Abstract: A cement restrictor is provided for creating a fixed obstruction within a bone. An exemplary cement restrictor includes a member or body that is expandable or transitionable from a first diameter to a second diameter.

Abstract: A core for forming a bone cement plug for deployment in a bone canal, the core including a base portion defining a bore having internal teeth therein and extending axially and distally from a proximal end of the base portion. A first leg portion depends from and extends distally from the base portion, the first leg portion having a first protrusion at a distal end thereof extending outwardly from an outside wall of the first leg portion through a first arc, and a second leg portion depends from and extends distally from the base portion, the second leg portion having a second protrusion at a distal end thereof extending outwardly from an outside wall of the second leg portion through a second arc and oppositely to the first arc. The toothed bore of the base portion is adapted to receive an expander member to wedge apart the first and second leg portions to expand the core widthwise to secure the core in the bone canal.

Abstract: The figures show a cementable shaft prosthesis (1) comprising a centering apparatus (2) of plastic which can be pushed on at its distal shaft end (3) and which forms a cavity (4) to the distal shaft end (3). Between the distal shaft end (3) and the centering apparatus (2) there exists a clamping connection which enables a deeper sinking in of the shaft end into the cavity in the distal direction. The clamping connection is achieved by a spigot (7) which is formed on at the centering apparatus (2) in the cavity (4) and which protrudes in into a conical bore (5) of the shaft end (3) in the proximal direction.

Abstract: A method of grouting which permits the joining together of two parts by means of a binder and, more particularly, the sealing of one part in another, in particular the sealing of a prosthesis in a bone cavity. The method includes producing in the part to be sealed a channel which passes through the part along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the introduction of the part to be sealed into the recess formed in the part intended to receive it, and injecting the binder into the channel until the binder fills the space between the part and the wall of the recess. Centering elements can be placed around the part in the space present between the part and the wall of the recess, and a packing part can be positioned, around the part to be sealed, on the opening of the recess. The injection channel made in the part which is to be sealed can be provided with a thread which makes it possible to introduce a threaded rod into it for the extraction of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cement jacket for a cemented artificial joint stem, wherein shear force detrimental to the service life of an artificial joint can be markedly reduced while the compressive force beneficial for the strengthening of the bone is significantly increased and stress shielding phenomena which makes the bone resorbed can also be markedly relieved, due to the construction of the cement jacket which can be fixed within the bone canal and can enclose the surface of the stem so as to allow for the artificial joint stem to slide vertically relative to the bone, and wherein the osteolysis of a femur due to the infiltration of wear particle can be minimized by curbing the gap formation between the femur and the stem.

Abstract: A radial impacting technique involves using a set of progressively larger radial impactors to pack a medullary canal in a radial direction toward the cortex. For revision cases, graft material, which may be either synthetic or bone graft material, is added into the medullary canal after the previously installed implant has been removed. Packing the medullary canal in the radial direction, as opposed to the conventional approach of packing in a distal direction, provides superior results. The radial impactors are preferably cannulated and may also have holes to assist in the removal of fluids from within the medullary canal. The profile impactors may be either cannulated or non-cannulated and prepare the medullary canal for receipt of the implant.

Abstract: A plug system for preventing material from extruding beyond a desired location in a bone tunnel includes a plug member that has an insertion axis extending from a first end and a plurality of interleaving arms disposed about the insertion axis. The arms are affixed at a second end and are flarable at the first end between an insertion position wherein the arms are relatively close packed and a position wherein the arms are flared. A portion of each arm remains in overlapping relation to an adjacent arm. The system further includes an expansion member that has an insertion portion adapted to separate the arms upon progressive entry along the insertion axis from the first end. In use the plug can be inserted either first end first, with the expansion member drawn into the plug by a manipulator, or second end first, with the expansion member driven along the insertion axis.

Abstract: A prosthesis provided with a stem at least part of which is enclosed in a mantle and which is for insertion in a bone cavity and attachment thereto by cement, said mantle having a wall thickness which is increased towards its proximal end to provide an outwardly projecting proximal balcony and which is dimensioned and adapted to locate the stem in a predetermined position within the cross-sectional area of the bone cavity at or towards the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering the stem of a femoral hip prosthesis in the cavity formed in the medullary canal in the proximal end of the femur. The apparatus includes a sleeve or other like device which is mounted onto the neck of the femoral hip prosthesis and which contains at least two projections extending from a lower surface thereof which are adapted to seat in correspondingly formed slots disposed on the upper proximal surface of the femur bone. The slots are positioned such that when the projections reside therein, the stem is centered within the cavity. The slots and projections are elongated in a direction generally transverse to the direction of elongation of the stem, and in this direction of elongation each slot and associated projection is not parallel to the other slot and associated projection. The device of this invention may be used either with prosthesis having a collar, or with a collarless prosthesis.

Abstract: With the invention blocking systems for the medullary canal (1) of a tubular bone (2) are shown which have a blocking element (5) in order to hold bone cement (3) back from cemented prosthesis shafts (4). Because a deformable plug (6) which can be decomposed in the body is placed on between the blocking element (15) and the shaft end (7), which prevents an advance of liquid bone cement (3) in the capacity of a fill-in and which permits a penetration of the end (7) of the prosthesis shaft (4), a cement socket without a base arises which permits settling movements of the shaft in the hardened bone cement.

Abstract: Surgical instruments comprise a hollow tube constructed to receive bone graft, and a plunger to be inserted into the hollow tube. The plunger is constructed and arranged with respect to the hollow tube so as to form a positive impression in the bone graft when the bone graft and the plunger are within the hollow tube. The plunger is further constructed and arranged so that when the hollow tube is moved in a direction away from a graft receiving area, the bone graft is delivered to the graft receiving area with the same positive impression that was formed within the hollow tube.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting a stent onto the balloon of a balloon catheter. In one embodiment, a kit is provided that includes two instruments, a first being a loader tool and a second being a profiler tool. The loader tool can be a handheld device that includes a handle at one end of the tool. A tube extends outwardly from the handle, and a wire extends is axially through the tube and projects outwardly from the tube. A balloon catheter can slide along the central wire until the balloon is delivered into the interior of the tube. A stent that is disposed about the periphery of the tube can be mounted onto the balloon by grasping the handle of the loader tool and pulling the handle and tube away from the catheter and stent whine the catheter and stent are maintained in a fixed relationship.

Abstract: A cement restrictor is provided for creating a fixed obstruction within a bone. An exemplary cement restrictor includes a member or body that is expandable or transitionable from a first diameter to a second diameter.

Abstract: A spacer includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an aperture open at the first end and at the second end. The spacer can be an element of a prosthetic joint component system that further includes a cement injection nozzle insertable through the aperture in the spacer and a sleeve disposable around at least a portion of the nozzle.

Abstract: A self-venting cement restrictor or bone plug is provided for insertion into the medullary canal of a patient bone during orthopedic surgery. The cement restrictor includes a valve member which accommodates passage of air and body fluids therethrough as the cement restrictor is placed to avoid pressurizing the downstream medullary space. An installation tool is manipulated in the course of cement restrictor installation for shifting the valve member to a closed position, whereby the cement restrictor retains bone cement introduced subsequently under pressure within the upstream medullary space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering the stem of a femoral hip prosthesis in the cavity formed in the medullary canal in the proximal end of the femur. The apparatus includes a sleeve or other like device which is mounted onto the neck of the femoral hip prosthesis and which contains at least two projections extending from a lower surface thereof which are adapted to seat in correspondingly formed slots disposed on the upper proximal surface of the femur bone. The slots are positioned such that when the projections reside therein, the stem is centered within the cavity. The slots and projections are elongated in a direction generally transverse to the direction of elongation of the stem, and in this direction of elongation each slot and associated projection is not parallel to the other slot and associated projection. The device of this invention may be used either with prosthesis having a collar, or with a collarless prosthesis.

Abstract: A bone cement plug for use in conjunction with bone cement dispensers to compact bone cement into bone canals during total joint replacement surgeries.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning an orthopedic implant within a cavity in a bone, including a plug member which is inserted into the cavity in the bone. A cutter movably engages the plug member and is used to create a first mating surface in the bone. A positioning jig having a second mating surface which is adapted to substantially mate with the first mating surface and a third surface adapted to removably engage the orthopedic implant is used to center the orthopedic implant within the cavity in the bone. Upon the second mating surface of the positioning jig mating with the first mating surface within the bone and the third surface removably engaging the orthopedic implant, the orthopedic implant is substantially centrally positioned within the cavity of the bone.

Abstract: A bone plug is provided for insertion into the medullary canal of a patient bone during orthopedic surgery, wherein the bone plug restricts or prevents passage of bone cement introduced under pressure into the medullary canal. The bone plug includes a generally cylindrical member formed from a biocompatible material such as polyethylene and having sets of distal and proximal fins. The distal fins are defined by a spiral thread set at an angle to extend distally, to bend to accommodate the shape of the medullary canal and thereby anchor the bone plug by biting into patient bone, whereas the proximal fins flex during plug insertion to extend proximally and thereby seal against bypass flow of bone cement past the bone plug. An insertion tool is also disclosed, for use in placing the bone plug during a surgical procedure, such as hip arthroplasty.

Abstract: A cement restrictor system is provided for making a cement plug within the medullary canal of a long bone. The system includes an inflatable body, a conduit having first and second ends that defines a fluid passage to and from the inflatable body, and a shield releasably securable to the conduit. In an exemplary method of making a cement plug with the system an obstruction, such as the shield, is placed in a medullary canal of a long bone beyond the isthmus of the long bone. The obstruction is held in place with the flatable body. A predetermined quantity of bone cement is poured into the medullary canal and localized by the obstruction. The bone cement is allowed to harden; and the conduit and inflatable body are removed from the bone.

Abstract: A method of preparing an intramedullary canal of a bone for joint arthroplasty including drilling a hole into the intramedullary cavity of a bone and inserting a centering rod longitudinally into the intramedullary canal of the bone. The rod is inserted to align the rod along the longitudinal axis of the bone. Osteotomizing the articulating surface of the bone and preparing the intramedullary canal of the bone to receive a prosthesis. The preparation including placing cannulated instruments in a telescoping manner over the centering rod and into the intramedullary cavity to create a canal suitable for receiving a bone prosthesis. The cannulated instrumentation includes a cannulated tamp, a cannulated osteotomy guide, a cannulated reamer, a cannulated box chisel, and a cannulated broach. The instrumentation is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing prosthesis surgery has a phantom implant component. Elements are provided for holding said phantom component accurately and stationary relative to a cavity in a bone. The phantom component has a tapered insert portion, the dimensions of which are identical to the insert portion of an implant component which is to be fitted. A method of performing prosthesis surgery is included which uses the apparatus set forth above which includes preparing an opening in a bone with cement, inserting the insert portion of the phantom component, allowing the cement to at least partially set, removing the phantom component, inspecting the cement and then inserting the implant component with the identical insert portion dimensions.

Abstract: A tubular guide part which is insertable into the medullary space is connected to a source of pressure medium and to a blocking element having the form of a hollow body which can be inflated in the manner of a balloon. The hollow body is inflated via the supply of pressure medium from a basic position situated in the cross-sectional region of the guide part into an expanded position in which the hollow body seals off one portion of the medullary space, which is to be filled with bone cement and is to receive a prosthesis shaft, from a neighboring portion of the medullary space. After insertion of a part of the prosthesis shaft into the bone cement bed, the hollow body can be shrunk into its basic position by the removal of pressure medium and withdrawn from the medullary space together with the guide part. The cavity in the bone cement bed ensuing therefrom is filled up by bone cement expelled during insertion of the remaining portion of the prosthesis shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece or multipiece application system for applying plastic masses out of a receptacle. The application system (10) comprises a funnel-shaped outlet piece (16) adapted to the receptacle and an elongate application part (30), wherein along the inner surfaces of all parts of the application system no shoulder is formed which could impair the application of the plastic mass.

Abstract: A bone plug is provided for insertion into the medullary canal of a patient bone during orthopedic surgery, wherein the bone plug restricts or prevents passage of bone cement introduced under pressure into the medullary canal. The bone plug comprises a generally cylindrical member formed from a biocompatible material such as polyethylene and having sets of distal and proximal fins. The distal fins are defined by a spiral thread set at an angle to extend distally, to bend to accommodate the shape of the medullary canal and thereby anchor the bone plug by biting into patient bone, whereas the proximal fins flex during plug insertion to extend proximally and thereby seal against bypass flow of bone cement past the bone plug. An insertion tool is also disclosed, for use in placing the bone plug during a surgical procedure, such as hip arthroplasty.

Abstract: The plug is made of a plastic material and acts as a cement barrier for openings produced by an operative procedure in medullated bones. The plug is clamped between the side walls of the opening of the bone by means of elastic flanges and prevents the bone cement from escaping downwards on insertion of an intramedullary stem or upon pressurization of the bone cement.

Abstract: A cannulated tamp having a proximal compressive flange as used for compacting bone graft material in a femur having a cavity being prepared to receive a femural prosthesis. The tamp of the present invention is particularly useful in achieving uniform compaction in the proximal area of the femur. The compressive flange may be monolithic with the stem of the tamp or may be a separate modular member affixed thereto. Under one embodiment a series of passageways are provided for attachment to a source of vacuum for evacuating blood and other fluids from the prepared cavity.

Abstract: A prosthesis having attachment portion for insertion into or attachment to a patient's bone without bone cement. Parts of the attachment portion on the prosthesis are attached to the bone are covered with a mantle of synthetic resin material and which has a roughened outer surface with bone fragments or calcium phosphate fragments embedded therein.

Abstract: A bone plug is provided for insertion into the medullary canal of a patient bone during orthopedic surgery, wherein the bone plug restricts or prevents passage of bone cement introduced under pressure into the medullary canal. The bone plug comprises a generally cylindrical member formed from a biocompatible material such as polyethylene and having sets of distal and proximal fins formed thereon. The bone plug is installed with an insertion tool that can be readily manipulated to orient the distal fins to define distally presented outer edges to anchor the bone plug by biting into patient bone, whereas the proximal fins are oriented to define proximally presented outer edges to seal against bypass flow of bone cement past the bone plug.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone prosthesis to be rigidly cemented into position in the femur, and also applicable to total knee and shoulder replacement operations, is provided as an improved surgical technique. The prosthesis is composed of a femoral head base, a femoral head post, a long femoral stem, a cement canal along its longitudinal axis, a spacer, a collar, and a distal restrictor. The prosthesis is placed into the prepared medullary canal. With collar in position, a bone cement injector is readily threaded on to the proximal portion of the cement canal. Cement is injected and subsequently travels down through the canal, through the spacer, and eventually exits openings at the bottom of the spacer. The distal restrictor plug halts downward cement travel, thus initiating an upward, retrograde filling of the void in between the prosthesis and the cancellous bone wall. The cement reaches the collar or cement restrictor, thus proximally dislodging all air bubbles, blood, and blood products.

Abstract: A centralizer for the stem of a cementable prosthetic orthopedic implant that is implanted into the medullary canal of a bone has a hollow annular body with a tapered interior surface for receiving a tapered stem of the implant. The centralizer has four fins spaced around the exterior surface of its annular body with the fins extending radially outwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending along the stem in a proximal-distal direction. The annular body of the centralizer has a proximal and a distal end surface spaced a predetermined distance apart with the fins having a base adjacent the body extending over a substantial portion of the predetermined distance. Adjacent fins are offset from neighboring fins in a proximal-distal direction so that when the proximal-distal dimension of the annular body is maintained, it generates a wavelike structure for the centralizer body.

Abstract: An anchor and method for securement into a bore in a medium. The anchor has a first generally hollow cylindrical section having a first plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers and a second generally hollow cylindrical section having a second plurality of spaced longitudinally directed fingers. The first and second sections are arranged opposed to each other with the fingers of each section being interdigitated with the fingers of the other section. The first and second sections are adapted to receive a compression force moving the two sections relatively toward each other, whereby at least some of the fingers move outwardly so as to secure the two sections in the bore in the medium.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone prosthesis to be rigidly cemented into position in the femur, and also applicable to total knee and shoulder replacement operations, is provided as an improved surgical technique. The prosthesis is composed of a femoral head base, a femoral head post, a long femoral stem, a cement canal along its longitudinal axis, a spacer, a collar, and a distal restrictor. The prosthesis is placed into the prepared medullary canal. With collar in position, a bone cement injector is readily threaded on to the proximal portion of the cement canal. Cement is injected and subsequently travels down through the canal, through the spacer, and eventually exits openings at the bottom of the spacer. The distal restrictor plug halts downward cement travel, thus initiating an upward, substantially completely retrograde filling of the void in between the prosthesis and the cancellous bone wall.

Abstract: An expansible bone plug assembly comprises a first member closed by a substantially planar surface at one end thereof, the member having a cylindrical outer surface. A central bore extends through the planar surface, and a plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the first member. A second member is closed by a hemispherical surface at one end thereof, and has a cylindrical outer surface. A plurality of longitudinally directed radially extendable fingers form part of the second member. The second member fingers are interdigitated with the first member fingers, and bear against the first member and the first member fingers bear against the second member. An axially extensible and retractable compression member extends through the bore and is engaged with the second member for causing the first and second members to be drawn together when the compression member is retracted, so that the fingers of the first and second members are thereby caused to extend radially outwardly.

Abstract: A centralizer is installed on the end of the distal stem of a femoral prosthesis by virtue of splines cut into the sides of the tip of the distal end of the stem. Each spline has a relatively shallow distal portion and a deeper proximal portion. The centralizer has legs, each one of which has a radially inwardly directed surface designed to enter a respective spline. The proximal end of each leg of the centralizer is thicker in a radial direction including a radially inwardly directed projection entering the proximal portion of the spline to lock the centralizer in mounted position on the distal end of the stem. The centralizer acts to center the distal stem of the femoral prosthesis within the intramedullary canal of the proximal femur.

Abstract: A vascular dilatation instrument 1 includes an outer tube 2, an inner tube 5 extending through the outer tube 2, and an inflatable member 3 having one end attached to the inner tube 5 and another end attached to the outer tube 2. The outer tube 2 includes a superelastic or pseudoelastic metal tube 2b and a synthetic resin tube 2a covering the metal tube, the metal tube 2b having a distal zone provided with a slit or perforations 2e so that the distal zone is more flexible and deformable than the remainder of the metal tube. Also provided is a catheter 100 comprising a main body section which includes a superelastic metal tube 101 and a synthetic resin layer 104 covering the metal tube, the metal tube 101 having a distal zone provided with a slit or perforations 106 so that the distal zone is more flexible and deformable than the remainder of the metal tube.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone plug cutter for cutting a customized bone plug for use with prosthesis having stems of complex geometry, such as a cruciate stem. The bone plug cutter comprises an anvil which supports a piece of bone obtained intraoperatively. A specialized cutting head is forced against the anvil by a parallel jaw clamp. The cutting head can then be removed from the clamp and the bone plug extruded from the cutter with a plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing hip prosthesis revision surgery includes means for preparation of the cavity left after removal of the original prosthesis. A tamp having a longitudinal passageway extending longitudinally through the stem portion thereof and a guidewire positioned in the cavity function to compact bone graft material in the cavity and form a precisely contoured new hip prosthesis receiving cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a shaft bored into human femoral bone during hip replacement surgery with gelatinous methyl methacrylate bonding cement for receipt of an artificial hip prothesis so as to maximally preventing loosening of the prosthesis after hardening of the cement consisting of a cylindrically shaped syringe gun unit screwed into a cylindrically shaped hollow head of a hollow cylindrical applicator tube to the exterior of which applicator tube near its tip there is affixed an inflatable balloon amenable to receipt of fluid by way of tubing passing through a distinct lumen of said applicator tube which said tubing is attached at one end to a hollow canal in the applicator tube leading via the lumen to the balloon and attached at its other end to a valvular component in turn attached to the cylindrical base of a second syringe gun unit which said apparatus serves to facilitate injection of such cement incrementally into relatively air tight spaces within such shaft formed in view of the inf

Abstract: A device and a method for use in transplantation of bone tissue material in a cavity (7) in bones (6) so as to give the cavity a desired shape with a required thickness of the bone material forming the wall of the cavity, is based on the use of a means (3) for compacting the bone tissue material (15) in the cavity. A guide pin (1) is adapted to be applied substantially centrally in the cavity (7). The compacting means (3) has an opening (10) for passage of the guide pin (1) so as to obtain guiding of the compacting means by the guide pin on movement of said means with respect thereto. The compacting means (3) has a jacket (12) delimiting an inner hollow space (13). The jacket (12) is provided with an opening (16) for allowing liquid to pass through the jacket and into the hollow space.

Abstract: A bone plug for intramedullary insertion into the canal of a bone to restrict the bypass of cement during implant surgery is described. The bone plug is made of a bioabsorbable material and has a tapered central body providing the primary support for the plug. A plurality of radially extending disc-like fins extend from the body at spaced locations. The taper provides the distal fin with a greater degree of flexibility due to the long cantilever, thus permitting an ease of insertion into the intramedullary canal while the larger diameter body and shorter proximal fins lend structural stiffness to resist the migration of the device.

Abstract: An acetabular cup having optionally removable portions to permit a choice between methods of affixation is provided. The cup has recesses in the surface of the wall of the cup. A post extends from the base of the recess inwardly toward the interior of the cup, but does not extend past the inner surface of the wall into the interior of the cup. A very thin annular section of the wall remains at the base of the recess. To open a hole, a tool is used to grasp and pull the post. The pulling force applied to the post causes the wall at the annular section to break or tear. The base and post is removed and a hole remains through which a fastener can be inserted. The hole or recess is configured to receive a standard bone screw, but may be configured to complement the shape of the head of any desired bone fastener.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone prosthesis to be rigidly cemented into position in the femur, and also applicable to total knee and shoulder replacement operations, is provided as an improved surgical technique. The prosthesis is composed of a femoral head base, a femoral head post, a long femoral stem, a cement canal along its longitudinal axis, a spacer, a collar, and a distal restrictor. The prosthesis is placed into the prepared medullary canal. With collar in position, a bone cement injector is readily threaded on to the proximal portion of the cement canal. Cement is injected and subsequently travels down through the canal, through the spacer, and eventually exits openings at the bottom of the spacer. The distal restrictor plug halts downward cement travel, thus initiating an upward, retrograde filling of the void in between the prosthesis and the cancellous bone wall. The cement reaches the collar or cement restrictor, thus proximally dislodging all air bubbles, blood, and blood products.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for locating distal locking holes in an implanted intramedullary rod is disclosed. An insert member having at least one high-energy permanent magnet carried with its poles along an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the insert member at a distal end thereof is disclosed. The insert member is inserted into an implanted intramedullary rod and aligned so that the poles of the high-energy permanent magnet(s) are aligned with an axis of the distal locking hole(s) of the implanted intramedullary rod. A detector magnet, also constructed from a high-energy magnetic material, is utilized to find the location of the distal locking hole axis by means of attraction to the inserted high-energy magnet. It has been found that by using a high-energy magnetic material such as neodymium, a high force of attraction can exist exterior of the bone to locate the axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the fixation of osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic bones and especially vertebral body compression fractures, Colles' fractures and fractures of the proximal humerus. The method of the present invention includes a series of steps including penetrating the bone having the fracture with a guide pin, drilling the bone marrow of the bone to enlarge the cavity to be treated, following which a bone specific inflatable device is inserted in the cavity and inflated. The expansion of the device causes a compacting of the bone marrow against the inner surface of the outer wall of the bone to be treated to further enlarge the cavity. When this occurs, a flowable synthetic bone material or methyl methacrylate cement is directed into the cavity and allowed to set to a hardened condition. Following this, the instruments are removed.

Abstract: A centralizer for the stem of a prosthetic orthopedic implant adapted for implantation into a medullary canal has a hollow annular body portion. The annular body portion has an interior for receiving the stem of the implant. The body portion also includes at least three spring elements extending outwardly from the exterior surface of the body portion. Each spring element has a portion thereof extending generally tangentially with respect to the axial extent of the tapered stem and deformable circumferentially and inwardly towards the stem upon insertion into the medullary canal.

Abstract: A device for centralizing a prosthetic femoral stem within a prepared natural femur and plugging the femoral canal inculdes a first member having a shape generally similar to the shape of the femoral stem for temporary insertion within the natural femur, a rod member for slidable insertion through a bore in the first member, and a second member releasably connected to the distal end of the rod member for permanent insertion within the natural femur for aligning the distal end of the femoral stem and plugging the canal of the natural femur.

Abstract: A steerable intramedullary fracture reduction device has an elongated shaft with a steerable tip pivotally mounted to the distal end of the shaft. Tip actuating apparatus near the proximal end of the shaft enable the operator to steer the tip and the shaft into successive segments of the fractured bone, even when the segments are transversely or rotationally displaced so that the segments can be aligned by the shaft.

Abstract: A low-profile steerable dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures which has an inflated balloon on the distal end with little or no tendency to wrap on itself when the catheter is advanced through a patient's vascular system. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular member which is longitudinally relatively flexible but diametrically relatively rigid, a guide extension secured to the distal end of the elongated tubular member, and an inflatable balloon secured on the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the elongated tubular member and on the distal end directly or indirectly to the guide member or the tubular member and an elongated flexible member such as a helical coil secured to the guide extension distally of the balloon. The elongated tubular member is preferably a hypotube of stainless steel or nitinol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for implanting and cementing the femoral stem component of a hip prosthesis. The process includes the steps of resecting the femoral neck, reaming a bore into the proximal medullary canal, enlarging that bore to accommodate the elongated stem of the femoral component, including the greater enlargement of the portion of the bore adjacent the transverse plane of the neck resection, establishing a peripheral shoulder in the cancellous bone of the medullary canal to seat a sealing plug, installing on the seat a perforable sealing plug, injecting the cavity with cement and implanting the femoral stem in the enlarged bore of the medullary canal by puncturing the sealing plug with the distal end of the stem and moving the stem distally further so that the sealing plug becomes a collar around the stem intermediate its ends.