Abstract: Prostheses and methods for repair of a cervical fact joint. The articulating surfaces of the natural facets of the facet joint are removed only a sufficient amount to allow the insertion of flat or slightly curvilinear portions of protheses therebetween in an overlapping relationship. The portions are so inserted and the prostheses mounted by attachment to adjacent vertebrae. Also, a single natural facet may be similarly repaired with a single prosthesis.

Abstract: A bone saw tool includes a bone saw and a bone saw blade assembly. The bone saw blade assembly includes a bone saw blade and a bone saw blade guard. The bone saw blade guard is movable to an extended position to reduce the cutting effectiveness of the bone saw blade and/or the maximum cutting depth of the bone saw blade. The bone saw may be configured to activate the bone saw blade guard in response to a signal received from a computer system when the bone saw is moved outside a predetermined cutting region.

Abstract: A disc space preparation device that has particular application for removing disc material during spinal fusion surgery. The disc preparation device includes a body portion that houses a motor having a shaft attached thereto that is rotated by the motor. The shaft extends through a chamber in a neck portion of the device and into an open head portion of the device at the end of the neck portion opposite to the housing. The head portion rotates relative to the neck portion. The head portion includes a series of blades that are used to cut-away the disc material. The shaft includes an auger that draws the cut material through the neck portion. A suction port is coupled to the chamber in the neck portion to remove the disc material therefrom.

Abstract: A system for cutting bone includes a cutting guide including a metal block having a guide surface provided thereon, and an oscillating tip saw having a cutting blade assembly extending from a distal end thereof. At least one element of the cutting blade assembly is magnetic for generating a magnetic attraction to the guide surface of the cutting guide so as to control the orientation of the cutting blade assembly during a bone cutting procedure. The cutting guide may also be magnetic.

Abstract: Adapters for oscillating bone saws as well as bone drills are provided to convert the output motion of the bone saws and the bone drills. The adapters may convert oscillating motion of the bone saws to a modified oscillating motion or to an orbital motion. The adapters may also convert rotational motion of the bone drills to an orbital motion.

Abstract: A saw blade comprising a blade body having a longitudinal axis, a cutting means disposed at a first end of the blade body and a prearranged hub section having an outer periphery located at a second end of the blade body is shown. The prearranged hub section comprises an elongated slot formed in the hub section which extends from the outer periphery along a longitudinal axis to a U-shaped cut-out forming a hub center. The hub center is located along the longitudinal axis. The hub section includes a plurality of slots, each of the slots having a generally rectangular elongated blade driving enabling section having one end which terminates in an expanded bulbous blade driving disabling section in a position opposed to the hub center. The respective generally rectangular elongated blade driving enabling section are disposed in a pattern along a radius centered at the hub center.

Abstract: A method and tool provided with irrigation for transection of a band, ring or the like and method of use is disclosed which includes a power-driven drill operable for driving a rotatable shaft which rotates a circular cutting blade mounted on the shaft, and a head assembly mounted on the drill includes a port structure oriented for transferring irrigation fluid from a source onto the ring or band to provide cooling to the ring or band and cooling to the cutting blade during cutting action. The transfer of irrigation fluid also facilitates removal of metallic filings or debris caused by the cutting action and irrigating a traumatized area adjacent the ring or band. The port structure is dimensioned with a bore for receiving a tubular member connected to the source, which delivers fluid to the port structure, which has an axis aligned substantially parallel to a planar surface of the cutting blade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical saw blade comprising a clamping portion and a working area provided with a toothing, wherein a plurality of recesses are formed in the working area.

Abstract: A bone resection device (30) for use in resection of bone during joint replacement surgery includes a rotatable shaft (4) having mounted thereon for rotation with the shaft at least two blades (3) carrying at least one cutting edge (3a). The bone resection device (30) further includes a blade positioning mechanism (2) mounted on the device or engaging with the device at least during use thereof and arranged to cooperate with the blades during rotation thereof to alter the orientation of the cutting edge relative to the shaft such that the shape of the resected surface is determined at least in part by the blade positioning mechanism.

Abstract: A kit (10) for resection of bone (12) for use in implantation of a joint prosthesis (14) is provided. The kit (10) includes a guide (16), a tool (26) and a stop (32). The guide (16) defines an opening (20) through the guide (16). The guide (16) is in cooperation with the bone (12). The tool (26) may be constrained within the opening (20) of the guide (16). The tool (26) includes a cutting edge (30) for resection of bone (12). The stop (32) cooperates with the guide (16) and the tool (26) to limit the movement of the tool (26) within the guide (16) so that the position of the cutting edge (30) with respect to the bone (12)m may be controlled. The stop (32) includes a plurality of positions (34) with respect to the tool (26) and the guide (16).

Abstract: A reciprocating saw for use in oral cavity bone cutting operations, including a handle, a neck extended from the handle, and a head case to be coupled to an end of the neck. A motor is mounted inside of the handle. A slider shaft is mounted inside of the head case to form an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the neck, and moves in a straight linear reciprocating direction along the slider shaft which is mounted. The slider and the motor are coupled by a power linkage device for converting rotational power of the motor to a straight linear reciprocating movement of slider whereby a direction of the bone cutting operation performed by a saw member or a file member attached to the slider forms an angle of approximately 90° with respect to an approach direction of the handle, and provides a significantly high efficiency in bone cutting operations since the bone cutting operation can be performed in a narrow space, while ensuring a wide field of view.

Abstract: A surgical saw blade is operatively coupled to an oscillatory power tool for oscillation about an oscillation axis (OA) and a plurality of cutting teeth are separated from one another by a clean out opening along a distal end. Each tooth presents oppositely disposed cutting edges extending transversely to the side faces and offset in opposite directions from each other. Each cutting edge has a length equal to the thickness (t) of the blade. One cutting edge protrudes a distance (de) from one side face of the blade and the other cutting edge protrudes the same distance (de) from the other side face of the blade. The offset (de) provides for cutting a groove having a width (dg) wider than the thickness (t) of the blade. Each tooth includes a V-shaped valley between the cutting edges thereof with the apex of the valley disposed on the centerline (c/l) of the tooth.

Abstract: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right triangles with their hypotenuses facing either towards the center of the blade or away from the center of the blade. A central tooth can be optionally provided. The surgical saw blade may have a distal end having at least one pair of teeth configured to be adjacent to each other and each of the pair of teeth is configured as a right triangle each having a hypotenuse which is oriented at least one of towards and away from the centrally positioned long axis.

Abstract: A saw blade comprising a blade body having a longitudinal axis, a cutting means disposed at a first end of the blade body and a prearranged hub section having an outer periphery located at a second end of the blade body is shown. The prearranged hub section comprises an elongated slot formed in the hub section which extends from the outer periphery along a longitudinal axis to a U-shaped cut-out forming a hub center. The hub center is located along the longitudinal axis. The hub section includes a plurality of slots, each of the slots having a generally rectangular elongated blade driving enabling section having one end which terminates in an expanded bulbous blade driving disabling section in a position opposed to the hub center. The respective generally rectangular elongated blade driving enabling section are disposed in a pattern along a radius centered at the hub center.

Abstract: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.

Abstract: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right triangles with their hypotenuses facing either towards the center of the blade or away from the center of the blade. A central tooth can be optionally provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding the resection of the head of a humerus is provided. The apparatus includes a base, a cut block, and a stylus. The guide is used in connection with a reamer or other tool that is inserted into the intramedullary mayal of the humerus with the shank of the reamer extending superiorally above the head of the humerus to establish the axis of the humerus. The base is in rotatable connection with the reamer. The cut block is removably attached to the guide and has a component for receiving a saw blade. The stylus attaches to the cut block, preferably by engaging the component for receiving the saw blade, and extends around the articular margin of the humeral head to aid in setting height and version.

Abstract: The surgical saw according to the present invention comprises an arm fixed by mounting the rear end portion thereof in a jaw of a handle; and a double saw blade part connected with the front end portion of the arm and having two saw blades arranged side by side in a certain distance. In case that the surgical saw is used in surgeries for cutting off cheek bones, the surgical saw can precisely cut off portions of the cheek bones in a width set in advance by precisely cutting off two positions of the cheek bones in a precise cutting-off length at the same time so that the portions of cheek bones can be conveniently cut off, the periods of time for surgeries can be reduced, and an occurrence frequency of surgery aftereffects due to different cutting-off widths for the left and right cheek bones can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a surgical saw blade comprising a clamping portion and a working area provided with a toothing, wherein the clamping portion and the working area are produced by means of an etching method and the toothing is subsequently cut by means of a laser type cutting method.

Abstract: A bone saw blade includes a blade body having a cutting section, a hub section and a shank located between the cutting section and the hub section. The blade body is first formed having a substantially uniform Rockwell hardness between approximately Rc 49 and Rc 63 throughout. Next, a cathodic arc process is used to coat the cutting section with a hard, wear-resistant metal nitride coating. During the coating process, ion impingement on the surface of the cutting section creates heat that beneficially anneals the cutting section. Significant annealing of the shank and hub section is prevented during the coating process by stacking the blade bodies together with blade blanks that are formed without cutting sections. The heat generated during coating is insufficient to raise the temperature of the large mass above the annealing temperature of the blade material. The resultant blade has a high strength shank and hub section.

Abstract: A bone saw blade includes a blade body having a cutting section, a hub section and a shank located between the cutting section and the hub section. The blade body is first formed having a substantially uniform Rockwell hardness between approximately RC 49 and RC 63 throughout. Next, a cathodic arc process is used to coat the cutting section with a hard, wear-resistant metal nitride coating. During the coating process, ion impingement on the surface of the cutting section creates heat that beneficially anneals the cutting section. Significant annealing of the shank and hub section is prevented during the coating process by stacking the blade bodies together with blade blanks that are formed without cutting sections. The heat generated during coating is insufficient to raise the temperature of the large mass above the annealing temperature of the blade material. The resultant blade has a high strength shank and hub section.

Abstract: This invention provides surgical devices and methods to apply bioactive agents to surgical sites. The devices include, e.g., a body for attachment of a pressurized fluid vessel and a reservoir of bioactive agent for controlled spraying of an aerosol of bioactive agent.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for use in shaping a femur preparatory to implantation of a knee prosthesis. A gap checking device is fixed to the distal end of the patient's femur and referenced to the epicondyles of the femur. The gap checking device includes slots through which a cutting instrument can be passed to shape the femur so that it can receive the femoral component of the prosthesis. One of the slots enables the distal femoral cut to be made. The thickness of the gap checking device is selected so that the distance between the distal femoral cut and the distal surface of the gap checking device plus the thickness of a shim resting on the cut proximal tibia surface is equal to the combined thickness of the tibial and femoral components of the prosthesis. This enables balancing of the ligaments to be checked before the femoral cuts are made, but while the gap checking device is secured to the femur.

Abstract: Apparatus and surgical techniques provide alternative cutting fixtures and other features to improve bone resection accuracy and joint stability. According to one embodiment, stabilizers are removably attached to a cutting guide to temporarily lengthen the surface against which a saw or other cutting device rests. Another embodiment provides differently shaped saw blades, having curved distal ends and right-angle bends applicable to box cuts of the type associated with cruciate sacrifice knee-replacement surgery. Methods are also disclosed whereby the box cuts, distal and posterior augment cuts may be approached from a distal perspective, both laterally and medially. A different embodiment provides a trial/cutting guide having flat surfaces as opposed to curved surfaces adapted for articulation within a joint. Yet a further alternative embodiment teaches a device for determining the joint line relative to a tibia using the fibula as reference.

Abstract: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right triangles with their hypotenuses facing either towards the center of the blade or away from the center of the blade. A central tooth can be optionally provided.

Abstract: A gas-driven spray applicator particularly suitable for spray delivery of mixed fibrin sealants for surgical use has a spray nozzle wherein droplets or a stream of mixed sealant agents are entrained in a stream of gas such as sterile compressed air. Gas entrainment of the mixed sealant overcomes problems of ineffective mixing which may occur when the sealant agents are separately discharged into overlapping spray patterns. A spray tip assembly is disclosed which is suitable for attachment to an applicator body having manually dischargeable reservoirs for the sealant agents. Clogs may be cleared by suction.

Abstract: Apparatus to guide blades or saws of femoral cuts for knee prosthesis, consisting of four blocks, two blocks which move only vertically and two blocks which move only horizontally. Cams are provided which are accompanied by followers and have helix tracks whose pitch permits the apparatus to adapt to different prostheses.

Abstract: A one piece osteotomy guide and method of use, for making a bi plane chevron cut in an osteotomy surgery, such as bunion surgery where accurate redirection of a bone or joint is required. This guide is used to mark a first cut and then placed in the cut. The guide is then used to direct the second cut. Use of the guide allows these cuts to match perfectly, thus speeding the healing process.

Abstract: A surgical cast cutter for removing orthopedic bandages of a hard casting material type: includes a cutting tool comprising first shank, cutting portion, and second shank; a first housing having a built-in rotating means which rotates said cutting tool; a tool holding means which rotatably holds said cutting tool; a second housing which receives said cutting tool and having an integrated horseshoe-shaped protrusion which is inserted between the hard cover and affected area as a guide such that said hard cover may be easily cut; and a hood which is coupled to said second housing and movable in the up and down direction.

Abstract: A connector assembly for connecting a surgical saw blade to a housing of a surgical instrument. The connector assembly allows a surgeon to align, insert and lock the surgical blade in the collet of the surgical instrument without any special tools, and further provides a stable and robust platform for mounting the surgical saw blade thereto. The connector assembly includes a tapered conical shaped sleeve which is positioned within the housing and rotatable in both a clockwise and counter-clock wise direction. A pair of grippers are mounted within the connector assembly and engage the surgical saw blade when the tapered conical shaped gripper sleeve is rotated in a first position. A sternum guard is also mounted to the housing.

Abstract: An end cut tool for making an end cut in bone is disclosed that comprises: A) a shaft having first and second ends, 1) the first end having a blade attached thereto for making the end cut in the bone, and 2) the second end having a handle attached thereto substantially perpendicular to the axis of the shaft to facilitate rotation of the shaft, and B) at least one interlock located between the first and second ends, the interlock preventing rotation of the blade during insertion into a patient and then preventing withdrawal of the tool during use.

Abstract: A bone cutter is provided for creating cylindrical bone plugs for patella-patellar tendon-tibia grafts and comprises a support having a pair of bone cutting wheels mounted thereon about a vertical axis. Each of the cutting wheels have an hourglass shape to define a circular opening therebetween. An adjustable plug guide is provided forwardly of the cutting wheels for guiding the harvested bone plug into proper engagement and alignment with the rotating cutting wheels.

Abstract: An automatic ankle clamp for use with an extramedullary alignment device includes a cradle having a triggering device movably mounted thereon. A pair of clamp arms are resiliently mounted for movement on the triggering device between an open position and a closed position. A latch device interconnects the clamp arms and the cradle for retaining the clamp arms in the open position and for simultaneously releasing the clamp arms to the closed position in response to movement of the triggering device relative to the cradle. The clamp is attachable to an extramedullary alignment device such that urging the cradle and triggering device into engagement with a patient's ankle, automatically and simultaneously releases the clamp arms to grip the patient's ankle. A base is mounted on the cradle for calibrated medial/lateral adjustment of the clamp relative to the extramedullary alignment device.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.

Abstract: A patella resection guide and a method of resurfacing a patella in situ are provided to achieve accurate placement and functioning of the patellar prosthesis with respect to the other components of the total knee system in total knee arthroplasty. The resection guide includes an adaptor base, a slotted block and a patellar plate. The resection guide is mounted on a trial component such as a femoral component using the adaptor base. The patella is captured and maintained in its non-everted, anatomic position using a three-point fixation surface of the patellar plate. A height adjustment mechanism is included to change the spacial relationship between the guide and attached trial component. The height adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of grooved posts on the base adaptor and ball plungers on the slotted block which engage the grooves when the height is chosen and set.

Abstract: A saw blade (12) for use with a surgical saw (10). The surgical saw has a head (18) that is driven in a oscillating motion in order to cause like motion in the saw blade. The saw blade has a base (22) that is dimensioned to be inserted into a slot (24) in the front of the saw head. The base has a width less than the width of the slot to facilitate the easy insertion/removal of the saw blade. The saw blade also has a main section (36) formed integrally with the base (22) that has the cutting surface of the blade. The saw blade is further formed to have springs (42) that extend from the sides of the base. When the blade is inserted in the slot (24), the springs abut the interior walls (25) of the head that define the slot. A gap (48) separates each leaf spring from the adjacent side of the base.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.

Abstract: A cutting guide for assuring that mating bone segments will be properly aligned following excision of the joint therebetween comprises first and second alignment bar segments hingedly joined, end-to-end, whose angle of inclination therebetween can be readily set and fixed, is clamped to a toe to be treated by a pair of transversely extending arm members that can be clamped to the metatarsal and phalangeal bones. The coupling between the arm clamped to the metatarsal bone and its associated alignment bar segment allows limited rotation and fixing of the alignment bar. A cutting blade guide member having a blade receiving slot is adjustably mounted to and parallel with the clamping arm affixed to the phalangeal bone. The resulting cuts made through the head of the metatarsal bone and the base of the phalangeal bone on either side of the joint being removed will provide a predetermined inclination and direction to the toe following fusion thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods for producing minimally invasive osteotomies to correct angular deformities of bones in and about the knee are disclosed. The method includes locating a plane in which the angle exhibited by the deformity is situated. An oblique cut is then made along a surface of the bone, such that the cut is transverse to the plane in which the angle is situated. Thereafter, the bone pieces are rotated about the cut relative to one another until a desired alignment between the bone pieces is achieved. To maintain the bone pieces in alignment, a device having an elongated body for extending into a tunnel between the bone pieces is provided. The device also includes a rigid member fixedly positioned at one end of the body. The rigid member is transverse to the body to engage one bone piece. The device further includes a locking mechanism at an opposite end of the body to engage the other bone piece.

Abstract: A cutting saw blade for use with an oscillatory power tool used in surgical bone cutting procedures including a blade having a distal end provided with teeth whose tips are located on a tangent line perpendicular to the long axis of the blade. The teeth are configured substantially as right triangles with their hypotenuses facing either towards the center of the blade or away from the center of the blade. A central tooth can be optionally provided.

Abstract: An improved aerosolized bone dust and body fluid extraction system for an oscillating or reciprocating saw includes a water line, control valve and inlet nozzle to spray water into the area in and around an oscillating or reciprocating saw blade and an exhaust manifold to aid in the removal of aerosolized bone dust and body fluids during cutting. Additionally, the end of the housing holding the oscillating or reciprocating saw blade may be provided with a vented elongated shaped skirt member for guarding against splatter of aerosolized bone dust and body fluids and for acting against the surface being cut by the saw blade so as to improve the efficiency of the exhaust system and prevent the spread of aerosolized bone dust and body fluids to thereby prevent the spread of toxic materials and/or communicable diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld surgical power saw intended to be an integrated surgical tool or an attachment to a motorized surgical tool. The tool consists of two arms that reciprocate in opposite directions at all times. Attached to each arm is a set of cam followers and a saw blade. The arms are driven by a cam with outer surfaces that smoothly undulate between the two sets of cam followers.

Abstract: A blade guard (12) for preventing a saw blade (16) or other cutting member from cutting into tissue the cutting member is not intended to cut. The blade guard includes a body (20) that is attached to the surgical tool (10) from which the cutting member extends. A leg (24) extends from the body. A foot (34) is attached to the end of the leg. The foot encapsulates the end of the cutting member to prevent it from penetrating into tissue the cutting member is not intended to cut. The leg is formed with a tapered profile such that it has a leading edge (29) adjacent the cutting member that is narrow in width than the trailing edge (30) spaced from the cutting member. The tapered profile of the leg provides the leg with structural strength. The tapered profile also facilitates the separation of the sections of the bone that define the kerf as the cutting member and blade guard pass through the bone.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for aligning a surgical tool includes a tool guide in which is provided an opening for receiving and guiding a portion of the surgical tool and a bone engaging element which is adapted to engage a particular region of a bone.The bone engaging element has a bone engaging surface which has a known orientation relative to the opening in the tool guide. Consequently, when the bone engaging element engages the bone, the opening in the tool guide is correctly aligned with the bone. In a preferred embodiment, the instrumentation is adapted for resecting the distal end of a humerus and the bone engaging element engages the posterior cortex of the distal end of the humerus.

Abstract: A surgical tool for controlling the depth of penetration of a cutter into bone. The tool has a tubular housing with three legs extending therefrom to provide a tripod-like support when positioned against the bone surface. A penetration-depth adjustment ring or sleeve is rotatable on the tubular housing, preferably in click-stop detented intervals, to establish a desired penetration depth for the cutter.

Abstract: The surgical reamer has a hollow dome with apertures spaced apart arranged in arcs extending from an apex of the dome to the base portion of the dome, and removable teeth positioned in the apertures. Each cutting tooth has a flange that is aligned flush with the external surface of the dome, and a raised cutting edge extending above the flange and the external surface of the dome, and an interior passageway communicating between the outside and inside of the dome. In one embodiment, a base plate is removably secured on the base portion of the dome to provide closure of the central cavity of the dome.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.

Abstract: Improved bone cutting guides enable a surgeon to better gauge required resection characteristics. In one embodiment at least a portion of the guide is transparent, thereby enabling the user to optimize cut estimates and to visualize the resection as it is being performed. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the outer surface of the body is shaped to interact with another bone or prosthetic element associated with a joint, thereby enabling the device to function both as a trial and as a cutting guide. In this embodiment as well the guide may be at least partially transparent to improve visualization. Although primarily intended for use in femoral-side knee arthroplasty, the invention is applicable to any procedure which might benefit from improved bone-cutting accuracy.