebral body along a first generally non-linear path and then retracting the elongated member, thereby leaving a generally non-linear channel. The elongated member then is traversed through the cancellous bone along a second generally non-linear path, which second path does not completely coincide with the first path and then retracted along the second generally nonlinear path, thereby leaving a second generally non-linear channel. Optionally, bone filler material is deployed into the channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, such as a surgical method for assisting a surgeon for placing screws in the spine using a robot attached to a passive structure. The present invention also related to a method, such as a surgical method for assisting a surgeon for removing volumes in the body of a patient using a robot attached to a passive structure and to a device to carry out said methods. The present invention further concerns a device suitable to carry out the methods according to the present invention.

Abstract: Torque devices are disclosed for controlling insertion of medical devices into a lumen of a patient. The torque devices allow for modulation of the speed of rotation of the medical devices. Methods related to the torque devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device includes an outer member extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The first end includes an opening. The outer member includes an inner surface defining a first passageway that is in communication with the opening. An inner member is movably disposed in the first passageway. The inner member includes an inner surface defining a second passageway. The inner member further includes a first end including a cutting tip. The inner member is movable between a first orientation in which the cutting tip is disposed within the first passageway and the inner member has a linear configuration and a second orientation in which the cutting tip extends through the opening and the inner member has an arcuate configuration. Methods of use are provided.

Abstract: A number of orthopaedic surgical instruments for use in a surgical procedure to prepare a patient's femur to receive an orthopedic prosthesis are disclosed. The tools include guide tools, cutting tools, surgical blocks, and other orthopaedic surgical instruments configured to plan and guide the preparation of the patient's femur. A method of using the orthopaedic surgical instruments is also disclosed.

Abstract: An identification tag for attaching to a tool to automatically identify the tool, including, a base with a small footprint for attaching to the tool on one end of the base, an identification attachment with a larger footprint that is attached to the tool by the base at a second end of the base. Wherein the identification attachment includes, an encasement that is connected to the second end of the base, an identification circuit that fits into the encasement, a cover to seal the encasement, and wherein the identification circuit accepts communication queries and transmits identification information related to the tool wirelessly from within the encasement.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a total joint arthroplasty procedure on a patient's damaged bone region. A CT image or other suitable image is formed of the damaged bone surfaces, and location coordinate values (xn,yn,zn) are determined for a selected sequence of bone surface locations using the CT image data. A mathematical model z=f(x,y) of a surface that accurately matches the bone surface coordinates at the selected bone spice locations, or matches surface normal vector components at selected bone surface locations, is determined. The model provides a production file from which a cutting jig and an implant device (optional), each patient-specific and having controllable alignment, are fabricated for the damaged bone by automated processing.

Abstract: A drill sleeve is provided for guiding a bone drill in alignment with the screw holes and drill guides. The drill sleeve includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The cylindrical body includes a longitudinal bore therethrough that is sized for passage of a bone drill. The drill sleeve also includes a frictional retaining element for exerting a bearing force against the surface of the bone drill, such that the frictional retaining element may support at least the weight of the drill sleeve on the bone drill. The bone drill has graduated indicia, and a portion of the drill sleeve may be referenced relative to the indicia so as to be used as a depth gauge for determining the length of a drilled hole in order to select a screw fastener having the appropriate length.

Abstract: A trialing and preparation system for preparing a disc space between two adjacent vertebrae is provided. The system includes a guide shaft, a trialing cage or spacer, a scraper and a driving shaft. The guide shaft supports the trialing spacer within the disc space and may include an angular adjustment for such access. The scraper sleeves over the guide shaft into an abutting relationship with the adjacent vertebrae. The driving shaft is coupled to the scraper by a pivoting and reciprocation mechanism that allows angular adjustment of the scraper. Also, reciprocation of the driving shaft reciprocates the scraper through a limited sweep of motion to remove osteophytes from the vertebrae.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for operating hip joint osteoarthritis in a human patient is provided. The hip joint comprises an acetabulum, being a part of the pelvic bone, and a caput femur, being the proximal part of the femoral bone. The surgical instrument is adapted to assist in the operating of the hip joint osteoarthritis from the abdominal side of the pelvic bone of said human patient.

Abstract: Drive shaft for interchangeable reaming heads intended for surgical use, in particular a reaming head used prior to the positioning of an intramedullary nail in the femur or in a long bone. The shaft has a rod (20) made from composite material, e.g. carbon and/or glass fiber reinforced polymer, and a connection element (35) for the coupling of an interchangeable reaming head. One portion (32) of said connection element (35) is inserted into a cavity in the first end (21) of said rod (20). The inventive shaft has a constant diameter, a smooth external surface and a low cost such that it can be disposed of after use.

Abstract: A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool has a tool mounting portion having a tool mounting housing, a tool mounting plate, and a coupler to couple a shaft assembly with an articulation section to the tool mounting portion. An articulation mechanism is located within the tool mounting portion and is configured to receive a proximal end of the shaft assembly to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. An interface mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion to a manipulator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating disc herniation or degeneration, disc degeneration, and vertebral body fracture include surgical and endoscopic access and removal of disc tissue. The tissue removal devices that may be used include rotatable blade devices having flow control surfaces that may be inserted into a vertebral disc and rotated to pulverize the disc material and facilitate its removal.

Abstract: A guide assembly for use in preparing a femur for soft tissue reconstruction is provided. The guide assembly can include a guide shaft member that can extend from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and can include a distal region encompassing the distal end. The distal region can have a first bend in a first direction and a second bend in a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the internal fixation of bone fractures, and particularly, to intramedullary fracture fixation devices such as those used in, for example, the treatment of long bone fractures. An IM rod preferably is provided with multiple curved sections in different planes preferably designed to conform with the long bones of a patient, both during insertion and in the rod's final position in the long bone. In addition, the overlap of portions of the curved sections results in a co-planar curvature of portions of the IM rod which assist in the insertion process by guiding the proper rotation of the IM rod as it is inserted into the bone. Spiraling flutes extending down the distal portion of the rod also assist in properly guiding and orienting the rod about its longitudinal axis during insertion such that the appropriate segment of the curved rod conforms with the appropriate portion of the long bone at the appropriate place.

Abstract: Various arthroscopic shavers are provided that minimize contact between bodily fluid and the shaver hand piece. Arthroscopic shavers generally include a cutting assembly mated to a hand piece. In one embodiment, the shaver includes a hub that connects the cutting assembly with the hand piece and has an exit port configured to transport cut tissue and fluid from the device. In another embodiment, the shaver includes a hub configured to retrofit existing shaver hand pieces having interior lumens for removing cut tissue and fluid. The hub further includes an exit port that diverts fluid away from the hand piece.

Abstract: Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. Some of the methods include inserting a guide pin into the glenoid of the patient, advancing a reciprocating surgical rasp over the guide pin, reciprocating the surgical rasp so as to abrade bone tissue to form a cavity shaped to receive the glenoid component, and implanting the glenoid component in the cavity.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a bone anchoring element into a bone is provided, the instrument including a shaft (2) having an end portion (23, 23?) for engaging the bone anchoring element and for transferring torque to the bone anchoring element (1, 1?) and a longitudinal axis defining an axis of rotation (R); a cutting member (4, 4?) connected to the shaft (2) with cutting portions (45) that are configured to cut bone material; wherein the cutting member (4, 4?) has an outer diameter (D) defined by the cutting portions (45) that is substantially the same or larger than an outer diameter (dd) of a receiving part (500) of the polyaxial bone anchor in a region at a bottom end (500b) of the receiving part.

Abstract: An interbody axis cage for promoting stabilization and alignment of the spine following a surgical procedure is described herein. The interbody axis cage of the present invention has alternating points of axes in the X and Y direction that allow for 3-dimensional motion. The axis cage is roughly cylindrical in shape and it incorporates a threaded outerbody to facilitate screwing in and placement. The axis cage of the present invention is cannulated and incorporates a flexible reamer/cutter to “tap” for cage placement.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for inserting elongated fixation elements into screw implants include one or components for visualizing the insertion process from a unique vantage point. One apparatus features a steering apparatus for adjusting the position of a receiver element on a screw implant, so that an elongated fixation element, such as a rod, can be inserted through a transverse passage in the receiver element. The steering apparatus may include an extension tube and a steering control member coupled to the extension tube. The extension tube may be configured for coupling to the receiver element, and the steering control member may be configured for coupling to the extension tube. The steering control member may include an opening for receiving an endoscope. The endoscope may be used to visually monitor the elongated fixation element as it is inserted into the transverse passage of the receiver element.

Abstract: A method of accessing target tissue adjacent to a spinal nerve of a patient includes the steps of accessing a spine location of the patient by entering the patient through the skin at an access location, inserting a flexible tissue modification device through the access location to the spine location, advancing a distal portion of the first flexible tissue modification device from the spine location to a first exit location, passing through the first exit location and out of the patient, advancing the first or a second flexible tissue modification device through the same access location to the spine location and to a second exit location, and passing through the second exit location and out of the patient.

Abstract: An acetabular drill pin comprising an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end opposite thereof along a longitudinal axis of the shaft; at least two depth markings along the shaft, each of the at least two depth markings being positioned a pre-defined distance from the distal end of the shaft; and a fluted portion proximate the distal end of the shaft, the fluted portion being disposed between a shoulder and a flat-bottom milling tip, the tip being configured to penetrate a peri-acetabular area of a pelvis as the fluted portion is imparted with rotary motion.

Abstract: The drilling device is composed of an articulated drill (1) provided with a metal tube (10) including, along its longitudinal axis XX?, and at one of its ends, fixing elements (11) that cooperate with a device (2) for driving it in an oscillatory movement, while the other end includes a profile (12) with a succession of alternately concave and convex loops (13) ensuring the deformation of the profile along a radius of curvature r, and at least one series of teeth (15, 16) with cutting edges (17, 18).

Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between ilium and sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. The insertion apparatus has an elongate shaft and a rotatable handle. The cutting assembly is operably attached to the insertion apparatus. Rotation of the handle with respect to the shaft causes the cutting assembly to move with respect to the shaft between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. When in the extended configuration, at least a portion of the cutting assembly extends laterally from the shaft.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for correcting a femoral bone abnormality includes a patient-specific three-dimensional shell and a patient-specific guiding feature. The shell has an outer surface and an inner bone engagement surface customized in a pre-operating planning stage by computer imaging to closely mate and conform to and substantially cover a femoral head of a patient in only one position. The guiding feature is pre-operatively planned relative to the shell such that when the shell is fitted over the femoral head, the guiding feature can guide a removal tool for removing an abnormality portion of the proximal femur of the patient.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided with a cutting surface on a first side of the cutting tool and an attachment member on a second side of the cutting tool. The cutting surface can have cutting edges with characteristics that vary along the cutting tool. Novel methods of manufacturing such cutting tools are also provided.

Abstract: A device for fastening a marker device to a bone, comprising a fixing element including a mounting for the marker device, comprising a spring designed to contact an abutment for exerting a force between the abutment and the fixing element in the direction of the bone.

Abstract: A trial instrument assembly for use in a surgical procedure to replace an orthopaedic joint includes a trial implant having a stem portion for fitting within a prepared cavity in the patient's bone. The stem portion defines a stem axis. A neck portion is connected to the stem portion to protrude from the cavity when the stem portion is within the cavity. The assembly includes a plane guide that extends from the neck portion in a plane that is selected from (i) a plane perpendicular to the stem axis, and (ii) a plane parallel to the stem axis, for use in determining the location of the trial implant relative to an anatomical feature in a direction measured along the stem axis or perpendicular to the stem axis, respectively.

Abstract: A drill guide assembly for drilling a tunnel having a fixed, non-zero radius of curvature, where the drill guide assembly includes a housing and a sleeve, or cutting tube, configured to reciprocate within the distal portion where the sleeve, or cutting tube, is configured to receive a bone cutting instrument.

Abstract: A tissue removal device for removing hard and/or soft tissue is disclosed. The device can have an elongated rigid shaft attached to an articulating broach. The device can be inserted through a transosseous delivery channel formed in a bone. The broach can articulate after passing through the transosseous delivery channel.

Abstract: A drill system for forming a curved tunnel in a bone includes a drill bit guidance device. The drill bit guidance device includes an elongated stationary outer tube extending along a first axis and an elongated inner tube assembly. The elongated inner tube assembly is configured to slidably move within the elongated stationary outer tube along the first axis and to exit from a distal end of the elongated outer tube. The elongated inner tube assembly includes an actuating tube and an actuator tube. The actuating tube slidably moves within the actuator tube and includes a plurality of semi-cross-sectional slots extending in a slot direction perpendicular to the first axis. Each slot of the actuating tube is configured to collapse inward in the slot direction when exiting the distal end of the elongated outer tube, thereby causing a distal end portion of the elongated inner tube assembly to follow a curved path.

Abstract: The transoral repair of choanal atresia is a method for the surgical repair of choanal atresia that uses a transoral approach. The procedure includes the use of a curved drill, a curved shaver, curved grasping forceps, and a suction irrigator. After endotracheal intubation, a retractor is inserted to retract the tongue. A 120° angled telescope is inserted behind the soft palate into the nasopharynx to visualize the posterior choanae. A curved drill is used to drill the atretic plate from the vomer medially to the lateral pterygoid plate laterally. The drilled section of the atretic plate is removed to clear the obstruction.

Abstract: A method of performing arthroplasty includes preparing a head of a long bone to receive a prosthesis using a reamer. The reamer includes a first cutting structure having an inner concave surface that defines a first cavity and terminates in a generally circular leading edge. The inner concave surface includes a first cutting feature that is spaced apart from the leading edge. An elongate member extends from the first cutting structure into the first cavity toward the leading edge that includes a second cutting feature. A second cutting structure is secured to the elongate member and positioned within the first cavity. The second cutting structure extends outwardly from the elongate member toward the inner concave surface and includes a third cutting feature.

Abstract: A reconstruction system for ligament employing a button/loop construct with a drill pin. The drill pin has a shaft with a proximal and a distal end. A pin tip provided at the distal end of the shaft has a width greater than the shaft diameter. The pin tip helps cut a wider tunnel for fixation of ligaments/grafts in reconstructive surgeries. The shaft of the drill pin is provided with a laser marks for measurement of intraosseous length.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for penetrating bone marrow is provided. The apparatus may include a housing such as a handheld body, a penetrator assembly, a connector that releasably attaches the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, a gear mechanism, a motor and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The penetrator assembly may include a removable inner trocar and an outer penetrator or needle. It may also include a grooved trocar that allows bone chips to be expelled as the apparatus is inserted into bone marrow. Various connectors are provided to attach the penetrator assembly to the drill shaft.