Abstract: A cup for a hip replacement is disposed in a first relationship in an operating room with an object providing a sighting for the cup rotation in a first plane. The cup is thereafter rotated in the first plane through a first angle (e.g., 20°-30°). The cup is then disposed in a planar relationship in the operating room with another object providing a sighting for the cup rotation in a second plane transverse (e.g. perpendicular) to the first plane. The cup is subsequently rotated through a second angle (e.g. 40°-45°) in the second plane. In this way, the cup is properly positioned in the acetabulum socket. The length of the leg receiving the hip rotation is then adjusted so that the leg length matches the length of the patient's other leg. This adjustment is provided without affecting the offset position of the center of the ball on the femur.

Abstract: An insertion instrument for hip endoprosthetics for inserting socket inserts into endoprosthetic hip sockets having holding claws which are connected to a substantially ring-shaped support element through spring elements, wherein the insertion instrument can be placed on the socket insert and can be connected to said socket insert through the holding claws. In order for the user to receive direct palpatory information about the events in the operation areas and to not suffer a perceived loss of control, it is proposed that the support element surround a freely accessible, substantially circular effective insertion area, the center point of which is located on the longitudinal axis of the insertion instrument.

Abstract: A hair dryer and vacuum device includes a housing having a nozzle, a handle, and a body portion situated between the handle and nozzle, the nozzle including a first channel extending from the body portion to an outlet port and a second channel extending from the body portion to an inlet port. A heating coil is mounted in the body portion for heating air and a dryer fan is positioned adjacent the heating coil that is configured to blow the heated air through the outlet port when energized. A vacuum fan is mounted in the second channel and configured to draw air into the second channel through the inlet port when energized. The device includes a collection chamber situated between the vacuum fan and the body portion and in communication with the second channel such that fallen hair is collected therein.

Abstract: A pre-assembled orthopaedic implant adapted for improved gas sterilization. The implant includes a first component adapted for assembly with a second component such that a mating surface of the first component is in close proximity with a mating surface of the second component. At least one gas conduit associated with the mating surface of the first component facilitates a sterilizing gas to penetrate into and dissipate from the interface defined by the mating surfaces.

Abstract: An instrument for positioning a cup component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis includes a shaft, and a flange located near an end of the shaft on which the cup component can be fixed. The flange extends from the shaft transversely, and can be retracted from an in-use position wherein the flange is received in a groove in the internal surface of the cup component when positioned over the said end of the instrument, and a retracted position in which the flange is withdrawn toward the axis of the shaft from the in-use position, allowing the cup component to be released from the instrument.

Abstract: An acetabular device includes a patient-specific acetabular alignment guide including a bone engagement surface. The bone engagement surface has a first portion configured and shaped to be conforming and complementary to an acetabular rim surface and a second portion configured and shaped to be conforming and complementary to a periacetabular area of an acetabulum of a patient. The acetabular alignment guide includes a plurality of guiding formations extending through the second portion for guiding a plurality of alignment pins therethrough. The bone engagement surface and the plurality of guiding formations are prepared from a three-dimensional model of the acetabulum of the specific patient reconstructed pre-operatively from a scan of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-fixating trial socket for releasable insertion into a corresponding cavity in a hip bone. The self-fixating trial socket comprises an outer surface, which is matched to the cavity in the hip bone, an inner surface, which is matched to an inlay, especially a trial inlay, and/or to a ball joint head, for receiving the latter in the hip joint socket, especially self-fixating trial socket, and at least one holding element for fixating the hip joint socket in the cavity, the at least one holding element comprising at least one spring element which is constructed in such a way that in the inserted state the spring element exerts, at least in some places, an outwardly directed spring force on the cavity in the hip bone for releasable fixation of the hip joint socket.

Abstract: A hip cup extraction apparatus (101) comprising a shaft (402), a handle (404), a semicircular cutting blade (406), a spring loaded latching member (408), and a head (100) for removing a hip cup (405) from a pelvic bone (401). The head (100) includes a semispherical section (102) terminating in a substantially planar surface (104), a hip cup extraction apparatus aperture (106), a retaining sleeve (108), and a three sided void (110). The head (100) may be configured for selective attachment to the hip cup extraction apparatus (101). The hip cup extraction apparatus (101) is inserted into the hip cup extraction apparatus aperture (106), and an optional spring loaded latching member (408) retains the head (100) in place. As the head (100) is being attached to the hip cup extraction apparatus (101), the semicircular cutting blade (406) may pass through the three sided void (110). Once the head (100) is attached to the hip cup extraction apparatus (101), the head (100) is inserted into the hip cup (405).

Abstract: An acetabular instrument has a handle portion having one or more solid nonflexible drive shaft elements therethrough. The shaft elements are connected by a U-joint at one of both ends to form a flexible curved drive shaft. One end of a solid shaft element is connected to a knob so that rotation of the knob drives the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft is housed within a hollow curved body preferably made of stainless steel. One end of the curved body it is connected to the handle portion and at the other end to an acetabular cup or acetabular reamer holder. The reamer holder is rotatably driven by the flexible drive shaft. The knob may be made so that it may receive blows from a mallet allowing the instrument to be used as an impactor. The drive shaft may be used to actuate a locking mechanism within the cup or reamer holder which connects the reamer cup to the instrument.

Abstract: A method and device are provided in order to achieve desired orientation of an acetabular cup for total hip replacement or hip resurfacing. The method and device utilize preoperative CT, MRI or other scans, 3D computer modeling and a patient specific alignment jig created from CT, MRI or other data and computer 3D modeling. The device allows accurate placement of a drill hole to establish an acetabular axis and placement of an acetabular cup perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A method for preparing a joint surface of a patient for an implant, such as, for example, an acetabular implant for a hip joint. According to the method, a patient-specific guide is attached to a complementary joint surface of the patient. The patient-specific guide includes a guiding element oriented along a patient-specific alignment axis. The alignment axis is determined during a preoperative plan of the patient for implant alignment. A shaft of a guiding tool is removably coupled to the guiding element of the guide. A three-dimensional orientation device is removably attached to the shaft of the guiding tool. A position of a bubble of the orientation device is marked with a mark on an outer transparent surface of the orientation device while the guiding tool is oriented along the alignment axis. The marked orientation device can be used for aligning other instruments during the procedure.

Abstract: An inserter for locating and impacting an acetabular cup which has an inner bearing surface in a prepared acetabulum. The inserter has a handle carrying an anvil, an impaction head adapted to receive the cup and a retention system for attaching the cup to the inserter. The retention system extends between an actuator in the handle and the impaction head. The actuator is operable to free the retention system from the cup by impacting the anvil.

Abstract: In this invention, there is provided a system which can visually indicate to the surgeon an ideal angle for the acetabular cup during a total hip replacement procedure, wherein the system uses a robotic system which orients an elongated guide at the preferred axis for the acetabular cup.

Abstract: A prosthetic acetabular cup inserter and impactor has an expandable annular cup engaging element to engage the inner surface of a cup to be inserted in the acetabulum. An expander is provided for expanding the cup engaging element which is connected to one end of a handle via a hollow or partly hollow extension portion. The other end of the handle is provided with an anvil. An elongate operator is located within the extension portion and connected to the cup engaging element. A device is provided for moving the elongate operator to pull the cup engaging element towards the expander.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting acetabular components into an acetabulum utilizing a minimally invasive incision. The method and apparatus utilize a subatmospheric pressure formed in a hollow passage of an elongate body to secure an acetabular shell to a shell-engaging head removably attached to a coupler end of the elongate body. Liner-engaging heads may also be removably attached to the coupler end to install socket liners into an implanted acetabular shell. The elongate body may comprise a bent portion to allow access to the acetabulum through a minimally invasive incision.

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: An extraction device for removing a liner from an acetabular cup is provided. The extraction device includes a body and an actuator. The actuator is operably connected to the body. The extraction device also includes a jaw for cooperation with the liner. The jaw includes a portion of the jaw for penetrating into the liner. The jaw is operably connected to the actuator. The actuator is adapted to cooperate with the jaw to provide a first position for the jaw spaced from the liner and a second position for the jaw in contact with the liner.

Abstract: The surgical device according to the invention comprises both means for per-operative measurement and for memorization of a plurality of positions of a given femoral prosthetic direction and means for per-operative comparison of these positions with the cone of mobility of the prosthesis to be implanted, the position of the axis of revolution of this cone being, during the implantation of the prosthesis, adjustable with respect to the zone of the pelvis where the implantation of an acetabulum of the prosthesis is provided. By using this device, the surgeon can easily and rapidly determine, in the course of the surgical operation, a preferential direction for implanting the prosthetic acetabulum in order to reduce the subsequent risks of dislocations of the implanted prosthesis.

Abstract: A system for replacing a portion of a shoulder joint can include a tray having an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface can be adapted to engage a humeral stem. A bearing can include an outer bearing surface and an inner articulating surface. The outer bearing surface can be positioned adjacent to the tray. A ring can be selectively disposed between the tray and the bearing. The ring can define an annular body having a slit formed therein. The ring can be movable between a locked position wherein the ring retains the bearing relative to the tray and an unlocked position. A removal tool can define a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can define a ring engaging surface and a bearing engaging surface. The ring engaging surface can be adapted to engage the ring at the slit such that the ring expands radially from the locked position away from engagement with the bearing to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A device (1) for connecting to an implant (16), comprising: at least two protrusions (8, 9) connectable, in use, to at least one indentation (20) in the implant; and a mechanism for moving the protrusions between a connected and a disconnected position. An implant (16) comprising a body (17) having at least one indentation (20) disposed within the body, wherein, in use, the at least one indentation receives at least two protrusions (8, 9) of a device (1) for connecting to the implant (16) such that the implant is clamped by the device. A method of connecting an implant (16) to a device (1).

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

Abstract: An acetabular inserter (10) aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis (11) having a central, female aperture (13). The inserter includes an inserter head (20), a housing (12) and a locking mechanism. The housing (12) is attached to the inserter head, the housing enclosing a drive train (14) having, at a far end (134), a prosthesis engaging thread (124), and at the opposite end (42?), a handle (20) which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end (42?) of the drive train has a latch device which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis is adapted to be arranged in the acetabular of a patient for impacting it. The prosthesis includes a cup having a wall in the shape of a spherical cap intended to receive an insert within it. The outer surface of the cap is adapted to come into contact with the bottom of the patient's acetabular. The cap is extended at its peripheral edge by a cylindrical part, and at least one cavity is formed in the outer surface of the cylindrical part.

Abstract: Accessory for implantation of a hip joint endoprosthesis, with a manipulation cup, a manipulation joint head with means for orienting the manipulation cup in the acetabulum, and with a device to represent the correctly oriented position of the manipulation cup such that by means of this device a bone-milling cutter and an impact instrument can then oriented appropriately for placement of the prosthesis cup.

Abstract: A method and device are provided in order to achieve optimal or desired orientation of an acetabular cup for total hip replacement or hip resurfacing. The method and device utilize preoperative medical imaging such as CT or MRI scans, 3D computer modeling and a patient-specific alignment jig created from medical imaging data such as CT or MRI data and computer 3D modeling. The device allows accurate placement of a drill hole to establish an acetabular axis, and placement of an acetabular cup perpendicular to the axis.

Abstract: A surgical device for holding and rotating an acetabular reaming head is provided, comprising a shaft having a length which runs from a first end adapted for holding an acetabular reaming head to a second end. At least part of the shaft is divergent from the axis defined by the first and second ends of the shaft, for example the shaft may include a C-shaped divergent portion. A head held by the device can therefore access the acetabular in its true anatomical position while avoiding encroachment of the shaft on surrounding body parts.

Abstract: An extraction device for removing a liner from an acetabular cup is provided. The extraction device includes a jaw and a handle. The jaw is for cooperation with the liner and including a portion of the jaw for penetrating into the liner. The handle is operably associated with the jaw and is adapted for gripping the extraction device.

Abstract: An instrument for controlling the distribution of bone cement on the surface of the head of a bone to prepare the bone to receive a re-surfacing prosthesis comprises a hollow shell which can be fitted on to the head of the bone to define a space around the head. The shell is rotationally symmetrical and has a spike like projection extending axially from the internal surface of the shell. At least one rib is located on the internal surface of the shell, extending from the spike like projection or from close to it, towards the open face of the shell, which contacts cement on the head of the bone in a sweeping action when the shell is rotated around its axis on the head of the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty including an acetabular cup inserter is provided. The cup inserter is utilized for securing a prosthetic acetabular component thereto for implantation into a hip joint. The acetabular cup inserter includes a frame having an offset frame leg to allow for placement of an acetabular cup in the correct anteversion and abduction without interference from soft tissue.

Abstract: A tool and method for implanting an acetabular cup having screw retention features.

Abstract: A tool for separating an acetabular shell of a hip prosthesis from the surrounding pelvic bone includes a fixture which attaches to the acetabular shell and has a chisel guide mounted on it. A chisel associated with the chisel guide is curved to conform to the outer periphery of the acetabular shell, and the chisel guide causes the chisel to circumscribe the acetabular shell as the chisel is inserted between the acetabular shell and the pelvis.

Abstract: An instrument for gripping a cup component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis comprises a drive plate having a spiral track formed on it and at least two jaw members. Each of the jaw members has a formation on it which can engage the spiral track, and a guide in which the jaw member is a sliding fit. The formations on the jaw members cause the jaw members to translate in their respective guides when the drive plate is rotated.

Abstract: An acetabular liner insertion guide (10) aligns a liner (12) within an acetabular shell. The liner includes a ring (16) and a penetrable layer (14). The ring includes a lip configured to rest on an upper surface of the acetabular shell. The ring is also configured to attach to the liner such that an upper surface of the liner is in a plane that is generally parallel to a plane that includes the upper surface of the acetabular shell. The penetrable layer is configured to receive an impactor and overlie the liner. When the insertion guide is placed on the shell and the impactor impacts the liner, the insertion guide separates from the liner and remains on the impactor.

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 method and apparatus for implanting various portions of a prosthesis into an anatomy. The instruments can include portions that allow for positive and rigid engagement with a selected prosthesis member to allow for positioning it relative to the anatomy. Further, various instruments can include portions that allow it to engage or match with marking portions or alignment portions on a first prosthesis member to align a second prosthesis member with the first one. Further, methods of using the various instruments are taught and providing for a less or minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an instrument for use in minimally invasive hip surgery. In particular, the instrument is useful for both alignment and insertion/impaction of an acetabular shell. Furthermore, the instrument is suitable for assuring the shell is impacted with the proper abduction and version in left or right hips.

Abstract: A number of customized patient-specific acetabular orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. A method for fabricating and using such orthopaedic surgical instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An acetabular impactor aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis having a central, female aperture. The impactor includes an impactor head, housing and a locking mechanism. The housing is attached to the impactor head, the housing enclosing a drive train having, at a far end, a prosthesis engaging thread, and at the opposite end, a handle which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end of the drive train has a latch device which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus to detect position changes of an implant x-ray detectable markers are arranged in the environment of the implant, and 2D x-ray exposures are obtained at temporal intervals of a region containing the implant in which a distribution of the markers as well as of marked points of the implant are visible in each 2D x-ray exposure. A first of the 2D x-ray exposures is obtained at a first point in time from one projection direction, and a second of the 2D x-ray exposures is obtained at a second point in time from another projection direction. The distribution of the markers and marked points is determined in the first and second 2D x-ray exposure by an evaluation device, and from the distributions a degree of probability is calculated that the distribution of the first 2D x-ray exposure and the distribution of the second 2D x-ray exposure are projections of the same three-dimensional distribution of markers and marked points.

Abstract: An instrument for hip arthroplasty having an impaction body attached to an end of a main body. The impaction body is positionable inside a patient's hip and has an axis coaxial with an impaction axis. A leading end of the impaction body is configured to selectively engage an acetabular shell for use during impaction of the shell into an acetabulum. An arm extends from the main body and has a guide ring at an end thereof. The guide ring has an axis coaxial with the impaction axis. A trocar is inserted through the guide ring and along the impaction axis to make a path through underlying soft tissue for insertion of an impacting instrument. A rotatable handle on the main body indicates whether the main body is in a proper position in either a right or left hip.

Abstract: Disclosed apparatus and methods confirm the depth of insertion of an acetabular component in the course of a total Mp replacement using a graduated shaft through a cannulated holder. Embodiments are disclosed including a version integrated into existing instrumentation, and an alternative, disposable version, one per case. All of embodiments confirm appropriate seating of the acetabular component against the inner wall of the acetabulum. Given the hemispherical reaming that is done during acetabular preparation, this would allow for maximal contact between the prosthesis and the host bone.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant impactor which includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A trigger is pivotably connected to the distal end, the trigger having a cam end. A push rod is within the shaft and is connected to the cam end of the trigger.

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 positioning bracket for a surgical procedure to assist in determining the correct placement and/or alignment of a surgical device for a patient, said positioning bracket comprising a first arm (1) mounted on a support frame (6,7), a rear positioning pad (4) located on the first arm (1) adjacent an end of the first arm for placement on the patient, a front positioning pad (2) located on the first arm (1) adjacent the other end of the first arm for placement on the patient, and a second arm (8) mounted on the support frame (6,7), the second arm (8) comprising a connector (12) adjacent an end of the second arm (8) to receive a surgical device, wherein the support frame (6,7) permits the connector (12) to be positioned relative to the rear positioning pad (4) and front positioning pad (2).

Abstract: An acetabular inserter (10, 10?, 10?) aids a surgeon in controlling the installation of an acetabular cup prosthesis (11) having a central, female aperture (13). The inserter includes a head (20), a housing (12, 12?, 12?) and a locking mechanism (44, 50, 52, 54, 56, 60, 62, 67, 68; 124, 130, 142, 146; 180, 193, 194, 195, 196, 200, 202, 206, 210, 212, 14). The housing (12, 12?, 12?) is attached to the head, the housing enclosing a drive train (14, 14?, 14?) having, at a far end (134), a prosthesis engaging thread (124), and at the opposite end (42?), a handle (20, 20?, 20?) which facilitates turning of the drive train by the operator. The locking mechanism is associated with the housing which selectively locks the drive train, and thus the prosthesis, in position. The opposite end (42?) of the drive train has a latch device (52, 54, 56, 60, 62; 44, 50; 180) which enables quick removal from the housing for cleaning and sterilization.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and measuring changes in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses dual orientation devices of a type capable of measuring angular position changes from a reference position. One such device provides information as to changes in position of an anatomical landmark relative to a reference position. The second device provides information as to changes in position of a surgical instrument and/or prosthesis relative to the reference position.

Abstract: An acetabular system includes an acetabular guide having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface made to conform to an acetabular rim surface around an acetabulum of a patient in accordance with a three-dimensional image of the acetabulum of the patient. The acetabular guide includes an aperture having an inner surface oriented at selected anteversion and abduction angles relative to the first surface for guiding an acetabular implant into the acetabulum at the selected anteversion and abduction angles.

Abstract: A trial acetabular cup having a signal generating device located thereon.

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 surgical alignment guide for hip replacement or revision surgery includes a support (12) for a prosthetic acetabular cup, the support being connected to one end of a carrier shaft (10). The support (12) has a bore (14) angled relative to the shaft so that a prosthetic acetabular cup secured to the support (12) has the correct orientation. An arm (26) extends from the shaft (10) at a position spaced from the support (12), and an adjustment arrangement (17, 21) is associated with the shaft (10) to enable adjustment of the angular position of the bore (14) with respect to the arm (26). In one form, an outer end of the arm (26) is connected to a gauge (28) which provides an alignment orientation indication of the cup support (12) and a prosthetic acetabular cup attached thereto. The adjustment arrangement may have two radial fingers (17) extending from the shaft (10) and engagable with teeth (24) associated with the arm (26).