Abstract: The ancillary tool according to the invention comprises a handle for manipulating an acetabulum provided, in its distal part, with a head for gripping the acetabulum and, in its proximal part, with a surface for application of a force of impaction. The tool further comprises at least one added endpiece adapted to be removably connected to the distal end of the handle. This endpiece defines both a face for wedging the acetabulum and an opposite face for interaction of the endpiece with the head of the handle, these faces both being borne by a radially deformable supple ring.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis for implantation at a joint includes a stem having a tip generally at one end thereof. The stem is sized and shaped for reception in a bone at the joint such that the tip of the stem is exposed to locations outside of the bone. The stem has a passageway extending from a first location on the bone prosthesis to a second location on the bone prosthesis.

Abstract: A kit (100) for use in performing joint arthroplasty on a head of a long bone (4) is provided. The kit (100) includes a first trial (102) including a first trial articulating surface (106) and an opposed first trial mounting surface (108) having a first trial location feature (110). The kit (100) also includes a second trial (104) including a second trial articulating surface (112) and an opposed second trial mounting surface (114) having a second trial location feature (116). The first trial articulating surface (106) and the second trial articulating surface (112) have different geometries and the first trial location feature (110) and the second trial location feature (116) have substantially identical geometries whereby different trials may be used with a common location feature.

Abstract: An acetabular component comprises a thin-walled, partial spherical body having an inner surface defining an articular surface and having angled recesses along an outer surface of the body for releasable engagement with an insertion and extraction tool. An insertion and extraction tool comprises a spring-loaded locking member movable from an extended position to a retracted position in response to relative sliding movement of an outer sleeve and inner shaft of the tool effected via an actuating force at a proximal end of the tool. The tool comprises engagement members insertable in the recesses when the locking member is retracted and, upon release of the actuating force, the locking member automatically returns to the extended position causing fingers of the locking members to enter the recesses and lock the acetabular cup to the tool.

Abstract: A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis which extends coaxially through the canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.

Abstract: A system and a method for ensuring correct insertion of the components of a femoral prosthesis, i.e. a prosthesis stem with a ball head and a cup with recess for receipt of the ball head, is described. The system comprises a tool for controlling the mutual angle between the prosthesis stem and the cup in addition to a positioning system for definition of a reference system and for determination and adjustment of the offset and length of the leg.

Abstract: A method for registering an asymmetrical femur implant having a shaft and a collar includes ascertaining a position of a shaft axis associated with the shaft and ascertaining a position of a collar axis associated with the collar. A device for registering an asymmetrical femur implant connected to at least one reference marker is provided. The device includes a detection device for detecting a spatial position of the at least one reference marker and a database in which a geometry of the asymmetrical femur implant is stored. A processor ascertains the spatial position of the asymmetrical femur implant.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacement of a ball and socket joint in the human body. The prosthetic components comprise a plurality of separate parts which may be inserted through a hole in the femur of the patient and assembled and attached to the prepared acetabulum of the hip bone to form a cup-shaped first shell. A cup is also passed through the hole in the femur and attached to the first shell to form the socket portion of the joint. A shaft having a first end with a ball formed thereon is inserted in the hole through the femur so that the ball engages the cup for movement therein.

Abstract: Method an device for providing information after insertion of a prosthesis in a hip joint comprising prosthesis stem, and a prosthesis cup and based on this information the position of the components of a hip prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis stem and the prosthesis cup or the part of the body in which the prosthesis is provided can include markers that can be shown on an X-ray picture. The X-ray picture is downloaded in an image processing program having assistance lines for determining the position of the prosthesis components. The X-ray picture is downloaded automatically or manually in the image processing program. The assistance lines are brought into coincidence with the images of the markers on the X-ray picture. Thereafter a calculation unit in the image processing unit calculates the angles for the respective prosthesis components.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device for use in securing a trial in the medullary canal of a bone to determine the offset and orientation of a prosthetic implant for replacement of a joint articulating surface of the bone is disclosed. The fixation device comprises a body for receiving a trial and a fixation portion for engaging the trial. A system for use in surgical repair of a joint comprising a selection of prosthetic implants of various sizes, a selection of trials of various sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants, a selection of fixation devices of various sizes corresponding to the sizes of the trials, a trial fixation device driver for inserting the fixation device and attached trial into the canal of a bone, and a trial device extractor for removing the fixation device from the resected bone is disclosed. Methods of using the fixation device and system of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis for implantation at a joint includes a stem having a tip generally at one end thereof. The stem is sized and shaped for reception in a bone at the joint such that the tip of the stem is exposed to locations outside of the bone. The stem has a passageway extending from a first location on the bone prosthesis to a second location on the bone prosthesis.

Abstract: This invention provides for a tool that produces, and directly and accurately measures, an axial force used to assemble two members of a modular implant, specifically, a modular hip implant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing minimally invasive hip surgery for implanting a prosthetic acetabular component into a natural acetabulum. The method and apparatus include a driving bit having one end connectable to an angled driving instrument and another end connectable to a screw-hole plug, dome plug, or bone screw. The driving bit has an elongated body with a length adapted for use in minimally invasive acetabular surgery.

Abstract: Shrouds for use with an implant in order to allow a surgeon to determine when the implant has been inserted into the femoral canal (or other bone as applicable) a proper distance during implantation. Such a shroud is useful to ensure that the patient's limb after prosthesis implantation is the correct length. The shrouds described have a distal surface which, when properly positioned relative to the implant, indicate proper insertion distance, such as by abutting a portion of the femur upon reaching correct insertion distance. The shrouds may contain a cavity which receives all or part of the neck or taper of the implant in order to position the distal surface correctly. The shrouds described can also help determine correct version of the implant, retain cement in the bone canal or cavity during implantation, pressurize the cement, and protect surfaces of the implant during the implantation.

Abstract: The kit for implanting a cementable endoprosthesis includes a fitting instrument and at least two components to be implanted, namely an endoprosthesis shaft and a proximal centering and/or sealing element, the shaft and the fitting instrument being designed to be able to be coupled to each other, and the centering and/or sealing element being designed to be placeable on the shaft and to be displaceable in the direction of extension of the latter, and either the fitting instrument including a limit stop part which forms a limit stop relative to the centering and/or sealing element, or a marking being arranged on the fitting instrument and on the shaft in order to ensure a defined mutual position between the centering and/or sealing element and the shaft.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided including the steps of preparing an opening in the bone sized to receive a prosthesis therein and then inserting an apertured temporary implant into the opening. A fluent material is then injected into the temporary implant so that the material exudes from the apertures into contact with the bone surrounding the temporary implant. The temporary implant is then removed to make way for implanting the prosthesis into the bone opening. The fluent material can be a biological, biocompatible or bioactive material, such as a composition adapted to permanently fill voids and irregularities in the bone or a composition adapted to promote bone growth. In another embodiment, an implant assembly includes an apertured sleeve adapted to be permanently implanted within the bone opening, but providing apertures for injecting a fluent material into the opening.

Abstract: An acetabular cup and method of securing the acetabular cup to an acetabulum so as to provide a bearing surface for a head portion of a femur is provided. The acetabular cup is shaped to provide a cementless, press-fit into a reamed acetabulum. The acetabular cup is formed of a body having a sidewall defining a radius from a center point of the annular rim to the sidewall wherein the radius increases in length from the apex to said annular rim. The method of securing the acetabular cup first includes reaming the acetabulum with a reamer having a head with a radius of curvature that is less than the radius from the center point to the annular rim of the acetabular cup.

Abstract: Surgical application, holding, fixing and/or fastening element with a shaft section that is elongated in at least certain sections, for example hip endoprosthesis (10) with a shaft (12) to be secured in a medullary channel of the femur of a patient, pins or bone screws for pinning fractures and/or fixing the position of bone fragments after bone surgery. The elongated shaft section includes a through bore (20) extending essentially in the longitudinal direction of the shaft section (12) and being open-ended on at least one end for introducing a flowable mass that hardens or sets after introduction, and at least one through opening (22) that connects the through bore with the outside of the shaft section.

Abstract: The present invention essentially relates to a hip joint endoprosthesis stem for cement-free or cemented anchoring in bones that is anchored in the femural neck and in the proximal metaphysis and preserves the internal spongiosa and compact structures that reinforce the femur, that gives the design element axial access to the medullary canal, and possesses parabolically curved outer surfaces to optimize the transfer of force to the bone.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device for use in securing a trial in the medullary canal of a bone to determine the offset and orientation of a prosthetic implant for replacement of a joint articulating surface of the bone is disclosed. The fixation device comprises a body for receiving a trial and a fixation portion for engaging the trial. A system for use in surgical repair of a joint comprising a selection of prosthetic implants of various sizes, a selection of trials of various sizes corresponding to the sizes of the implants, a selection of fixation devices of various sizes corresponding to the sizes of the trials, a trial fixation device driver for inserting the fixation device and attached trial into the canal of a bone, and a trial device extractor for removing the fixation device from the resected bone is disclosed. Methods of using the fixation device and system of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: Femoral head modular resurfacing systems are described. The systems primarily include a head component and a stem component. The configuration of the head component and stem components allow for minimum invasiveness into the femur head region, thus conserving greater amounts of bone tissue than would be possible with conventional hip replacement systems. The systems also provide for various angles and offsets to be achieved between the systems and the femur head. The systems are useful in partial hip replacement procedures, as well as total hip replacement procedures, in which case an optional acetabular component would also be employed.

Abstract: A protective cap for prosthetic joints having one element in the form of a ball head, especially in the case of hip end-prosthetic joints, protects the ball head when it is positioned and fixed on the cone of the shank by the surgeon by hand. A crown is arranged on the pole of the protective cap. The crown is in the form of a plate for, the shape of the plate and its extent relative to the protective cap being such that it is possible to grip behind the plate on the side that faces the protective cap.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacement of a ball and socket joint in the human body. The prosthetic components comprise a plurality of separate parts which may be inserted through a hole in the femur of the patient and assembled and attached to the prepared acetabulum of the hip bone to form a cup-shaped first shell. A cup is also passed through the hole in the femur and attached to the first shell to form the socket portion of the joint. A shaft having a first end with a ball formed thereon is inserted in the hole through the femur so that the ball engages the cup for movement therein.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacement of a ball and socket joint in the human body. The prosthetic components comprise a plurality of separate parts which may be inserted through a hole in the femur of the patient and assembled and attached to the prepared acetabulum of the hip bone to form a cup-shaped first shell. A cup is also passed through the hole in the femur and attached to the first shell to form the socket portion of the joint. A shaft having a first end with a ball formed thereon is inserted in the hole through the femur so that the ball engages the cup for movement therein.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for an enarthrosis of an extremity, such as the hip joint of the shoulder joint of a human body. The prosthetic device has a ball prosthesis portion and an optional socket prosthesis portion. The ball prosthesis portion is non-inflatable, having a ball member joined to an axial end of a body member via a neck member, and is securable to the extremity. In particular, the ball prosthesis portion has a transverse profile that is adapted for enabling the same to be implanted in the enarthrosis via a suitable portal formed through the lateral cortex of the long bone of the enarthrosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for preparing a femur to receive a modular prosthetic femoral component. A distal reamer having a plurality of sets of depth marks is utilized to prepare the distal femoral canal. The sets of depth marks on the distal reamer correspond in number to the number of distal femoral stems available for use with the particular modular prosthetic femoral implant set. Each set of depth marks comprises a plurality of indicator rings corresponding in number to the number of proximal bodies adapted for utilization with the prosthetic femoral component set. Prior to distal reaming, the appropriate set of depth marks and indicator ring is chosen corresponding to the modular components the surgeon wishes to utilize. Reaming then takes place until the chosen indicator ring is aligned with a reference point (e.g., the top of the greater trochanter). Upon reaching the appropriate reaming depth, the distal reamer is left in place in the femoral canal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball draw-off apparatus for shaft prostheses with balls (3) which can be placed onto the prosthesis neck (2). The apparatus has two rotary bodies (5a, 5b) which are rotatably supported in a housing (4), which can in each case be rotated with a lever arm (6a, 6b) and which with their axes of rotation (7a, 7b) lie in a common plane and form an open gap S in the projection onto the plane F for the introduction of the prosthesis neck (2). The rotary bodies have a profile which with increasing rotation decreases the gap S for clamping the prosthesis neck (2) and causes an increase of the distance of its upper edge (9a, 9b) from the plane F in order to produce a draw-off force P at the placed on ball directly or indirectly via an intermediate body.

Abstract: A pelvic prosthesis includes a ball socket and two substantially parallel fanned wings extending upward from the socket. A stabilizing hump is located directly above the socket and extends between and substantially perpendicular to the fanned wings. Each wing is provided with at least two pin receiving holes such that pins may be inserted through the fanned wing. The holes are preferably arranged so that the pins, when inserted, are not parallel. The anterior fanned wing is approximately twice as tall as the posterior fanned wing. Methods and tools for implanting the prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for reducing pores, or air pockets, that form at the interface between the material used to attach or adhere the surface of a component, such as a prosthesis, to a site.

Abstract: A prosthesis system consisting of an endoprosthesis with a shank which is to be introduced into the medullary canal of a bone, and of a rasp (20) which is similar in shape to the shank and is used to prepare a cavity for receiving the shank. Along much of its length, the rasp has an untoothed profile part (25) which, instead of excavating the spongy bone substance, compacts the latter and thus ensures a secure fit of the prosthesis. In the area corresponding to the untoothed area of the rasp (20), the prosthesis shank preferably has a rib which cuts like a wedge into the compacted spongy substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface or into a bone cavity and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, and means on the implant adapted for attachment of a filamentary member, such as a cable. The invention also relates to a surgical tool for gripping the implant, comprising an elongate body having a first end surface for bearing on the prosthetic implant and means for attachment of the tool to the implant, directly or indirectly by means of the cable.

Abstract: A total hip prosthesis comprises a cotyloid implant consisting of a metal cup to be anchored in the acetabulum, a polyethylene insert which provides an intermediate implant inserted into the cavity of the cup, and a femoral implant consisting of a cap having an outer convex surface which is slidably postionable within the insert cavity. An inner concave surface of the femoral implant is implantable on the head of the femur. The prosthesis is particularly suitable for endo-articular implantation.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprising at least a first and a second load carrying member, the first load carrying member being substantially more shock absorbing and resilient than the second load carrying member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disposed for maintaining the proper positioning of a prosthetic implant having proximal and distal ends within a prepared bone cavity during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means, implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, while second stabilization means, physically separate from the means for minimizing lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, minimize both the lateral movement of the proximal end of the implant and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means includes an apertured cap removably securable to the end of a bone having the prepared cavity through which the implant is inserted and held in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and instrumentation for gaining access to areas in and around joints for treatment and to provide new implants and instrumentation adapted for the new method. In a transosseous core approach of the present invention, the joint is entered through a pathway provided in a portion of a joint bone. Such pathway is preferably made by taking out a bone core from the bone in or adjacent to the joint, wherever possible without substantially compromising physical integrity and physiological viability of the joint. Typically the main route for the transosseous core approach traverses through a more-accessible bone of the joint which can be aligned with a less-accessible bone of the joint in order to facilitate treatment of articular surfaces and/or other structures in the joint. The transosseous pathway into the joint is preferably provided by novel surgical instruments such as a core cutter, cartilage punch, hemostatic device, and retractable axial/transaxial cutting device.

Abstract: A tissue press for shaping or compressing a piece of tissue comprises first and second members movable relative to each other. A first forming element of a predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the first member. A second forming element of predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the second member. The first and second forming elements are positionable on opposite sides of the piece of tissue. The first and second members are relatively movable between a first spaced apart condition and a second condition in which the piece of tissue is held between the first and second forming elements. Means are preferably provided for monitoring and controlling the amount of pressure applied to the piece of tissue, in order to maintain the tissue in a viable living condition. Means may also be provided for draining off fluid from compressed tissue, so that the tissue can be implanted in a compressed state and imbibe fluid from the host site.

Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis includes a stem member adapted to be implanted into a medullary canal of a femur. The stem member has a continuously tapered elongated bore and a threaded aperture defined therein. A first end of the elongated bore defines a post-receiving opening. The post-receiving opening is defined in a proximal end surface of the stem member. The elongated bore extends between the post-receiving opening and a threaded aperture. The femoral prosthesis also includes a neck member having a neck body, a head-receiving support member secured to the neck body so as to extend outwardly therefrom, and a tapered post secured to the neck body so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The tapered post is adapted to be received into the elongated bore of the stem member. A method of performing a joint replacement procedure by use of a modular prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention essentially relates to a hip joint socket system for a “press-fit” anchorage in the bony acetabulum that allows the inserts that articulate with the artificial head to be connected securely, and, using said inserts, also allows the center of the rotation of the socket to be reconstructed, the risk of luxation to be eliminated, and the plane of load application to be varied across an infinite range of positions within a defined angular range.

Abstract: The kit for implanting a cementable endoprosthesis includes a fitting instrument and at least two components to be implanted, namely an endoprosthesis shaft and a proximal centering and/or sealing element, the shaft and the fitting instrument being designed to be able to be coupled to each other, and the centering and/or sealing element being designed to be placeable on the shaft and to be displaceable in the direction of extension of the latter, and either the fitting instrument including a limit stop part which forms a limit stop relative to the centering and/or sealing element, or a marking being arranged on the fitting instrument and on the shaft in order to ensure a defined mutual position between the centering and/or sealing element and the shaft.

Abstract: An alignable orthopedic prosthesis system includes a prosthesis and an alignment guide. The prosthesis includes a stem having at least one keyed component extending along its outer surface. The alignment guide has an alignment body with a guide surface disposed on an inner portion thereof. The guide surface has a key element formed therein for engageably receiving the keyed component of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An implant is formed of an expandable material. An opening is formed in a bone in a patient's body. At least a portion of the implant is positioned in the opening in the bone in the patient's body. The implant is retained against movement relative to the bone in the patient's body by absorbing body fluid with the implant and expanding the implant while the implant is disposed in the opening in the bone in the patient's body. The implant may be a hip replacement member.

Abstract: In a method for the releasing of an insert (3, 3a) from the shell (2, 2a) of an artificial joint pan (1, 1a) the insert (3, 3a) is firmly arranged in the shell (2, 2a) of the joint pan (1, 1a). It is removable from the shell (2, 2a) after the releasing from the shell (2, 2a). For the releasing of the insert (3, 3a) from the shell (2, 2a) a fluid is introduced between the insert (3, 3a) and the shell (2, 2a) which effects the releasing of the insert (3, 3a) from the shell (2, 2a).

Abstract: The kit for implanting a cementable endoprosthesis comprises a fitting instrument (3) and at least two components to be implanted, namely an endoprosthesis shaft (4) and a proximal centering and/or sealing element (1), the shaft (4) and the fitting instrument (3) being designed to be able to be coupled to each other, and the centering and/or sealing element (1) being designed to be placeable on the shaft (4) and to be displaceable in the direction of extension of the latter, and either the fitting instrument (3) comprising a limit stop part (3e) which forms a limit stop relative to the centering and/or sealing element (1), or a marking (6) being arranged on the fitting instrument (3) and on the shaft (4) in order to ensure a defined mutual position between the centering and/or sealing element (1) and the shaft (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a ball draw-off apparatus for shaft prostheses with balls (3) which can be placed onto the prosthesis neck (2). The apparatus has two rotary bodies (5a, 5b) which are rotatably supported in a housing (4), which can in each case be rotated with a lever arm (6a, 6b) and which with their axes of rotation (7a, 7b) lie in a common plane and form an open gap S in the projection onto the plane F for the introduction of the prosthesis neck (2). The rotary bodies have a profile which with increasing rotation decreases the gap S for clamping the prosthesis neck (2) and causes an increase of the distance of its upper edge (9a, 9b) from the plane F in order to produce a draw-off force P at the placed on ball directly or indirectly via an intermediate body.

Abstract: A wrench assembly used to restrain an implant while applying a torque to a portion of the implant. The wrench assembly conveniently restrains the implant relative to the torque whether the implant is implanted or not. In the case where the implant is first implanted, the wrench assembly guards against displacing the implant or splitting the bone. The wrench assembly includes a handle and a socket shaft depending from the handle in torque transmitting relation. A socket is coupled to the socket shaft in torque transmitting relation. The socket has an implant engaging portion for engaging the implant in torque transmitting relation. The socket further has a through hole aligned with the portion of the implant. A driving shaft passes through the through hole in the socket and engages the portion of the implant such that with the handle torsionaly fixed, the implant is torsionaly fixed by way of the handle, socket shaft, socket and implant connections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface or into a bone cavity and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, and means on the implant adapted for attachment of a filamentary member, such as a cable. The invention also relates to a surgical tool for gripping the implant, comprising an elongate body having a first end surface for bearing on the prosthetic implant and means for attachment of the tool to the implant, directly or indirectly by means of the cable.

Abstract: A prosthesis system consisting of an endoprosthesis with a shank which is to be introduced into the medullary canal of a bone, and of a rasp (20) which is similar in shape to the shank and is used to prepare a cavity for receiving the shank. Along much of its length, the rasp has an untoothed profile part (25) which, instead of excavating the spongy bone substance, compacts the latter and thus ensures a secure fit of the prosthesis. In the area corresponding to the untoothed area of the rasp (20), the prosthesis shank preferably has a rib which cuts like a wedge into the compacted spongy substance.

Abstract: A total hip prosthesis comprises a cotyloid implant consisting of a metal cup to be anchored in the acetabulum, a polyethylene insert which provides an intermediate implant inserted into the cavity of the cup, and a femoral implant consisting of a cap having an outer convex surface which is slidably postionable within the insert cavity. An inner concave surface of the femoral implant is implantable on the head of the femur. The prosthesis is particularly suitable for endo-articular implantation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for maintaining the proper positioning of an implant (310, 504) within a prepared bone cavity (312) during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means (340, 480), implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the implant distal end, while second stabilization means (330, 334, 406, 404), physically separate from the first stabilization means (340, 480), minimize both the lateral movement of the implant proximal end and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means (330, 334) includes an aperture cap (334) removable securable to the end of a prepared bone. This cap (334), preferably further includes first and second ports (322, 336) associated, respectively, with cement injection and cement over-pressurization.

Abstract: A method of implanting an acetabular cup which includes the step of preparing an acetabular socket to receive a cup, placing cement in the acetabular socket before or after locating a tube in line with the acetabular socket and inserting the acetabular cup through the tube and into the socket.