Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing total hip arthroplasty with patient-specific guides. Pre-operative images of a pelvic region of a patient are taken in order to predefine the structure of the guides and corresponding implants. From the obtained image data an insertional vector for implanting an acetabular implant or component into an acetabulum of the patient is determined, wherein the insertional vector is coaxial with a polar axis of the acetabular component. Also from the obtained image data, a superior surface of the guides and implants can be shaped to match the acetabulum of the patient. A nub portion extending outwardly from the superior surface of the guides and implants is shaped to substantially match the shape of a fovea of the acetabulum. A guide portion of the guides forming a slot has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the determined insertional vector of a corresponding acetabular component.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an arthroplasty system and methods for positioning an acetabular cup implant. In one implementation, the system includes a shape-match hip guide having a patient specific mating region that is a negative of the surface contour of the inside surface of the patient's acetabular cup, and a directional rod that extends generally along the axis of the patient's femoral head and femoral neck. They system can additionally include an outrigger or silo device to aid in the alignment of surgical tools for preparing and implanting of the prosthetic acetabular cup in the patient's acetabular cup. Related methods are also disclosed herein for generating a shape-match guide and implanting an acetabular cup with the guide.

Abstract: Orthopedic systems and methods are provided for use in preparing joints for implants. Specifically, hip preparation systems and methods are disclosed which can include a surgical orientation device. The hip preparation systems and methods can be used, for example, to orient the hip during the procedure, determine the orientation of an anatomical plane or planes, and orient a prosthetic component or components.

Abstract: A medical imaging device takes one or more images of the local anatomy of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. A surface model generator receives the one or more images and generates a 3-D surface model of the patient's anatomy. A fabrication device utilizes the 3-D surface model to fabricate a template custom designed to match the surface of the patient's anatomy. Attached to the template is a directional guide vane. The fabrication device is configured to create a template and directional guide vane such that, when the template is fitted to the patient's anatomy, the directional guide vane points along a predefined orientation relative to the patient's anatomy. A physician uses the directional guide vane as a visual guide or cue for installing an implantable prosthetic component during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A cup and a temporary insert are respectively configured to be tightly press fitted into each other along their periphery. The temporary insert includes a through hole communicating outside with a free space between the outer surface of the temporary insert and the inner surface of the cup. In the through hole can be engaged the threaded end of an impactor, for manipulating the cup when it is being set. A syringe can be engaged, enabling a liquid under pressure to be injected into the free space, thus separating the temporary insert from the cup without any risk of damaging the inner surface of the cup. Thus, the cup can be securely manipulated when it is being set without any risk of damaging the inner surface of the cup.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for engaging and holding a prosthesis both axially and rotationally relative to an inserter assembly. The inserter assembly can engage an acetabular prosthesis in a selected position, such as axially, with a first portion and then or subsequently engage the acetabular prosthesis with a second portion in a rotationally fixed manner. The acetabular prosthesis can then be inserted into a prepared acetabulum according to a disclosed method with the inserter assembly. The inserter assembly can then be removed from the acetabular prosthesis to allow for reduction of a femur.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a monolithic patient-specific guide. The patient-specific guide includes a three-dimensional contact surface preoperatively configured from medical scans of a specific patient as a negative surface of a medial portion of a proximal femoral bone of the patient according to a preoperative surgical plan for the patient. The guide also includes a proximal planar surface configured for guiding a resection of a femoral neck of the patient, and a scale formed on the planar surface. The scale is configured for indicating a preoperatively planned femoral version of a femoral stem implant and deviations therefrom.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing total hip arthroplasty with patient-specific guides. Pre-operative images of a pelvic region of a patient are taken in order to predefine the structure of the guides and corresponding implants. From the obtained image data an insertional vector for implanting an acetabular implant or component into an acetabulum of the patient is determined, wherein the insertional vector is coaxial with a polar axis of the acetabular component. Also from the obtained image data, a superior surface of the guides and implants can be shaped to match the acetabulum of the patient. A nub portion extending outwardly from the superior surface of the guides and implants is shaped to substantially match the shape of a fovea of the acetabulum. A guide portion of the guides forming a slot has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the determined insertional vector of a corresponding acetabular component.

Abstract: An inertial sensor based surgical navigation system for knee replacement surgery is disclosed. Inertial sensors composed of six-degree-of-freedom inertial chips, whose measurements are processed through a series of integration, quaternion, and kalman filter algorithms, are used to track the position and orientation of bones and surgical instruments. The system registers anatomically significant geometry, calculates joint centers and the mechanical axis of the knee, develops a visualization of the lower extremity that moves in real time, assists in the intra-operative planning of surgical cuts, determines the optimal cutting planes for cut guides and the optimal prosthesis position and orientation, and finally navigates the cut guides and the prosthesis to their optimal positions and orientations using a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A device for use in total hip arthroplasty surgery including a first guide member having a substantially semi-circular ring having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of first guide legs protruding vertically downward from the lower surface of the semi-circular ring, the first guide legs including a contact area disposed on the open end of the first guide leg; a plurality of holes disposed on the ring, a plurality of protrusions extending vertically upward from a top surface of the ring. The device also includes a second guide member having an arc having an arc of curvature substantially similar to the semi-circular ring, the arc having a top surface and bottom surface, first and second horizontal brackets connecting ends of the arc and being connected thereto at a termination point, a plurality of second guide legs protruding vertically from either the lower surface of the arc, first or second horizontal brackets; and means for connecting the second guide member to the first guide member.

Abstract: An alignment guide is described that includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a housing attachable to the shaft and rotatable about a first axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A guide arm the extends from the housing at a predetermined angle along a second axis. A spirit level is connected to the housing on a plane aligned with the predetermined angle.

Abstract: Devices and methods for identifying and maintaining the concentric spherical centers of a femur and acetabulum during revision or joint replacement surgery so that post surgery the anatomical spherical centers are maintained. Also disclosed are novel techniques and devices to project images onto an anatomical feature, such as exposed bone, to virtually fit trial prosthetic components, establish bone cut markings, and establishing the anatomical spherical center of a joint.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism, method of manufacture and method of use are described for releasably attaching a first component and a second component of an orthopaedic apparatus. The attachment mechanism comprises a boss extending from a surface of the first component, and having a free end and a side wall. A retaining mechanism is provided in the second component. The retaining mechanism comprises a plurality of walls defining an aperture in the second component to receive the boss therein. At least part of one of the plurality of walls is a resiliency flexible member engineered to apply sufficient force to a part of the side wall of the boss when inserted in the aperture to provide an interference fit between the boss and the plurality of walls of the aperture to releasably retain the boss within the aperture.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an anatomic socket alignment guide set, for total hip replacement arthroplasty. The guide set is created from patient-specific medical images, allowing the guide set components to recreate the native center of rotation of a patient's hip joint, thereby permitting accurate placement of the hip replacement prosthesis.

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

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for precise intra-operative placement and positioning of components of hip prostheses, particularly with respect to avoiding acetabular prosthetic implant malpositioning in the human hip. In one embodiment the system includes at least a pair of electronic sensors as tilt and direction sensors, which are positioned on the patient's native bone structure and the prosthesis, plus at least one of an electronic angle sensor and an electronic leg length measurement unit, plus a computer processor running application software that is capable of receiving and using information from the various electronic sensors to calculate relevant angular relationships and, optionally, distance relationships. The system electronically measures a living subject's pelvic tilt and position while lying in the lateral decubitus position during the surgery.

Abstract: A system for calculating a position and orientation of an acetabular cup in computer-assisted surgery comprises a first trackable reference secured to a pelvis, with a frame of reference being associated with the first trackable reference. A device is positionable between a femoral neck and the acetabulum of the pelvis in a known relation, the device having a second trackable reference. Sensors track the trackable references for position and orientation. A position/orientation calculator calculates a position and orientation of the frame of reference and of the device and for determining an orientation of the neck axis with respect to the frame of reference from the known relation at a desired position of the femur. An implant position/orientation calculator provides cup implanting information with respect to the orientation of said neck axis as a function of the tracking for position and orientation of at least the first trackable reference.

Abstract: A method of providing a minimally invasive hip arthroplasty in conjunction with a main incision formed through a patient's skin and soft tissue in the patient's hip, including providing an instrument having a main body and an arrangement for guiding the formation of a portal incision and a small path to the patient's acetabulum along an impaction axis. A trocar is placed through a guide ring on an arm of the instrument to form the portal incision and small path. Impaction of an acetubular shell is carried out along the impaction axis thus formed.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing total hip arthroplasty with patient-specific guides Pre-operative images of a pelvic region of a patient are taken in order to predefine the structure of the guides and corresponding implants. From the obtained image data an insertional vector for implanting an acetabular implant or component into an acetabulum of the patient is determined, wherein the insertional vector is coaxial with a polar axis of the acetabular component. Also from the obtained image data, a superior surface of the guides and implants can be shaped to match the acetabulum of the patient. A nub portion extending outwardly from the superior surface of the guides and implants is shaped to substantially match the shape of a fovea of the acetabulum. A guide portion of the guides forming a slot has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the determined insertional vector of a corresponding acetabular component.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for precise intra-operative placement and positioning of components of hip prostheses, particularly with respect to avoiding acetabular prosthetic implant malpositioning in the human hip. In one embodiment the system includes at least a pair of electronic sensors as tilt and direction sensors, which are positioned on the patient's native bone structure and the prosthesis, plus at least one of an electronic angle sensor and an electronic leg length measurement unit, plus a computer processor running application software that is capable of receiving and using information from the various electronic sensors to calculate relevant angular relationships and, optionally, distance relationships. The system electronically measures a living subject's pelvic tilt and position while lying in the lateral decubitus position during the surgery.

Abstract: A device for inserting an intervertebral implant into a body includes a flexible end portion having a free end, a thickened portion including an outward protrusion on the flexible end portion at or adjacent the free end, and a stop including an outward protrusion on the flexible end portion positioned at a distance from the free end and spaced apart from the thickened portion, wherein a portion of the flexible end portion between the thickened portion and the stop has outer walls separated by a distance that is less than distances separating outer walls of the thickened end portion and the stop, respectively, and wherein the flexible end portion can assume a first state wherein the outer walls of the portion of the flexible end portion between the thickened portion and the stop are separated by a first distance.

Abstract: An orthopedic surgical instrument and method for positioning an acetabular prosthetic component in a patient's surgically-prepared acetabulum is disclosed. The orthopedic surgical instrument has a base configured to engage the patient's pelvis, a first linkage pivotally coupled to the base, a locking mechanism operable to lock the first linkage in position relative to the base, and a second linkage removably coupled to the first linkage. The second linkage has an alignment axis corresponding to a desired abduction angle and a desired anteversion angle of the acetabular axis of the acetabular prosthetic component.

Abstract: A device for use in placing a prosthesis in a patient during joint replacement surgery is disclosed. The device may comprise a body formed using medical imaging data corresponding to an anatomic structure of the patient and a final installation position of the prosthesis. The body may extend between a lower surface and an upper surface and may have an aperture extending therethrough. The body may also have an anatomic alignment member extending outward from an outer surface of the body and include an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface may define at least part of the aperture. The prosthesis alignment member may extend from the inner surface and the prosthesis alignment member may include a prosthesis alignment surface configured to align with a prosthesis in the final installation position.

Abstract: A patient-specific acetabular guide for use in orienting an acetabular component with respect to an acetabulum of a patient as part of a surgical procedure includes a body having a bottom contact surface that has a portion that is shaped and configured to initimately receive and interlockingly mate with an acetabular notch of the patient's acetabulum in accordance with a three-dimensional image of the acetabulum of the specific patient. The three-dimensional image can be in the form of a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient's acetabulum that is constructed at least in part on 3D image data of the pelvic region of the patient.

Abstract: An acetabular cup shell insertion system is provided for a shell having a threaded central opening and a part-spherical inner surface. The system includes an impactor having a strike plate at a first end and a first connection element at a second end. Also provided is a longitudinally extending adapter having a threaded first end adapted to threadably engage the threaded central opening in the acetabular cup. A second end of the adapter has a second connection element for engaging the impactor first connection element. An impaction flange extends radially outwardly of a longitudinal axis of the adapter. The flange has a first contact surface facing the second end of the adapter. A second contact surface surrounding the threaded first end of the adapter contacts the part-spherical inner surface of the acetabular cup surrounding the threaded central opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first wall defining a cavity disposed for communication with a suction source and extending between a first end and a second end. The first end includes at least a portion of a valve disposed for communication with the cavity. The second end includes at least a portion of an implant engaging surface. A second wall is connected to the first wall and extending between a first end and a second end. The first end includes an impact surface and the second end includes at least a portion of the implant engaging surface. Methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: An acetabular trialing system has a trial cup including a body comprising an outer surface, a part-spherical inner surface and a rim extending between the inner and outer surface with a plurality of spaced inwardly resiliently deflectable rim members each connected at a first end to the body outer surface. The part-spherical inner surface has a plurality of spaced resilient deflectable bearing members each forming part of the body part-spherical inner surface. The bearing members have a first end deflectable towards the body outer surface. Upon inward deflection, one of the plurality of deflectable rim members is capable of contacting the first end of a corresponding one of the plurality of deflectable bearing members and moving the bearing member towards the body outer surface and into contact an electrical signaling device mounted on the body intermediate the outer surface thereof and the deflectable bearing member.

Abstract: An apparatus for aiding visualization of a prosthetic implant and concurrently landmarking a patient tissue includes a center post having proximal and distal post ends longitudinally separated by a post body. The post body defines a post axis coaxially therewith. An implant emulator embodies a reference feature of a prosthetic implant. The implant emulator is carried on an outer surface of the center post at a predetermined longitudinal spacing from the distal post end. A guiding device is removably attached to the implant emulator. The guiding device includes an attachment structure attached to the implant emulator. A spacing arm is connected to the attachment structure and extends laterally outward from the post axis. A landmark guiding structure is connected to the spacing arm, spaced apart from the center post, and embodies at least one of a location and a trajectory for placement of a landmark.

Abstract: This invention related to a method of forming a polymer component and comprises blending polymer particles with antioxidant to form a mixture in which the antioxidant coats the polymer particles, irradiating the polymer particles to cross-link the polymer particles therein and forming the irradiated mixture into a consolidated component. The invention also relates to a method of forming an articular surface for a prosthesis and a prosthesis having a polymer articular bearing surface wherein at least one predetermined portion of the bearing surface is provided with cross-linked polymer bonds.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for aligning acetabular implants. A patient-matched acetabular alignment tool is used to orient tools and implants intraoperatively. The patient-matched acetabular alignment tool includes a mounting member and leg members which are configured based on the particular patient's anatomic landmark sites (e.g., acetabular bony landmarks). The leg members are attached to the mounting member and configured to connect with a respective anatomic landmark site to achieve a desired implant angle and axis. For example, the leg members may form a tripod support base through which an acetabular shell may be inserted into the patient's acetabulum at desired angles of version and inclination. In some embodiments, the leg members may be retractable and expandable with respect to the mounting member, thereby providing a tool with reduced profile for inserting the device in the patient's soft tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning the components of polyaxial screws are described herein. In one embodiment, an alignment instrument includes an elongate frame having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of connection caps slidably disposed along the elongate frame. Each connection cap can removably couple to a polyaxial screw extension tube and selectively lock relative to the elongate frame such that a distance between the plurality of connection caps and an angular orientation of each connection cap relative to the elongate frame is maintained. The instrument can also include a transverse angle indicator to indicate an angular orientation of the elongate frame in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate frame. The device can, for example, capture the orientation of a plurality of polyaxial screws during spinal surgery such that the screws can be returned to the same orientation after manipulation to correct a spinal deformity, etc.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use in hip replacement surgery can incorporate computer models of a patient's acetabulum and surrounding bone structure, a first patient-specific jig designed from the computer model and configured to correspond to a final installation position and orientation of a prosthetic hip implant, a second patient-specific jig, also designed from the computer model, configured to refine the procedure, if necessary, following use of the first patient-specific jig, and/or a third patient specific jig, designed from the computer model, configured to refine the procedure, if necessary, following use of the first and second patient-specific jigs, allowing the surgeon to properly position and orient the hip prosthesis. Also shown and described are novel devices for implanting an acetabular cup.

Abstract: A registration method and device for detecting the position and alignment of an object or body part in relation to a position detection system, the method arranging a reference sensor on the object or body part and/or on an image sensor unit, detecting the position of the reference sensor by means of the position detection system, photogrammetrically detecting a surface of the object or body part by means of the image sensor unit, producing a surface model of the object or body part on the basis of the photogrammetrically detected information, determining the position of the reference sensor in the surface model, and correlating the surface model with a coordinate system of the position detection system on the basis of the determined position of the reference sensor in the surface model and on the basis of the position of the reference sensor detected by means of the position detection system.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument comprises a shell configured to be inserted into a cup-shaped site, a liner configured to be received within a cavity of the shell, wherein the liner has an aperture and a mating feature adjacent to the aperture, and a modular screw configured to be received within the aperture of the liner. The modular screw can include a first component that is positionable adjacent to a first side of the mating feature and a second component that is positionable adjacent to a second side of the mating feature. When assembled, the modular screw can be configured to rotate relative to the liner.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage media, for surgical alignment using references. In one general aspect, a method includes coupling a guide to a joint, the guide defining an axis and having an outer contour formed to substantially conform to a portion of the joint. The first reference is attached at a fixed position relative to the joint. A positioning system is used to determine a position of the axis relative to the first reference, where the position of the axis is determined based upon the position of the guide while the guide is coupled to the joint. The guide is removed from the joint, and after the guide is removed from the joint, an instrument is positioned relative to the axis based on a position of a second reference relative to the first reference.

Abstract: A surgical tool device for effecting implantation of an implant such as an acetabular cup during a hip replacement surgery is described. The surgical tool holder has a strike plate, a body, a proximal fixed handle, a distal rotate handle, an insert handle with threads, an impactor head, a shaft, the shaft pin, a shaft ring, and a spring. In use, when a surgical implant device is threaded onto the shaft, the surgeon merely rotates the assembly comprising the distal rotate handle and the insert handle with threads in one direction, which causes a distal threaded area of the shaft to rotate in a second, opposite direction to act as a lock-nut for the surgical implant. This movement simultaneously pulls the shaft toward the surgical tool holder proximal end. The pulling motion ensures the surgical implant device is positioned against the impactor head's contacting surface to provide a rigid assembly for good tactile feel during the implantation of the cup.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for delivering and attaching flexible implants to a bone or joint surface. An implant container includes a first component for surrounding and enclosing an implant and a second component adapted for maintaining, supporting, and conforming the shape of the implant. The implant container designed to have at least one component attachable to the implant and to a delivery instrument or tool. The implant container component having a material allowing transmission of light through a thickness of the container and a thickness of an attached implant to cure an adhesive placed between the implant and a bone surface. Additionally, embodiments described provide delivery instruments and tools for attaching implants and implants within containers to a joint or bone surface.

Abstract: An attachment for a surgical instrument including a drive input hub for connection to a power source; a drive output hub for connection to a surgical instrument; and a body connecting the drive input hub to the drive output hub, the body including a mechanism for transferring drive from the input hub to the output hub, and wherein the body, the drive input hub and the drive output hub are at least in part not coaxial. A method for surgically preparing a bone using the attachment is also provided.

Abstract: A device (1, 7) for separating a sleeve from an implant head, comprising a drive shaft (2) having a proximal end (3) and a distal end (4), the distal end having a cam (6), wherein the cam is disposed such that when, in use, a torque is applied to the drive shaft via the proximal end the cam acts in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the drive shaft. A method of separating a sleeve from an implant head using such a device.

Abstract: A patient specific implant alignment guide assembly includes an anatomical reference component and a guide component. The anatomical reference component includes at least one matching feature shaped and dimensioned to match and complement a specific feature of an anatomic location. The anatomical reference component further has one or more protrusions and is fabricated based on one or more images of the anatomic location where the implant is to be implanted. The guide component includes one or more attachment protrusions that are shaped and dimensioned to match and interface with the one or more protrusions of the anatomical reference component. The guide component is attached to the anatomical reference component by matching and attaching the one or more attachment protrusions of the guide component to the one or more protrusions of the anatomical reference component.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic impactor used for the implantation of double mobility cup implants is described. The impactor consists of a drive train, a C-shaped housing, and a prosthetic cup engaging subassembly. The subassembly comprises an impaction plate, a primary cup contacting member, a secondary cup contacting member and a wedging assembly. The primary and secondary cup contacting members, contactable with an interior surface of the prosthetic cup implant. When activated by the drive train, the wedging assembly moves in a proximal direction towards the impaction plate, positioning the wedging assembly in a contactable relationship with the primary and secondary members thereby preventing the members and a connected prosthetic implant cup from moving during implantation.

Abstract: An orthopedic instrument for installing a new reverse hip prosthesis, particularly the acetabular cup thereof, wherein the cup can be affixed to the pelvis with or without screws. The acetabular cup is releasably attached to the instrument and the instrument is used to position the cup in the pelvis. Optional screw guides are provided in the instrument in case the surgeon wishes to use screws to affix the cup to the pelvis.

Abstract: An alignment guide for guiding the positioning of an acetabular cup implant includes a body having a first end and a second end. A flange extends from the first end and is adapted to rest on a labrum of an acetabulum. At least a first formation is provided at the second end which is adapted to engage with a transverse acetabular ligament of the acetabulum. A formation for accepting a trackable instrument is provided to allow a tracking system to determine the orientation of the guide.

Abstract: A patient-specific acetabular guide for use in orienting an acetabular component with respect to an acetabulum of a patient as part of a surgical procedure includes a body having a bottom contact surface that has a portion that is shaped and configured to initimately receive and interlockingly mate with an acetabular notch of the patient's acetabulum in accordance with a three-dimensional image of the acetabulum of the specific patient. The three-dimensional image can be in the form of a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient's acetabulum that is constructed at least in part on 3D image data of the pelvic region of the patient.

Abstract: A device for use in facilitating alignment of an acetabular component relative to the pelvis of a subject, the device having a device body and at least a first locator for placement on a first predetermined mounting location on the acetabular rim of a subject, the device defining an orientation and/or position with respect to said subject when installed for facilitating alignment of an acetabular component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing total hip arthroplasty with patient-specific guides Pre-operative images of a pelvic region of a patient are taken in order to predefine the structure of the guides and corresponding implants. From the obtained image data an insertional vector for implanting an acetabular implant or component into an acetabulum of the patient is determined, wherein the insertional vector is coaxial with a polar axis of the acetabular component. Also from the obtained image data, a superior surface of the guides and implants can be shaped to match the acetabulum of the patient. A nub portion extending outwardly from the superior surface of the guides and implants is shaped to substantially match the shape of a fovea of the acetabulum. A guide portion of the guides forming a slot has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the determined insertional vector of a corresponding acetabular component.

Abstract: An acetabular cup shell insertion system is provided for a shell having a threaded central opening and a part-spherical inner surface. The system includes an impactor having a strike plate at a first end and a first connection element at a second end. Also provided is a longitudinally extending adapter having a threaded first end adapted to threadably engage the threaded central opening in the acetabular cup. A second end of the adapter has a second connection element for engaging the impactor first connection element. An impaction flange extends radially outwardly of a longitudinal axis of the adapter. The flange has a first contact surface facing the second end of the adapter. A second contact surface surrounding the threaded first end of the adapter contacts the part-spherical inner surface of the acetabular cup surrounding the threaded central opening.

Abstract: An instrument for positioning a hollow cup component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The instrument includes a longitudinal member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The instrument further includes a resilient cup engaging member coupled to the first end. The resilient cup engaging member has a convex outer surface adapted to engage an interior of the hollow cup component. The entire outer convex surface is manufactured of a resilient material. An actuator in fluid communication with the resilient cup engaging member is also included. When the actuator is actuated, the suction force between the resilient cup engaging member and the hollow cup increases.