Abstract: A method for preparing a proximal femoral canal of a patient during total hip replacement surgery uses a shaping instrument or broach having a proximal portion with an anterior surface, and a posterior surface, each surface being spaced apart from a medial-lateral plane through the shaping instrument. A handle portion having a proximal portion having a first longitudinal axis is connected to a transition portion having a second longitudinal axis and a distal portion having a third longitudinal axis. Wherein the handle includes a dual offset including a first compound bend between the transition portion and the proximal portion and wherein, when following a direction from the transition portion to the proximal portion, the first compound bend includes a bend in the posterior direction and a bend in the lateral direction, and wherein the first compound bend is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip revision procedure includes a proximal body component, a distal stem component, and a locking bolt. Surgical instruments and methods for use in implanting such a modular femoral prosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: A wire-guided system or device for increasing the size of an opening at the base of the spine during the performance of surgery such as back surgery. The device has barbs for increasing the size of the opening and a channel for accepting a typical guide wire. The channel reduces the need to remove and reinsert the guide wire.

Abstract: An interbody spinal implant including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, opposing anterior and posterior portions, a substantially hollow center, a single vertical aperture, and a roughened surface topography on at least the top surface. The posterior portion has a generally rounded nose profile, and has a shorter height than the anterior portion such that the spinal implant comprises a lordotic angle for aligning the spine of a patient. The junctions of the top and bottom surfaces and the anterior portion comprise a sharp edge to resist expulsion of the spinal implant upon implantation.

Abstract: Spinal reamer apparatus including a reference base with mounting provisions for mounting in a region of posterior lumbar spinal structure, a non-straight track fixed to the reference base, and at least one reaming cutter element arranged to move along the track.

Abstract: A device for removing material from within the body, includes an elongated element formed from hollow segments sequentially interconnected at effective hinges. The device assumes an insertion configuration for insertion of the segments sequentially through an opening of a first dimension into the body. A portion of the elongated element inserted into the body progressively assumes a material removing configuration in which a relative position of each segment relative to an adjacent segment is delineated by the effective hinge together with additional abutment surfaces defining a fully deflected state of the effective hinge. The material removing configuration has at least two dimensions exceeding the first dimension. At least two of the segments are formed with at least one cutting configuration deployed so as to collect material into a hollow volume of the segment during progressive formation of the material removing configuration as the elongated element is advanced.

Abstract: Oscillating 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 oscillating rasps are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are elongate device for modifying tissue having a plurality of flexibly connected rungs or links, and methods of using them, including methods of using them to decompress stenotic spinal tissue. These devices may be included as part of a system for modifying tissue. In general, these devices include a plurality of blades positioned on (or formed from) rungs that are flexibly connected. The rungs are typically rigid, somewhat flat and wider than they are long (e.g., rectangular). The rungs may be arranged, ladder like, and may be connected by a flexible connector substrate or between two or more cables. Different sized rungs may be used. The blades (on the rungs) may be arranged in a staggered arrangement. A tissue-collection or tissue capture element (e.g., chamber, bag, or the like) may be used to collect the cut or modified tissue. In some variations the tissue modification devices may have a non-linear axial shape, or may be converted from a first axial shape to a second axial shape.

Abstract: A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites. The tool may be used to perform a spinal decompression by removing tissue that impinges a spinal nerve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating cutting tool such as a surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue material. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard to access site. The tool may be used to perform a spinal decompression by removing tissue that impinges a spinal nerve.

Abstract: A tool for preparing vertebral surfaces following a discectomy has a body and a rotary cutting tool mounted at the distal end of a lever which extends through the body. The proximal end of the lever can be squeezed toward the body to force the cutting tool against the vertebral surface facing it, while the tool is rotated by turning a crank supported on the tool body, or by a motor. The cutting tool is preferably a flexible rasp or blade which can conform to and control the convexity of the prepared surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for modifying tissue in a spine of a patient to treat or alleviate spinal stenosis. In one embodiment, a method may include: advancing at least a distal portion of an elongate tissue modification device into an epidural space and between target tissue and non-target tissue in the spine; positioning the tissue modification device so that at least one abrasive surface of the device faces target tissue and at least one non-abrasive surface faces non-target tissue; applying tensioning force at or near separate distal and proximal portions of the tissue modification device; and translating the tissue modification device back and forth while maintaining at least some tensioning force to abrade at least a portion of the target tissue with the at least one abrasive surface. Unwanted damage to the non-target tissue may be prevented via the at least one non-abrasive surface.

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: The invention relates to shielded reciprocating cutting tool such as a surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue material. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard to access sites under a direct vision mechanism included in the system. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to a cutting tool such as the surgical file for precision bone and/or tissue removal. A pulsatile pump mechanism can be operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.

Abstract: A device for modifying tissue in a patient may include: an elongate body having a rigid proximal portion and a flexible distal portion having first and second major surfaces; a proximal handle coupled with the proximal portion of the body; one or more tissue modifying members disposed along the first major surface of the distal portion of the body; a guidewire coupled with and extending from the distal portion of the body; and a distal handle removably couplable with the guidewire outside the patient.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the geometry of a femoral stem of a hip joint prosthesis is disclosed. The femoral stem comprises a neck and an anchoring blade that is attached to the neck and that tapers towards a distal end with a lateral narrow side comprising a distal straight portion and a proximal arcuate portion corresponding to a curve. The transition between the distal straight portion and the proximal arcuate portion occurs at an outer lateral point. The method comprises a means of optimizing the profile of the curve of said proximal arcuate portion by a process of iterative modeling steps using a series of curves each defined by a path traced by the outer lateral point on withdrawal of a profile of the stem from a cavity of complementary shape to the stem. Preferably, during withdrawal of the profile of the stem from the cavity contact between lateral-distal and proximal-medial stem contours and respective associated boundaries of the cavity are maintained.

Abstract: A surgical rasping system functional in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system comprises a rasping head which may be low profile and offer a flat cutting/rasping surface, and is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through an opening spaced apart from or adjacent to the rasping surface. A radiofrequency ablation (RF) electrode may be carried on the rasping system to provide ablation or coagulation of soft tissues.

Abstract: A surgical device, kit, and/or method for interchanging components of the surgical device can include a handle, a docking assembly, a shaft assembly, a coupler assembly, and a surgical implement. The handle can have a lever pivotably connected to the handle, and the docking assembly secured to the handle. The docking assembly can include a docking rod operably attached to the lever and axially slidable within the docking assembly. The shaft assembly can include a shaft rod axially slidable within a detachable shaft and removably attachable to the docking rod. The coupler assembly can be adapted to releasably secure the shaft assembly to the docking assembly. The surgical implement can be attached to a distal end of the shaft rod operable with the lever. The shaft assembly and surgical implement may be interchanged on the handle with other shaft assemblies and surgical implements.

Abstract: A rasp attachment for a motor-driven surgical hand-piece includes a mounting means for mounting the rasp attachment to the motor-driven surgical hand-piece and a rasp area which is implemented to take off material from a surface in a reciprocating movement of the rasp attachment caused by the motor-driven surgical hand-piece. the rasp to is curved and elastically deformable at least in the rasp area.

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.

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.

Abstract: A disc preparation system includes an oscillating rasp for preparation of vertebral endplates and a central reamer for reaming a pair of kidney-shaped grooves into the vertebral endplate. The oscillating rasp is powered by a rotary power source. A linkage assembly is coupled to the rotary power source to convert the rotary motion into a reciprocating motion. A pair of rasps plates, which are linked to the linkage assembly, linearly reciprocate in opposite directions in response to the reciprocating motion of the linkage assembly. In one form, the central reamer includes a pair of cutting elements that are coupled to the rotary power source in order to rotate in response to rotational movement from the rotary power source. In another form, the central reamer includes a single cutting element coupled to an angled reamer handle and a reamer guide.

Abstract: Broaching instruments divided into multiple parts to reduce the size of incisions necessary to perform a total hip arhroplasty, minimizing trauma to tissue surrounding the hip joint. One approach is to divide the broach head into first and second segments for insertion through posterior and anterior incisions, respectively, and interconnection within the patient. Methods of preparing the proximal medullary canal of a femur for receiving a hip stem implant utilize the multi-part broaching instruments and two-incision techniques to introduce the broaching instruments into the patient for broaching the canal in preparation for receiving the implant.

Abstract: A modular prosthesis rasp comprises a rasp body having a rasp main body and at least one modular rasp body part connectable to the rasp main body. The rasp main body comprises a rasp body part receptacle for receiving the at least one rasp body part in a connected position in which the rasp main body and the at least one rasp body part are connected to each other, and in which the rasp body defines an outer contour defined partly by the rasp main body and partly by the at least one rasp body part. The rasp body part receptacle extends from an indentation, defining a distal end of the rasp body part receptacle, on a lateral side of the rasp main body to a proximal end of the rasp main body.

Abstract: A method for preparing a proximal femoral canal of a patient during total hip replacement surgery uses a shaping instrument or broach having a proximal portion with an anterior surface, and a posterior surface, each surface being spaced apart from a medial-lateral plane through the shaping instrument. A handle portion having a proximal portion having a first longitudinal axis is connected to a transition portion having a second longitudinal axis and a distal portion having a third longitudinal axis. Wherein the handle comprises a dual offset including a first compound bend between the transition portion and the proximal portion and wherein, when following a direction from the transition portion to the proximal portion, the first compound bend includes a bend in the posterior direction and a bend in the lateral direction, and wherein the first compound bend is less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A bone preparing tool for use with a percutaneous bone access system. The bone access system penetrates the interior of a bone. The bone preparation tool allows a surgeon to prepare the interior of a bone for therapeutic treatments. The tool includes a handle, flexible rod and, bone preparation tip, which may include an off-set wedge, a banana wedge, a tapered tip, and a pedestal tip. Each tip has specialized functionality in bone preparation. The flexible rod and specialized tip are inserted through a curved cannula and employed for bone preparation. This tool is useful when implementing a variety of bone therapeutic treatments which benefit from internal bone access and preparation. Current tools are limited and cannot properly be used on bone that is healed or hardened. This invention allows a transpedicular or extrapedicular approach to a bone and provides sufficient tensile strength but flexibility to affect optimum functionality.

Abstract: Disclosed is a facial bone contouring device for use in facial bone contouring surgery and bone tumor and/or osteophyte removal. The facial bone contouring device comprises: a rasp (10), having a double tube structure, including a rod (11), and a cutter (13) provided with plural grooves (13c) for exhausting cut bone fragments, a saline solution feeding passage (15) and a bone fragment exhausting passage (14); a powered surgical handpiece (40) connected to the rasp (10) for providing linear reciprocating motion to the rasp (10); a saline solution feeding unit (30) for feeding saline solution to the saline solution feeding passage; and a suction unit (20) for sucking and exhausting the cut bone fragments, wherein bone cutting is performed under the condition that the saline solution is fed into the rasp, and the cut bone fragments are exhausted together with the saline solution so that the bone cutting is continuously performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments particularly suitable for preparing vertebral endplates during spinal interbody surgical procedures. Methods of using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical tool handle and separate disposable orthopedic tool head assembly is disclosed. The surgical tool handle has a reinforcing member extending from it. The reinforcing member is receivable in an internal bore of the disposable orthopedic tool head and provides structural reinforcement for the tool head. This reinforcement allows the use of disposable materials in the construction of the tool head that otherwise could not be use (e.g., plastic and resin materials) because of an increased risk of breakage or failure relative to metallic tool heads.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic body for an upper leg prosthetic comprising a shaft (5, 5a, 5b) having a proximal support plate (4) for a prosthetic head (15), wherein at least two proximally spaced and distally converging shaft posts (5a, 5b) are mounted on the support plate (4), descending below the same and connected by struts (6), particularly diagonal struts (6), and wherein cavities (12), and/or free open regions (12) are formed between the shaft posts (5a, 5b) and the struts (7), into which spongy bone can grow, wherein at least the lower connecting area of the support plate (4) whereon the shaft posts (5a, 5b) are mounted is disposed horizontally, the support plate (4), extending medially over the cross section of the shaft (5, 5a, 5b), immediately below the connection areas, and the support plate (4) transitioning ventrally and dorsally into the shaft (5, 5a, 5b) without protruding.

Abstract: A spinal disc prosthesis and method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The inventive spinal disc prosthesis can comprise one or more solid, compressible prosthesis elements that are formed prior to the method of placing the prosthesis, or one or more solid prosthesis elements that are formed in situ. The inventive method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae of a patient is based on a posterior approach. The invention also includes a spinal disc prosthesis insertion apparatus and specially constructed surgical instruments for use in carrying out the method.

Abstract: A tool for preparing vertebral surfaces following a discectomy has a body and a rotary cutting tool mounted at the distal end of a lever which extends through the body. The proximal end of the lever can be squeezed toward the body to force the cutting tool against the vertebral surface facing it, while the tool is rotated by turning a crank supported on the tool body, or by a motor. The cutting tool is preferably a flexible rasp or blade which can conform to and control the convexity of the prepared surface.

Abstract: A surgical rasping system functional in multiple orthopedic applications, including but not limited to shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, ankle, spinal, or other joint procedures. The system comprises a rasping head which may be low profile and offer a flat cutting/rasping surface, and is configured to be driven by an attached hub that translates a rotational movement into a reciprocating motion. Suction for removal of bone fragments or other tissues is provided through an opening spaced apart from or adjacent to the rasping surface.

Abstract: A surgical file instrument comprising a file, file guide, an outer split casing, a motion converter converting rotary motion to reciprocal motion and file assembly. The file assembly consists of an angular shaped elongated tube fairing into a generally flat portion defining the guide for the blade of the file, a complementary shaped file and a plastic rod insert having a lumen for the file and a lumen defining a passage for flowing a fluid to the surgical site. The motion converter consists of a planetary gear system connected to the battery powered motor that rotates a platen which in turn drives a cam and cam follower fitted into the cam slot for driving a drum for producing rectilinear motion. The file assembly is attached to the drum for reciprocating the file blade for use in a medical procedure for removing bone or a portion thereof.

Abstract: A surgical file instrument including a surgical file assembly having an elongated tubular member with a guide/shield supporting the blade of the surgical file and being formed on the distal end thereof, the guide/shield portion being generally planar shaped and having an elongated longitudinally extending dimple defining a rail for guiding said blade and keeping it central and preventing wobbling. The side edges of said guide/shield extend upwardly and bear against the underside of the blade for supporting the same.

Abstract: A short main incision and portal incisions at portal positions strategically displaced from the main incision are provided in a patient's hip. One portal incision (acetabular portal) provides for a disposition of reamers in the patient's acetabulum to shape the acetabulum. A cannula is inserted through the portal incision to the acetabulum and the successive reamers of progressive size are inserted into the acetabulum through the main incision to progressively size and shape the acetabulum. An approximately hemispherical acetabular component is then disposed in the prepared acetabulum to provide for hip rotation relative to the femoral component. The other portal incision (femoral portal) provides for insertion into the patient's hip of a member for driving the femoral stem into a cavity in the patient's femur. The provision of the short main incision and the portal incision minimizes the patient's loss of blood, tissue trauma, length of operating time and patient recovery time.

Abstract: A method for modifying tissue in a patient may involve one or more of the following steps: advancing at least a distal portion of at least one elongate, at least partially flexible tissue modification device into a patient and between one or more target tissues and one or more non-target tissues; positioning at least one tissue modifying member of the tissue modification device adjacent the target tissue such that the tissue modifying member(s) face the target tissue and do not face the non-target tissue; applying an anchoring force to the tissue modification device at or near the distal portion or a proximal portion of the device; applying a tensioning force to the tissue modification device at or near an opposite end of the device relative to the end to which anchoring force is applied, while maintaining the anchoring force, to urge the tissue modifying member(s) against the target tissue; and modifying the target tissue, using the tissue modifying member(s), while preventing the tissue modifying member(s)

Abstract: A system and method for use during hip surgery includes a position frame that is removably secured to the patient's femur. The system further includes a tracking unit and navigation engine that establish a pelvic coordinate system and, with the patient's leg placed in a predetermined orientation, capture the location of the femoral position frame within the pelvic coordinate system. The system further includes an image generator configured to display one or more images for directing the surgeon to return the patient's leg to the predetermined orientation following a trial reduction based upon the previously captured position. A leg change determination engine compares the current, post-reconstruction position of the femoral position tracking frame with the previously captured, pre-reconstruction position to derive leg length, offset, and anterior-posterior change values. The change values are then provided to the surgeon for evaluating the suitability of the trial reduction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for arthroscopically-assisted preparation of the tibia to accept an unicompartmental implant that includes the step of removing bone from the tibial plateau to correct depth, diameter and proper angle by employing a tibial rasp comprising a cutter with a plurality of teeth on the bottom surface and a side surface (for example, the front side). The tibial rasp may be used in conjunction with an additional starter rasp that can cut only in one direction (for example, cutting to establish only the depth of the tunnel or socket).

Abstract: A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites under a direct vision mechanism. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision removal of bone or other tissue. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.

Abstract: The invention relates to shielded reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue material. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard to access sites under a direct vision mechanism included in the system. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision bone and/or tissue removal. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.

Abstract: A broach instrument for preparing the proximal medullary canal of a femur for receiving a hip stem implant includes lateral and medial broach segments that may be assembled and disassembled along a longitudinal plane of separation defined by longitudinal sliding surfaces. A respective longitudinal shaft is connected to a proximal end of each broach segment. Each longitudinal shaft has a respective impact head connected to a respective proximal end. The broach segments and/or shafts positively engage one another to resist lateral separation of the broach segments. Each broach segment may be inserted separately and sequentially through a minimal posterior incision and through the gluteus maximus and then be assembled within the patient for broaching.

Abstract: A burr attachment designed for use with a Curved Burr Attachment or other chuck attachments that includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil spring surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking.

Abstract: An orthopaedic pin driver is presented for impacting bone during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to guide systems and methods for resecting at least a portion of a joint articulation surface on a bone by mounting a first cutting guide on the joint articulation surface. A first portion of the joint articulation surface is resected using the first cutting guide as a guide for resecting. A second cutting guide is then mounted on the joint articulation surface following which the first cutting guide is removed. A second portion of the joint articulation surface is then resected using the second cutting guide template as a guide for resecting, at least a section of the second portion of the joint articulation surface having been previously covered by the first guide template.

Abstract: A precision adjustable surgical tool holder/driver is provided which is easily disassembled for cleaning and precisely reassembled. The holder/driver has a positionable handle allowing adjustment of the position of the handle about the spindle of the holder to enable the “handedness” of the holder to be changed in order to accommodate a user while operating from the left or right side of the patient, standing behind or in-front of the patient, or for use in different surgical methods. The holder/driver includes a “limited-play” capture mechanism, which connects the drive end of the housing to its locking sleeve via a limited-play locking device. The limited-play locking device utilizes a disengageable, precision fitted bayonet pin and seat combination in part to accomplish the precision reassembly feature of the present invention.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument comprising an orthopaedic cutting tool includes a metallic cutting insert configured to remove portions of a patient's bone and a body molded to the cutting insert. The cutting insert includes a plurality of chemically etched holes, and the body is molded to the cutting insert such that each of the plurality of chemically etched holes is at least partially filled by a portion of the body. The cutting insert may include a plurality of cutting teeth configured to remove portions of the patient's bone. A method of manufacturing an orthopaedic surgical instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: An abrading device consists of an advanced burr and appliqué for a burr and a new process for making cutting tools for fine material removal applications such as in bone and tissue surgeries. An appliqué sheet is first engineered by CAD with an abrading surface having cutting facets. The appliqué is attached to a surface of a tool blank and then metallurgically bonded and coated by the BRAZOL® or Co—P process. The tool blank has a proximal shank attachable to a driver and a distal surface to which the appliqué is affixed. Since each facet is attached to surrounding facets and then strongly bonded to the tool, the facets do not dislodge when used to abrade a surface of an object. The BRAZOL® or Co—P coating imparts excellent wear resistance and lubricity to the cutting facets. This results in excellent operational and material removal characteristics. This approach to making surgical and fine industrial tools offers engineered flexibility in design rather than process dependent designs.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sculpting bones, particularly in preparation for implanting prosthetic devices to replace articulating bone joint surfaces. Improved bone removal devices including burr mills driven by gears and loop drives are provided. Reciprocating cutters and belt cutters are also provided. Some devices have either integral or removable expandable portions to vary the force and bone resection depth. Devices can have irrigation ports and plenums to remove bone fragments. Some cutters are dual cutters, adapted to remove bone in two or more regions, such as the knee joint, simultaneously.

Abstract: A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites under a direct vision mechanism. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision removal of bone or other tissue. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.