Abstract: The present invention features new methods, apparatuses and devices for fixing adjacent bone segments, segments of a bony structure and adjacent vertebrate of a spine. The methods, apparatuses and devices utilize a new apparatus for forming a channel in a surface of the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra or a channel submerged within the bone or bony structure segments or adjacent vertebra. In more particular embodiments such apparatuses and methods including forming an arcuate channel and which channel can receive therein a curved rod or implant member, which also preferably is arcuate, and avoids the associated problems with prior cage or straight rod and screw systems. Also featured are systems, apparatuses and methods for repairing, replacing or augmenting the nucleus and/or annulus of a disc.

Abstract: Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee includes an adjustable femoral portion, a tibial portion and at least one sensor coupled with the femoral and/or tibial portions to sense pressure exerted by the femoral and tibial portions against one another. The femoral portion is adapted for removably coupling with a distal end of a femur to adjust tension in soft tissue adjacent the knee and has at least one positioning feature adapted to move relative to the distal end of the femur as the femoral portion is adjusted, thus helping position a femoral prosthetic on the distal end of the femur. The sensor(s) may be adapted to sense pressure at medial and lateral sides of the knee, and relative pressures may be displayed as data on a visual display. Adjustments to the femoral member may be made to balance pressure at flexion and extension of the knee.

Abstract: A method for preparing a surgical guide for positioning of a dental implementation. The method includes positioning a positioning device relative to a model jawbone, translating the positioning device in a BL direction, adjusting a BL angle of the positioning device about a BL pivot axis corresponding to a desired position of a top of the dental implementation, and fixing the BL position, BL angle, and z-height of the positioning device. A mounting assembly mounts to the positioning device and includes a removable rotation block with a guide hole. The mounting assembly is movable in the MD direction while the BL position is fixed. A template fixes the mounting assembly for transferring the positioning information to a patient's mouth. Various aspects of the design process can be performed on a computer. The guide and a method of using the guide to perform an implant procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an arthroplasty jig is disclosed herein. The method may include the following: generate two dimensional image data of a patient joint to undergo arthroplasty, identify in the two dimensional image data a first point corresponding to an articular surface of a bone forming the joint, identify a second point corresponding to an articular surface of an implant, identify a location of a resection plane when the first point is correlated with the second point, and create the arthroplasty jig with a resection guide located according to the identified location of the resection plane.

Abstract: A device for applying a medical element has a housing defining a longitudinal axis with a channel disposed therethrough. The housing has a proximal and a distal opening. The device also has at least one sensing device positioned adjacent to the distal opening. The device also has a signaling device disposed adjacent the housing. The at least one sensing device interrogates a bone location for one or more variables of the bone location as the device is moved over the bone location. The at least one sensing devices outputs a signal to the device and the signaling device signals an identification of a homogenous bone region. The medical element is applied to the homogenous bone location coaxially from the proximal opening through the channel and through the distal opening without removal of the device from the homogenous bone region.

Abstract: A mounting device for arranging a medical apparatus on a bone includes a fastening portion for fixing the mounting device to the bone. The fastening portion is configured to interface with the bone and operative to fix the mounting device to the bone using a vacuum.

Abstract: Drill guide (1) for use in the dental field, comprising a grip (10), a bearing surface intended to bear at least partially on a template (50) or a drill sleeve (55), and at least one guide sleeve (20) having a longitudinal slit (30). The grip (10) has a top face and an underside. The at least one guide sleeve (20) is essentially hollow and cylindrical, has an upper end and a lower end, and protrudes from the underside of the grip (10).

Abstract: Drill guides and methods for maintaining contact on bone in areas where rigid instruments cannot access. The drill guide is an articulating drill guide that comprises an articulating mechanism for articulating and positioning the guide in at least two positions, i.e., an undeployed (non-articulated or straight) position and a deployed (articulated or bent) position. The articulating drill guide delivers guide wires, drills and/or additional instruments at any angle while maintaining contact to the bone.

Abstract: A drill sleeve includes a lower end that engages a bone being drilled with a drill bit of a drill during an orthopedic procedure, an upper end that is movable with respect to the lower end, and a fluid damper between the upper and lower ends for resisting movement of the upper end with respect to the lower end and which may reduce a distance at which a drill bit can plunge through a back side of the bone by increasing resistance to drill movement at occurrence of plunge through the back of the bone. The drill sleeve may include measurement scale and a lock that prevents relative motion of the upper and lower ends after the bone has been drilled for evaluating a position of a depth indicator with respect to the measurement scale that corresponds to a depth of the bore in the bone.

Abstract: Described is an arthroscopic bone transplanting procedure for transplanting a section of a first bone to a second bone. The described procedure is particularly useful for the treatment an anterior shoulder instability, where the first bone is the coracoid and the second bone is the glenoid. Also described is a kit of medical instruments particularly useful in such a procedure.

Abstract: An orthopaedic alignment guide component is provided for preparing a patient's bone socket, such as the glenoid of the patient's scapula, to receive a prosthetic glenoid component. The orthopaedic alignment guide component includes a guide body for inserting a guide pin into the patient's scapula and an inferior referencing arm for referencing an inferior surface of the patient's scapula.

Abstract: A drill guide including an inner surface, a tip, and a deflecting device. The inner surface defines a bore extending through the drill guide. The bore is configured to individually receive therein a flexible drill bit and an insertion tool with a suture anchor mounted thereto. The tip is at a distal end of the bore and defines a tip aperture of the bore. The deflecting device is proximal to the tip and includes at least one bearing surface configured to deflect the drill bit within the bore.

Abstract: A trajectory structure is configured for contact with a surface to dictate an insertion trajectory of a pin relative to the surface. A location structure is configured to allow longitudinal passage of at least a portion of the pin therethrough to dictate an insertion location of the pin relative to the surface. An elongate handling rod is connected to the trajectory structure and the location structure. The handling rod supports the trajectory structure and the location structure for manipulation by a user. The handling rod spaces the trajectory structure and the location structure longitudinally apart. The trajectory structure is connected to the handling rod for trajectory adjustment in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the handling rod. The insertion trajectory of the pin insertion is substantially dependent upon the trajectory adjustment. A method for inserting an elongate guide pin into a bone surface is also provided.

Abstract: A surgical guide is disclosed and methods of use are disclosed. The surgical guide is adapted to receive a surgeon's finger for dissecting to a target site. The surgical guide comprises a first component defining a channel and comprising a palpating portion and a non-palpating portion disposed on an opposing side from the palpating portion. The surgical guide further comprises a second component engaged with the first component and defining a guide channel extending therethrough. The guide channel is adapted to receive a guide pin suitable for insertion to the target site such that the guide pin is carried adjacent the non-palpating portion of the first component.

Abstract: A hinged pivoting guide for positioning a femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction locates a drilling hole for placement that optimally penetrates a minimal depth of soft tissue (skin, muscle, etc.) yet directs drilling into a sufficiently rigid and structurally sound area of the femur. The hinged guide allows placement of an aimer point at a desired drilling exit location on the femur. The hinge is adapted to secure the aimer at a degree of rotation about an axis defined by the hinge rotation, such that the axis passes through the aimer point throughout rotation of the hinge while maintaining the aimer point in line with an insertion guide slideably movable through the aperture in the handle, the aperture defined by an insertion axis extending toward the aimer point such that the aimer point remains disposed at the intersection of the hinge axis and the insertion axis.

Abstract: Targeting sensors for use in targeting landmarks of orthopaedic devices. The sensors include a non-cylindrical mounting platform such as a printed circuit board and at least two mounted or printed sensor coils to provide a low profile sensor assembly which can be placed in a predetermined position and orientation on or in an orthopaedic device. The platform has a non-circular cross-section having an aspect ratio of greater than about 1.5:1. The non-circular cross-section of the platform enables the sensor to be placed in a known fixed position within the implant. The sensor coils may be partially or fully embedded in the platform.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: A resection guide can be configured to guide a resection tool toward a graft source, and can include a resection guide body made from a first material, and a guide member made from a second material. The second material is harder than the first material.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella trial and drill guide that may be used to both perform a surgical trial of the patellofemoral joint and guide the surgeon in drilling a number of anchor holes in the patella of the patient.

Abstract: An anatomic femoral guide positions bone tunnels corresponding to the AM and PL bundles in ACL repair and reconstruction procedures. A template guide disposed in a surgical field proximate to a surgical member such as a femur or tibia defines a surgical footprint of the resulting bone tunnel. The template includes apertures corresponding to the size of the bone tunnels for the respective (AM or PL) bundles, and allows positioning at the drilling site to identify the size and location of the bone tunnel, as well as the relative distance between tunnels for double bundle procedures. An offset angle in the template provides differing orientations of the template apertures for visualizing the actual bone tunnel placement. The template has an aperture positionable parallel to a tibial plateau formation on the tibia, and the template orients a second aperture angled by the offset angle for positioning the second tunnel.

Abstract: A disposable single indication orthopedic trauma surgical kit has no bone plates other than a single bone plate precontoured and sized to match an anatomic shape of a portion of a bone of a patient's extremity. The single bone plate has a plurality of fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a plurality of fasteners with heads that are dimensioned to mate with the fastener apertures. The surgical kit also has a disposable torque driver adapted to engage the fastener heads. The foregoing components are contained in a sterile sealed container.

Abstract: A guide apparatus having a body having a central axis defined therethrough and a first channel and a second channel formed therethrough, a handle coupled to the body, the handle having a locking mechanism configured to prevent movement of the body relative to the handle in a first direction along the central axis of the body, and an arm coupled to the handle, the arm configured to engage at least a portion of a bone.

Abstract: An assembly for use in guiding a lateral fastener into a lateral bore of a femoral body implant. The assembly can include an outrigger having an arm portion, a leg portion extending from the arm portion, and an alignment tube extending from the leg portion. The assembly can further include a support pad and an adjustable shaft member coupled to the support pad and the leg portion. A quick-release system can adjustably maintain a position of the shaft member relative to the leg portion.

Abstract: An aiming device for bone fixation includes (a) a handle extending from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis, (b) a guide arm connected to the second end of the handle and having an opening extending therethrough, the guide arm being connected to a protection sleeve; and (c) a drill guide configured and dimensioned for insertion through the opening of the guide arm. The drill guide has first and second guide channels extending therethrough to guide an insertion of a guide wire into a bone. The drill guide is movable between a first position wherein the drill guide is axially and rotationally movable relative to the guide arm to a second position wherein the drill guide is axially and rotationally locked relative to the guide arm.

Abstract: Instruments for treating bone defects of the joint, particularly at the subchondral level, such as bone marrow lesions or bone marrow edema, are provided. In particular, these instruments may be delivery instruments that comprise features to control the location to which they deliver injectable materials or other tools to the bone to be treated. Also provided is an injection instrument that delivers a treatment material to the bone defect and stimulates a natural healing response in the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using sockets in bone created by retrograde cutting. A retrograde rotary cutter, inserted onto an insertion post of a tibial guide, is inserted through an anteromedial portal and the rotary cutter placed on the anatomical origin of an ACL tibial insertion. A retrograde drill pin, guided by a drill guide, is drilled through the tibia until it contacts the rotary cutter. Once the cutter is disengaged from the guide and securely engaged in the retrograde drill pin, the retrograde drill pin is retracted for retrograde cutting of a socket of desired depth in the tibia.

Abstract: An assistant device for percutaneous puncture is disclosed. The assistance device includes a fixing element, a first rotatable element, a supporting element and a second rotatable element. The fixing element has a first rail, and the first rotatable element is slidably disposed on the first rail. The supporting element is connected to the first rotatable element. The second rotatable element is slidably disposed on the supporting element and has a puncture restraint pore.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods for repairing and/or augmenting the articular surface and/or articular rim of a joint (e.g., repairing the anterior glenoid rim after an anterior shoulder dislocation).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: An apparatus used in spinal surgery for creating a space of selected shape and dimensions across the disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment may provide access to an articular surface of a bone. The method includes forming a passage through at least a portion of the bone. The passage provides an opening in the articular surface. The method further includes inserting a tether through the passage. The tether inserted through the passage can be coupled to at least one device from an insertion site remote from the articular surface. The tether can be withdrawn through the passage to convey the device to a location proximate the articular surface.

Abstract: A boring instrument guiding device which is used to guide a boring instrument that forms a pilot hole for embedding a pedicle screw in a vertebral pedicle includes a reference pin which is used as a reference by being inserted into the vertebral arch from the rear to the front of a spine, and an arm which extends sideward from the proximal end side of the reference pin, and is characterized in that a plurality of guide holes, each of which is opened toward the tip position of the reference pin to guide the boring instrument, are formed in the arm in a radial pattern centered at the tip position of the reference pin. It is possible to provide a boring instrument guiding device which is capable of more easily and precisely guiding the boring instrument.

Abstract: An implant insertion device including a body having a first portion for coupling to a proximal end of an intramedullary rod and a second portion extending in a spaced position from the intramedullary rod in the vicinity of an aperture in a proximal end of the rod when the rod is coupled to the first portion. The second portion can include a targeting assembly having a passageway for receiving a guide sleeve and for pivoting the guide sleeve relative to the aperture through an angular range for inserting the fastener into the aperture of the rod. An implant insertion device for use with an implantable device is additionally provided.

Abstract: Bone fixation system, including methods, apparatus, and kits, and comprising a bone plate and at least one instrument that attaches to the bone plate and provides at least one radiopaque region to facilitate positioning the bone plate on bone visualized by radiographic imaging. The instrument may be a handle assembly and/or a targeting guide.

Abstract: Techniques for joint fusion are described, including a drill guide assembly having a drill guide and a pin sleeve, the drill guide including a drill guide head having an opening, a shaft configured to receive the pin sleeve, a drill guide tip configured to engage a bone, and a cannula configured to receive an implant, a first guide pin configured to guide placement of the drill guide, a striker tube configured to fit over at least a portion of the pin sleeve, a cannulated drill bit configured to drill a pilot hole in a bone tissue, a stop collar configured to be placed over the cannulated drill bit and to be attached to the cannulated drill bit using a ridge, and a parallel spacer instrument configured to guide placement of a second guide pin at a distance from the implant after the implant is implanted into the bone tissue.

Abstract: A drill guide which is disposable and may be packaged in a kit with varying drill guides and sleeve guides is disclosed. Said device may have medical waste collection indentations, regions, or wells, whereby medical waste is removed and disposed of along with said device.

Abstract: An aiming block fixation system for fixing an aiming block to a bone plate includes a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-contacting surface for application to a bone. The aiming block has an upper surface, a lower surface engageable with the outer surface of the bone plate. A first angled aiming block bore extending from the upper surface to the lower surface along an axis which is at a non-zero degree angle to an axis of a bone plate hole. A locking element extends through the angled aiming block bore and the bone plate hole such that a central longitudinal axis of the locking element is oriented at a non-zero degree angle to the first axis, with the locking element including a radially outwardly extending camming arm selectively engageable with a camming surface of the first bone plate hole.

Abstract: Customized patient-specific orthopaedic surgical instruments are disclosed. Methods for fabricating and using such instruments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic drill guide and surgical pin positioning device includes a primary surgical pin for insertion into a fractured bone and a longitudinal drum supported on said primary surgical pin. A set screw is also provided in said longitudinal drum for preventing the longitudinal drum from rotation about the primary surgical pin. A transverse drum is also provided and is rotatably disposed in the longitudinal drum as is a set screw for fixing the position of the transverse drum with respect to the longitudinal drum. A secondary pin extends through the transverse drum and is fixed in a second position on the hard tissue of the fractured bone. Finally, a pair of aligned openings extends through the transverse drum for guiding a drill bit and locating a surgical pin within the broken bone.

Abstract: A spinal implant with associated surgical tools, tool sets and methods for percutaneously accessing and preparing treatment sites within the spine for subsequent treatment procedures. The treatment site may be an inter-vertebral motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. The tool set may comprise introducer tools and bone dilators for accessing and tapping into a targeted site, such as, for example, the anterior surface of the S1 vertebral body. The tool set may also comprise cutters and extractors for preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures. The tool set may additionally comprise a bone graft inserter, an exchange system, and/or a temporary distraction tool for further preparing the treatment site for subsequent treatment procedures.

Abstract: A drill guide for drilling bone comprising a housing having a bore running through the housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the drill guide may comprise a locking member coupled to the housing that is adapted to engage with a locking portion of a drill bit to lock the drill bit axially within the housing. The locking member may also be adapted to disengage with the drill bit to allow the drill bit to move within the bore of the housing and be inserted into bone. A movable guide may also be provided with the drill guide, such movable guide including a bore for receiving a portion of the drill bit and allowing the same to move axially within the housing. Methods of using the aforementioned drill guide are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic instrument includes a metallic load-bearing member and a non-metallic support structure formed integrally with the load-bearing member such that the load-bearing member is permanently attached to the non-metallic support structure. The non-metallic support structure enables the orthopaedic instrument to be lighter than an all-metal instrument while the metallic load bearing member provides wearability comparable to an all-metal instrument.

Abstract: An external fixation device for holding bone fragments in place includes a housing having a number of rotationally adjustable pin holders, each of which is held by a clamping member that simultaneously clamps the pin holder within an internal mounting surface of the housing and a bone pin within the pin holder. For example, the device includes a number of internal mounting surfaces, each of which can include a single pin holder. A drill guide fitting into the internal mounting surfaces is used to protect soft tissue from bone pins and they are rotated during installation.

Abstract: A system for replacing a portion of an articular surface including providing an implant site and installing an implant into the implant site. The implant site includes a first and a second excision site which at least partially intersect with one another. Each of the first and second excision sites are formed by providing a respective axis and excising a portion of the articular surface relative to the respective axes.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing the bone in an acetabulum for receiving a prosthetic acetabular implant includes preparing a surface of the acetabulum to receive an acetabular implant. At least one porous generally cylindrical bone reinforcement element is provided. At least one bore is drilled in an area of the acetabulum receiving the prosthetic acetabular implant for receiving at least one and preferably more reinforcement elements in the form of cylindrical pilings. The cylindrical porous bone reinforcement element is inserted in the bore such that an exposed surface of the porous bone reinforcement element is adjacent the surface of the acetabulum. The acetabular implant is then implanted with an outer surface of the acetabular implant supported by the reinforcement members.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A drill guide system comprising: a hemispherical cup having an opening therein; a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; and a connector for connecting the body to the hemispherical cup so that the lumen at the distal end of the body is aligned with the opening in the hemispherical cup.