Abstract: A motorized drill is mounted in the handle of a Kerrison Rongeur System utilized by a surgeon to perform surgical procedures on a patient, includes mechanism for moving the rotating drill toward the fixed upstanding foot mounted at the remote end of the pistol-shaped handle for removing bone which is located between the upstanding foot and the drill bit. In another embodiment, the drill is removably fixed in the handle and the foot moves relative to the drill bit. In either embodiment a trigger operated by the surgeon actuates the foot/drill and the trigger is biased to maximize the space between the foot and the drill bit. The foot shape and dimension can be modified for perfecting given surgical procedures. In one embodiment the drill motor releasing mechanism includes a pinion gear and rack performing the additional function of releasing the motor locked in position in the handle.

Abstract: A rongeur having a crossbar with a cutter and a shaft with a footplate. The crossbar moves towards the footplate through movement of an actuator connected to the crossbar about an arcuate path about a first pivot. This results in a portion of the crossbar moving initially away from the shaft as the cutter moves towards the footplate to create a gap, and then back towards the shaft as the cutter contacts the footplate. A spring mechanism biases the crossbar in a ready position with a first distance separating the cutter and the footplate. When the cutter contacts the footplate, the crossbar is in a cutting position. When the crossbar is between the ready position and the cutting position, it is in an intermediate position with a gap between the crossbar and the shaft. A retainer is positioned in an engaged position to maintain the crossbar in an intermediate position for cleaning. The retainer is preferably a disposable O-ring which is disposed after each use.

Abstract: A rongeur having a crossbar with a cutter and a shaft with a footplate. The crossbar moves towards the footplate through movement of an actuator connected to the crossbar about an arcuate path about a first pivot. This results in a portion of the crossbar moving initially away from the shaft as the cutter moves towards the footplate to create a gap, and then back towards the shaft as the cutter contacts the footplate.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a pair of opposed jaws constructed and arranged to open and close relative to one another. Each jaw has a proximal end connected to part of the surgical instrument, an opposite jaw tip end, and a confronting surface arranged facing the opposite jaw. A perimeter defines a boundary of the respective confronting surface and jaw tip end for each jaw. At least a first cutting edge portion is provided on a part of each jaw perimeter whereby that part defines the jaw tip end. Each first cutting edge portion is oriented extending toward the corresponding first cutting edge portion of the opposite jaw. Each first cutting edge portion is curved concavely inward toward the proximal end of the respective jaw. The curved first cutting edge portions are oriented precisely as desired relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a rongeur which includes a moveable arm and a stationary arm linked in a sliding relationship by a pair of spaced apart guides located on one of the arms and a pair of spaced apart passageways located on the other of the arms. A stationary handle is connected to the stationary arm and a moveable handle is coupled to the moveable arm to permit the moveable arm to operate between open and closed positions. Also provided are at least two removable cutting tips which are releasably secured to the arms. The tips may be removed for sharpening and replaced by a replacement tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument with a main part and at least one movable part movable relative thereto, with a handle arranged on the main part and having a stationary handle portion and a handle portion an actuatable handle portion which actuates the movable part, and a locking device in which, in a first position, the movable part is arranged in an initial position, and in a second position, the movable part is changed over into a cleaning position and the movable part in this position is arranged captive with respect to the main part.

Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.

Abstract: A rongeur has a detachable crossbar to enhance cleaning and sterilization. A pin in a slot on one of the rongeur's handles is moveable out of the slot to permit extended retraction of the crossbar to a position in which it may disengage from the shank of the rongeur.

Abstract: Tools for use in the creation of cavities in bones. The tools include a probe, a cannula that provides percutaneous passageway to the interior of the treated bone, a bone tamp, and a system for delivering bone filler material into the cavity. The bone tamp has a shaft that is inserted into the bone through the cannula. The end of the shaft that is inserted into the bone may have a flapper tip that extends out of axial alignment with the shaft upon deployment by the physician. Once the tip is deployed, the bone tamp can be rotated to form the cavity. The cavity may then be treated with a medicament, filled with bone filler material, or both. Other tools and materials described herein may be used to lift or restore the treated bone closer to its natural anatomy.

Abstract: An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.

Abstract: A rongeur has one or more drainage holes through its shank into a space between its shank and crossbar to allow drainage of fluid therefrom and to enhance cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A rongeur has a detachable crossbar to enhance cleaning and sterilization. A pin in a slot on one of the rongeur's handles is moveable out of the slot to permit extended retraction of the crossbar to a position in which it may disengage from the shank of the rongeur.

Abstract: A tool for cutting tissue comprising a body, a handle lever, a drive rod, and a cutter beam. The drive rod constructed and arranged for longitudinal movement through the body. The handle lever being operatively engaged to the drive rod, such that when the handle lever is moved between a first position and a second position the drive rod is moved between an advanced position and a retracted position. The drive rod extending from a proximal end of the body to a distal end. The cutter beam being pivotally engaged to the distal end of the body. The cutter beam being pivotally moveable between a non-actuated position and an actuated position. A lower pivot member pivotally connects the distal end of the body and the cutter beam. The cutter beam being further pivotally engaged to a distal end of the drive rod.

Abstract: An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.

Abstract: A rongeur has one or more drainage holes through its shank into a space between its shank and crossbar to allow drainage of fluid therefrom and to enhance cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A rongeur has a detachable crossbar to enhance cleaning and sterilization. A pin in a slot on one of the rongeur's handles is moveable out of the slot to permit extended retraction of the crossbar to a position in which it may disengage from the shank of the rongeur.

Abstract: The invention concerns a linking device for a surgical instrument (1) comprising an axis of rotation (6) including angular indexing means for limiting the mobile handle (5) travel about the axis (6) in operative position and for extending, in a predetermined position of said indexing means, the mobile handle (5) travel about the axis (6), without having to detach said handle for setting in place or removing the mobile element (8).

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a pair of opposed jaws constructed and arranged to open and close relative to one another. Each jaw has a proximal end connected to part of the surgical instrument, an opposite jaw tip end, and a confronting surface arranged facing the opposite jaw. A perimeter defines a boundary of the respective confronting surface and jaw tip end for each jaw. At least a first cutting edge portion is provided on a part of each jaw perimeter whereby that part defines the jaw tip end. Each first cutting edge portion is oriented extending toward the corresponding first cutting edge portion of the opposite jaw. Each first cutting edge portion is curved concavely inward toward the proximal end of the respective jaw.

Abstract: An instrument for broaching and dilating an incision of soft tissue in a tunnel-like shape, the instrument stretches and supports tissue to allow the insertion and passage materials, and comprises a handle, and one or more arched plate members.

Abstract: A surgical trimming tool includes first and second handles pivotally attached to one another. A first cutting jaw extends from a first end of the first handle, and a second cutting jaw extends from a first end of the second handle. The first and second cutting jaws are configured to cut an object when closed towards one another. A resiliently flexible clip is attached to either the first or second cutting jaw. The clip is configured to flex upwardly as the object is cut to retain the object between the clip and the closed jaws until the first and second jaws are separated or the object is forceably removed from the clip. The clip is typically S-shaped, with the first end thereof attached to the associated cutting jaw, and a second end having a sharp edge extending over a cutting edge of the associated jaw.

Abstract: An instrument for broaching and dilating an incision of soft tissue in a tunnel-like shape, the instrument stretches and supports tissue to allow the insertion and passage materials, and comprises a handle, and one or more arched plate members.

Abstract: A sliding-shaft medical instrument has a sliding shaft that has first and second slide elements, arranged side by side and displaceable axially relative to one another, and at least one jaw part at the distal end that is actuable, by way of a handle at the proximal end, via a relative displacement of said two slide elements, said handle having two handle elements that are movable relative to one another. Said first slide element is mounted, in swing-aside fashion, at a distal end of a tubular shaft that is detachably attached to said handle. In order to actuate said at least one jaw part, said tubular shaft is displaceable relative to said second slide element, and said first slide element can be swung aside when said tubular shaft is detached from said handle and is displaced a further distance.

Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.

Abstract: A rongeur has a frame and a reciprocating member slidably associated with the frame. A blade is disposed on the distal end of the reciprocating member. The frame has a handle that is coupled with the reciprocating member for slideable movement of the reciprocating member. In this fashion, the blade is moved into a cutting position against a footplate formed in the distal end of the frame. A flexure is associated with the handle which allows the handle to be flexed. To reduce the potential for breakage of the footplate, a stop mechanism is provided for preventing further movement of the reciprocating member when the flexure is flexed.

Abstract: An improved multi-bite bone cutting rongeur with an ultrathin foot plate and a disposable cutting element and storage chamber unit. The present invention has an integrated cutting element and storage chamber unit that is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable. The present invention requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The chamber is simply placed onto the shaft whereby it is immediately locked into place by the use of the instrument.

Abstract: An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.

Abstract: A tube body includes an interior bore to carry a material flow into bone. The tube body includes a dispensing end having an opening communicating with the bore to dispense the material flow. One embodiment provides a cutting element, which extends in the opening to permit passage of the material flow and to sever the material flow in response to rotation of the tube body. Another embodiment deflects the dispensing end from the main axis of the tube body, to facilitate targeted introduction of flowable material, even when the access path does not align the tube body along the natural geometric axes of the treatment site. Another embodiment provides a connector having a rotating fitting, which releasably connects the tube body to a cement injecting tool. The rotating fitting allows the physician to rotate the injection nozzle assembly to control orientation and position in the treatment site, without rotating the associated injection tool itself.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting tissue is particularly useful during endoscopic knee surgery. The device includes first and second co-operating jaw parts which are operable to close together to cut an object placed therebetween and a gripping member for gripping the object to be cut during an earlier part of the jaw closing action thus preventing tissue slippage during cutting. A method of using the cutting device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for percutaneous surgical cavitation. The device includes an elongated shaft and cutting tip interconnected by a freely-rotating hinge. Upon rotation of the shaft to a sufficient velocity, the cutting tip will be deflected toward a position that is angularly offset from the shaft's access of rotation. The length of the cutting tip will determine the radius of the cavity being formed, which may be several times the radius of the shaft. The method of the present invention provides for formation of a cavity within a body through a small percutaneous access opening such that an enlarged cavity may be formed without an invasive access opening. The present invention also provides a method of percutaneous prophylactic replacement of osteoporotic bone wherein weakened bone material is removed from a cavity using only a needle-sized access opening.

Abstract: A self-clearing bone biting surgical instrument comprises a stationary lower arm, including a lower arm recess and a foot plate; and a reciprocating upper arm, including a cutting tip located at its distal end for engagement with the foot plate in order to effect cutting or punching of tissue positioned between the foot plate and the cutting tip. An ejecting unit movable within the lower arm recess forcibly ejects debris lodged against the foot plate as the upper arm reciprocates rearwardly as part of the normal operating process of the instrument. A method of making a self-clearing bone biting instrument of the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer includes a base, a first set of semi-circular blades attached to the base, and a second set of semi-circular blades also contacting the base, and crossing and intersecting with the first set of blades at right angles thereto. The base preferably includes a circular plate having a hexagonal drive hole in the center thereof and a plurality of slots in the periphery thereof for anchoring the blades. Each semi-circular blade includes a first end having a projection thereon, a second end opposite from said first end and also having a projection thereon, a first edge having serrated cutting teeth thereon, a second edge opposite from said first edge, and a first and second side surface. The cutting edge of the first set of blades includes a plurality of outwardly facing slots which mate with and engage a second set of inwardly facing slots in the second edge of said second blades.

Abstract: An instrument system and method are disclosed for preparing a distal femur for the implant of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis by the removal of natural bone in the intercondylar area of the distal femur to prepare a femoral notch, including a patella recess, subsequent to establishing distal, anterior and chamfer surfaces at the distal femur. The instrument system includes a femoral notch cutting guide for placement over the distal, anterior and chamfer surfaces of the prepared distal femur, and a femoral notch cutting punch. The femoral notch cutting punch is engaged with a first guideway in the femoral notch cutting guide to remove natural bone from the intercondylar area and establish the patella recess, and subsequently is engaged with a second guideway in the femoral notch cutting guide, transverse to the first guideway, to remove natural bone from the intercondylar area and complete the femoral notch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical rongeur having a body, a replaceable hollow cutting member and an actuator for moving the cutting member. The body has a distal end and a proximal end. The body at the distal end has an extended member terminating in an anvil. Between the distal end and the proximal end is a hollow portion, and at the proximal end of the body is a handle which actuates the cutting member. The replaceable hollow cutting member is movable within and guided by said hollow portion of the body but extends beyond the body at the proximal end. The hollow cutting member is actuated to cut any bodily material positioned between the anvil of the body and the cutting member, capturing the cut material in the hollow cutting member.

Abstract: A handle-activated retrograde endoscopic instrument with an extension shaft rotatably connected to a fixed handle, the rotation limited by a spring-loaded lock into shaft detents corresponding to rotational position options, and with an extension of an outer tip and reduction of open range of effector movement to shield any pinch area.

Abstract: An impact tool for use in surgical procedures is provided. The invented tool is useful for performing such surgical functions as freeing cement, implanting pins, setting guides, and inserting surgical staples. The tool comprises a body that has an impact force calibrating member coupled to a first end and a chuck in a second end. The chuck includes a rod that extends into a channel in the body. An impact inducing assembly is retained in the channel. The assembly causes a surgical implement retained in the chuck to deliver an impact with a calibrated force to a desired object. The impact inducing assembly comprises a piston, a spring interposed between the piston and calibrating member, and an actuation mechanism to engage the rod. An antirotation assembly may optionally be provided to prevent the implement from rotating relative to the body, as the rod is propelled along the channel. An object is impacted by applying pressure to the implement with the tool.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a suction punch forceps, including: a body; a hollow tube attached to the body at the proximal end of the hollow tube and extending therefrom; a shaft disposed within the hollow tube for axial back-and-forth movement therein; a punch member rotatably attached to the distal end of the hollow tube and attached to the shaft such that each back-and-forth movement cycle of the shaft will cause the punch to make a cutting motion to cut tissue which is in contact with the punch member; and an electric motor attached to drive the shaft in the back-and-forth movement,

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgical instrument includes a surgical punch end effector assembly, a hollow tube defining a fluid passageway, a push rod extending through the hollow tube, an actuating lever coupled to a proximal end of the push rod, and a fluid coupler extending into the hollow tube and coupling to a vacuum source which applies suction through the fluid passageway. The end effector assembly has movable punch and stationary die end effectors. The stationary die end effector includes separate upper die and lower cup portions which are coupled to the distal end of the hollow tube, and which are fixed together during an assembly procedure. The upper die portion has a groove into which a tongue of the movable end effector is fitted prior to fixing the separate portions of the stationary end effector.

Abstract: A bone shaver comprises a top plate with a fixed handle fixedly attached to the top plate and a bottom plate slidably attached to the top plate. The top plate further comprises an anvil at its end. The bottom plate comprises a foot plate and a cutting edge on the foot plate. A movable handle is attached to the bottom plate. Movement of the movable handle towards the fixed handle results in movement of the bottom plate towards the top plate. A cutting edge is provided on the foot plate to thereby cut tissue when the handles are squeezed together.

Abstract: A surgical method and tools for anchoring a suture to bone is disclosed. The method includes forming an opening through a top surface of the bone, positioning a suture within the opening and crimping a region of the top surface of the bone surrounding the opening to anchor the suture within the opening. The tools used with the disclosed surgical method include a punch, a broach, a guide and a swage. The punch and the broach are used to create a uniform diameter opening in the bone by compressing bone material. The guide is used to position a suture, preferably having a shoulder, in the opening. Finally, the suture is used to crimp the region of the top surface of the bone surrounding the opening.

Abstract: An improved rongeur for cutting bone or cartilage comprising two shaft members capable of reciprocating motion relative to each other wherein one shaft member terminates in a foot plate and the other shaft member comprises a combined cutting element and storage member is disclosed. The combined cutting element and storage member has a cutting edge at its distal end and a storage chamber proximate the cutting edge for collecting and storing cut pieces of bone or cartilage in an amount greater than the maximum bone or cartilage capable of being cut in a single full cut. The combined cutting element and storage member is truly disposable, rather than merely replaceable and requires the use of no tools or special assembly. The rongeur may be manually activated or activated by a solenoid and powered by a battery.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has an elongate support shaft, a tip assembly permanently attached to the shaft, a cutting jaw which opens in a backward facing direction and which is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the support shaft, and a rod extending coaxially with the elongate support shaft for applying closing and opening forces to the cutting jaw. The tip assembly comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion having respective tissue cutting edges which define the cutting jaw. The stationary portion of the tip assembly is permanently attached to the distal end of the support shaft, and the movable portion of the tip assembly is pivotally attached to a distal end of the stationary portion. The stationary portion of the tip assembly has a plurality of cutting edges which define an opening which extends axially adjacent the longitudinal axis of the support shaft.

Abstract: A system for performing proximal tibial or femoral osteotomies. The system includes a plurality of bone plates of various sizes, and a calibrated wedge tool for opening a resected tibial wedge and determining the size plate to use in the osteotomy.

Abstract: A laminectomy rongeur with top and bottom parallel bars in sliding relation, one to the other, with the ends cooperating to form cutting tips. The lower bar has an upwardly longitudinally extending flange and an orthogonally related reinforcing wall extending laterally of the upwardly extending flange. An ejecting flange integral with and longitudinal of the longitudinally extending flange projects beyond the cutting tip of the top bar when the ends forming the cutting tips are spread apart.

Abstract: A tool driver having a shaft with a longitudinal axis and opposite ends. A boss is positioned at one of the ends. A tool collet is positioned at the other of the ends. The boss has a bore extending axially thereof forming debris cavity. An actuator on the shaft. A pair of oppositely disposed pins on the actuator. The pins are movable in relation to the boss in response to movement of the actuator. The actuator and the pins move as a unit axially of the boss between an at rest position and a static position. The pins are movable between an extended position and a retracted position as the actuator moves between an at rest position and a static position, whereby a tool can be positioned on the tool driver when the actuator is in its static position and held in operable position on the tool driver when the actuator is in its at rest position.

Abstract: A curvilinear surgical punch (10) having a cutting head (21) for performing surgery upon the meniscal tissue of the knee joint is disclosed herein. Cutting head (21) includes an upper blade member (22) pivotal upon a lower frame member (24). Upper blade member (22) and lower frame member (24) both include arcuate cutting edges (26) and (28), respectively. The arcuate cutting edges of the present invention can be adapted toward a variety of configurations and sizes for operating upon different areas of the meniscal tissue.

Abstract: A rongeur surgical instrument is disclosed which has an actuating mechanism providing a variable degree of mechanical advantage for operation of the cutting element in the instrument. During the cutting stroke the rate of movement steadily decreases, while the degree of precision of movement and the amount of torque increase throughout the stroke. The instrument also has an improved shaft design which maintains cutting edge alignment with the footplate anvil surface, and also provides a mechanism for preventing cut portions of body material from aggregating near the distal end of the shaft and interfering with the cutting operation. In addition, the grip portion of the instrument has an adjustable spur member to allow the grip portion to comfortably fit a variety of hand sizes.

Abstract: An improved bone biting rongeur with a thin foot plate, a replaceable hollow cutting slide storage member, capable of storing the cut bone, and a protective mechanism for protecting the foot plate is disclosed. The rongeur is capable of repeated and uninterrupted function, without removal from the surgical site and may be activated automatically by a power source.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has an elongate support shaft, a tip assembly permanently attached to the shaft, a cutting jaw which opens in a backward facing direction and which is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the support shaft, and a rod extending coaxially with the elongate support shaft for applying closing and opening forces to the cutting jaw. The tip assembly comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion having respective tissue cutting edges which define the cutting jaw. The stationary portion of the tip assembly is permanently attached to the distal end of the support shaft, and the movable portion of the tip assembly is pivotally attached to a distal end of the stationary portion. The stationary portion of the tip assembly has a plurality of cutting edges which define an opening which extends axially adjacent the longitudinal axis of the support shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an arthroscopic spinal laminectomy or similar surgical procedure includes a plurality of cannulas which are individually inserted, in a predetermined sequence, into predetermined areas of a patient's spinal column. The first inserted cannula has a tissue manipulating surface thereon which is used to create a working space adjacent a predetermined area of the patient's spinal column. A viewing device is inserted through this cannula and the fluid used in association therewith is used to maintain the working space. The second and third cannulas are larger in size and are working cannulas in that they provide passageways for instruments used in the surgical procedure. The second and third cannulas are utilized by the surgeon to sequentially remove a portion of the ligamentum flavum necessary to expose the desired area of the patient's spinal bone and, if necessary, to remove any portion of bone necessary to expose the nerve and disc area.

Abstract: An instrument for harvesting an iliac bone graft comprises an elongate handle having a proximal gripping portion terminating in a substantially blunt striking surface, and a distal working portion including a pair of longitudinally extending, transversely spaced apart blade retaining slots. A pair of chisel-type blades are adapted for being releasably, lockably housed in the slots. The blades are retained in the slots by set screws, and by overhanging lips which engage the blades when fully inserted in the slots. An instrument for inserting an iliac bone graft into a disc space comprises an elongate handle having a proximal gripping portion terminating in a substantially blunt striking surface, a distal working portion including an enlarged abutment head on its terminal end, and a slide portion disposed between the gripping portion and the working portion, the abutment head having a distal abutment surface for engaging an iliac bone graft.