Abstract: This document describes methods and materials for reducing incision sizes for improving the treatment of pathological conditions, including arrhythmias and trauma, using temperature modulation via implantable devices. For example, this document describes methods and devices for treating atrial and/or ventricular fibrillation by cooling the epicardium.

Abstract: A humeral prosthetic head has a non-spherical articulation surface coupled with an intermediate component connecting the head and the humerus, the intermediate component connected to the epiphysis, metaphysis, or diaphysis, or to one or more additional components connected to the humerus. The intermediate portion provides for axial and angular offset of the head with respect to a connection to the humerus, using a curvilinear tapered engagement.

Abstract: A ceramic femoral resurfacing head prosthesis (110) comprises a ceramic convex outer contact surface (112) engagable with an acetabulum of a patient or an acetabular cup prosthesis and a concave inner fixation surface (114) having an inner-land portion (128), the ceramic convex outer contact surface (112) and the concave inner fixation surface (114) extending to intersect each other at a rim (116). A ceramic stem (120) projects from the concave inner fixation surface (114), and is adapted to be received by a stem bore. The concave inner fixation surface (114) includes a skirt (134) which is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical, or frusto-conical or substantially frusto-conical, and at least one circumferentially elongate recess (136) at the skirt (134).

Abstract: An implant couples a first bone of a hand to a second bone of the hand. The implant includes a body that defines a median plane. The body also defines a first joint surface having a first central region that articulates with the first bone. The body further defines a second joint surface having a second central region that articulates with the second bone, and the second central region is disposed on an opposite side of the median plane of the body relative to the first central region. The first and second central regions correspond to profiles of first and second axial segments, respectively, the first and second axial segments are each one of a cylinder, a cone and a torus and are centered on first and second axes, respectively, and the first and second axes, as projected on the median plane, are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a human patient is provided. The medical device comprises: at least one artificial hip joint surface adapted to replace at least the surface of at least one of the caput femur and acetabulum. At least one artificial hip joint surface comprises: a positioning hole with at least one opening in said at least one artificial hip joint surface. The hole is adapted to be placed and dimensioned such that the medical device is adapted to be fitted using a positioning shaft and at least partly surround the shaft, for positioning the at least one artificial hip joint surface in a desired position in the hip joint. The hole is adapted to be fitted using the positioning shaft, when the shaft is stabilized and placed in at least one of the femoral bone and the pelvic bone for positioning said medical device inside the hip joint.

Abstract: A method of joint replacement including forming one or more arthroscopy portals adjacent a hip joint that includes, a femur with a femoral head and a pelvis with an acetabulum socket, inserting a hemiarthroplasty cup, having a cup inner surface and a cup outer surface, between a femoral head outer surface of the femoral head and an acetabulum outer surface of the acetabulum socket, wherein at least one of the femoral head outer surface and the acetabulum other surface are unreamed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is an anchoring rod that is elongated and tapered, the rod extends from a distal end toward a proximal end, the shape including a palmate side, a dorsal side and lateral sides, is the shape being flared on its palmate side without flaring on its dorsal side and flares on its lateral sides so as to form a flared proximal portion, said flared proximal portion having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section, with a dorsal face larger than the palmate face.

Abstract: A femoral head prosthesis (110) comprises an articulating surface (112) which is more than hemi-spherical; an internal recess (114) having a longitudinal axis defining a pole P of the articulating surface (112), the longitudinal axis passing through the center of curvature of the articulating surface (112); a first edge (116) which constitutes a posterior edge in use, and a second edge (118) which constitutes an anterior edge and/or an antero-inferior edge in use. The first edge (116) is further from the pole P than the second edge (118). Also provided is a femoral prosthesis comprising a femoral head, and a femoral implant comprising a femoral stem and a femoral head. The prostheses and implants of the invention find use in total hip replacements.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a human patient is provided. The medical device comprises: at least one artificial hip joint surface adapted to replace at least the surface of at least one of the caput femur and acetabulum. At least one artificial hip joint surface comprises: a positioning hole with at least one opening in said at least one artificial hip joint surface. The hole is adapted to be placed and dimensioned such that the medical device is adapted to be fitted using a positioning shaft and at least partly surround the shaft, for positioning the at least one artificial hip joint surface in a desired position in the hip joint. The hole is adapted to be fitted using the positioning shaft, when the shaft is stabilized and placed in at least one of the femoral bone and the pelvic bone for positioning said medical device inside the hip joint.

Abstract: A femoral implant includes a main shaft with a proximal end and a smooth distal end. A porous circumferential collar is provided between the proximal end and distal end, and a porous distally-extending portion extends distally from the collar to provide for additional bone ingrowth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceramic surface replacement prosthesis (I) for the natural femur head (3), comprising an outer spherical surface (5) and an inner receiving space (7) with an inner lateral surface (4). The aim of the invention is to prevent necrosis of the bone tissue as a result of the implantation process, thus also preventing a loss of inner bone tissue. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the inner lateral surface (4) is provided with an osseointegrative coating (6) or is designed in an osseointegrative manner at least in some areas, and/or the lateral surface (4) is designed as a self forming thread (8).

Abstract: A prosthetic femoral implant for use in a hip joint, as a ball and socket type joint, is disclosed. The implant includes a modular neck having a variety of adjustable positions to adjust the lateral offset and version angle of the femoral implant in relation to the femur. The implant further includes a broad, full collar for providing a compression force increasing the interdigitation between the interface of the bone, implant and cement. The implant also includes a stem having a depression having a roughened porous surface for resisting the increased torsional loads placed on the implant due to the increased lateral offset and version angle. The stem further comprises three distinct zones, each zone having its own roughened surface creating a tripartite differential porosity.

Abstract: A femoral implant (10) comprises a distal end and a proximal end. A stem (12) is provided at the distal end of the implant (10) and comprises a rounded tip (16) for insertion into a femur, in use, and a body (18) of generally tapering form extending in a distal direction from a base to the tip (16). A femoral head (14) is provided at the proximal end of the implant (10) and extends from the base (20) of the stem (12). The body (18) of the stem (12) includes a plurality of discrete steps (22, 24, 26, 28, 30), located between the tip (16) and the base (20), and the steps (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are concentrated more towards the base (20) of the stem (12) than towards the tip (16).

Abstract: A cementless hip resurfacing prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis comprises a metallic cap that is fitted over the individual's femoral head to provide a new acetabular articulating surface. The metallic cap is affixed to the femur via a locking means extending from the inner surface of the metallic cap, which engages with a complimentary tubular fixation means attached to a plate. The plate is affixed to the lateral surface of the femur via a fixation screw, which extends through the fixation means, through the locking means, and engages with a complimentary threaded portion within the locking means. The plate is further affixed to the femur via a plurality of cortical screws, which also act to distribute the forces from the hip joint to avoid stress shielding and bone resorption effects commonly associated with hip replacement prostheses. Furthermore, the present invention is designed to reduce shear stresses on the femoral neck.

Abstract: An implant is provided for replacing the proximal portion of a femur having a substantially intact natural femoral neck and a lateral side opposite the femoral neck, with a bore extending from the femoral neck through a lateral side of the femur. The implant comprises a sleeve having a flange for engaging a proximally facing resected surface of the neck surrounding the bore in the femur and having a bore with an inwardly tapered conical portion. A shaft member having a longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end is placed in the bore through the femur. The shaft member has an intermediate conically tapered male portion for coupling to the conically tapered bore of the sleeve and a proximal end having a conically tapered portion. A head member having a distal end and a proximal substantially-spherical portion and a tapered recess is configured for positioning in a natural or prosthetic hip socket.

Abstract: A seal for preventing a bodily fluid from penetrating an orthopedic implant comprising a tapered section adapted to conformingly mate to a stem of a first implant component, and a collar section extending from and circumferentially surrounding a portion of the tapered section, the collar section adapted to mate to a base of a second implant component such that the tapered section and collar section define an opening therethrough configured to receive the first implant component.

Abstract: An implant meant for hip resurfacing arthroplasty, a surgical reconstruction performed on patients with diseased hips, during which the surgeon replaces the surface of the femoral head with a polished metallic hemispherical shell is disclosed. The implant includes a metallic shell with a polished hemispherical outer surface and an inner hemispherical concave surface, from which extends a trunnion having internal threads and thin meridian fins. The inner concave surface of the implant is fully metal porous coated for osseointegration between implant and bone. The presented implant is fitted onto the appropriately contoured femoral head and is stabilized by means of a preload tension wire which drills the femoral head and neck and exits the greater trochanter. The wire attaches proximally to the thread of the trunnion of the shell and distally to a nut-washer combination, by the tightening of which establishment of preload is achieved.

Abstract: A humeral prosthesis includes a stem component and a head component joined by an inclination component. The inclination component is provided with an opening that is designed to accommodate a pair of expandable tabs extending from a side of a plate. The plate is also provided with a taper extending opposite to the pair of expandable tabs. Inclination angle, radial offset, and version are adjustable and are separately and independently set and fixed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a human patient is provided. The medical device comprises: at least one artificial hip joint surface adapted to replace at least the surface of at least one of the caput femur and acetabulum. At least one artificial hip joint surface comprises: a positioning hole with at least one opening in said at least one artificial hip joint surface. The hole is adapted to be placed and dimensioned such that the medical device is adapted to be fitted using a positioning shaft and at least partly surround the shaft, for positioning the at least one artificial hip joint surface in a desired position in the hip joint. The hole is adapted to be fitted using the positioning shaft, when the shaft is stabilized and placed in at least one of the femoral bone and the pelvic bone for positioning said medical device inside the hip joint.

Abstract: A locking member for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The hip joint has a caput femur integrated with a collum femur having a center axis extending longitudinal along the collum and caput femur in the center thereof. The locking member is adapted to assist in the fixation of a medical device, having an artificial hollow caput femur surface, to the collum and/or caput femur, wherein said artificial caput femur surface comprises at least one extending portion adapted to clasp a portion of the caput and/or collum femur, and wherein said locking member comprises an element adapted to lock said artificial caput femur surface such that the caput femur remains clasped and restrained in said artificial caput femur surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved osteosynthesis modular prosthesis, particularly for humerus osteosynthesis, characterize in that it comprises a cup element (7) having a convex surface suitable to be introduced within a bone cavity, particularly within the humerus glenoid cavity, and having a concave surface suitable to contain and keep joined all the bone fragments, particularly fragments of humerus epiphysial pa (2, 3, 4), permitting vascularization and the consequent recovery of bone tissue, a stem element suitable to be introduced within a diaphyseal channel, particularly within humerus diaphyseal channel, a coupling element (9), and coupling means (10, 11) suitable to fix ends of said coupling element (9) respectively at said cup element (7) and at said stem element (8).

Abstract: A bone augment for repairing a bone defect. The bone augment includes a porous body and a metallic liner. The porous body defines a bore and is configured to be intraoperatively shaped to correspond to the bone defect. The metallic liner is injection molded within the bore such that portions of the liner interlock with pores of the porous body. The metallic liner is operable to mount an implant to the bone augment.

Abstract: A proximal femoral ball assembly having a variable offset that is selectively adjustable to conform to various anatomical conditions encountered during a femoral surgical procedure. The femoral ball assembly generally includes a head, a neck, and an adjustment mechanism. The head has a smooth spherical outer surface that is adapted to engage an acetabular component or native acetabulum. The neck extends outward from the head and removeably connects to the head using a threaded attachment.

Abstract: A femoral head prosthesis assembly and operation instruments thereof. The operation instruments include a hollow femoral neck holder with a configuration adapted to the surface configuration of the femoral neck and a shaper blade for cutting a replacement end of the femur into a predetermined configuration. A guide tube is disposed on a top face of the femoral neck holder. A transverse slot is formed on the femoral neck holder for indicating a femoral head cutting line. The femoral head prosthesis assembly includes a cap body and an artificial femoral head. A root section of the cap body has an inner surface in conformity to the surface of the femoral neck. A top section of the cap body has a cross section adapted to that of the replacement end. The cap body can be precisely securely bonded with the replacement end of the femur.

Abstract: A femoral head surgical resurfacing aid that includes a C-shaped band with an interior surface conformed to fit a femoral neck of a patient is presented. An arch extends from one side of the C-shaped band to the other side of the C-shaped band and further extends over a femoral head of the patient. An alignment tube guide is positioned along the arch and extends outward from the arch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoprosthesis for part of the pelvis having at least one base element which can be secured to a resected iliac bone and at least one hip shell attachable at a spacing thereto, with the base element having a first neck which in particular projects at an angle ? from the orthogonal to a planar connection surface and the hip shell having a second neck which in particular projects at an angle ? from its polar axis, with at least one separate intermediate element being provided which can be installed between the first neck and the second neck.

Abstract: A resurfacing implant composed of a femoral cap (2) with an outer face (7), an inner face (8), a peripheral edge (11), a central axis XX? passing through the pole P of the cap (2), an equatorial axis YY? perpendicular to the first axis, and a point C of intersection between the main axes XX?, YY? forming the centre of the radius of curvature of the outer (7) and inner (8) faces, characterized in that it includes guide elements composed of a cylindrical finger (9) with a base (90) connected to the inner face (8) at a point D, which is offset laterally with respect to the pole P of the hemispherical profile of the femoral cap (2), and stabilizing elements (10) arranged on the perimeter of the inner face (8), and having a profile arranged in a plane parallel to that containing the guide elements (9).

Abstract: A hip prosthesis includes a shaft which can be inserted into a hole in the femur without using cement. The proximal section of the shaft includes a base body having a form that is complementary to the shape of the hole in the femur into which the shaft is to be inserted. The hole is made using a tool of a shape corresponding to the base body. The base body has a cuneus rib raised on its dorsal or ventral surface that has a width in its center that is at least three times its height. The rear surface of the cuneus rib has rough and abrasive properties.

Abstract: The invention features a monoblock (non-modular) humeral head (shoulder) resurfacing implant designed to replace a portion of the patient's humeral head. The humeral head may need replacing due to trauma, osteonecrosis, infection, arthritis, or other causes. The implant of the invention is designed to be performed either as a hemiarthroplasty or as a component of a total shoulder replacement along with a standard glenoid or inset glenoid implant.

Abstract: A proximal femoral head assembly having a variable offset that is selectively adjustable to conform to various anatomical conditions encountered during a femoral surgical procedure. The assembly includes a femoral head, a neck removeably connectable to the femoral head, and an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism provides the neck with a plurality of different femoral offsets with respect to a femoral hip stem.

Abstract: Provided is a femoral head surface replacement system including a femoral head aspherical cup having a round cavity inside and a distal end having an open lower end, and a stem installed on the femoral head aspherical cup and extending to a lower side end thereof. In the femoral head aspherical cup, a cavity is formed so that a femoral head is inserted therein, a conic insertion protrusion protrudes from an upper side of the cavity, and the distal end is formed of a plurality of protruding portions and groove portions. In the stem, an insertion hole is formed corresponding to the insertion protrusion of the femoral head aspherical cup so that the stem is fixed to the femoral head aspherical cup as the insertion protrusion is forcibly inserted into the insertion hole.

Abstract: A femur fixture for a hip-joint prosthesis comprising an intraosseous anchoring structure of a generally circular cross-section for screwing laterally into a complementary bore drilled laterally into the neck of a femur after resection of the femur head to an anchored position. The intraosseous anchoring structure has a proximal end, a distal end, a relatively short frusto-conical proximal section at the proximal end, and a proximal cylindrical section having a screw thread profile thereon. The proximal cylindrical section extends from the frusto-conical proximal section towards the distal end of the anchoring structure. The frusto-conical proximal section and the proximal cylindrical section each being dimensioned so as to bear against the cortex of the femur neck when the intraosseous anchoring structure is in the anchored position.

Abstract: A prosthesis (10) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis (10) may be fitted to a humerus (4). The prosthesis (10) includes a body (12) having an articulating surface (14) and an opposed surface (16) at least partially conforming to the humeral head (4). The prosthesis (10) also includes a stem (18) removably attachable to the body (12) for inserting at least partially into the humerus (4).

Abstract: A prosthesis (10) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis (10) is to be fitted to a long bone (4). The prosthesis (10) includes a body (20) having an articulating surface (22) and a support surface (34) opposed to the articulating surface (22). The support surface (34) is adapted for intimate contact with a prepared surface (18) of the long bone (4).

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: Femoral prosthesis for the articulation of a femur (11) in a corresponding acetabular seating (13) of a hip, comprising at least a femoral head (12) of a hemispherical shape, which is inserted into the acetabular seating (13), and pin means (18) which are engaged and clamped in a top portion (21) of the femur (11). The femoral head (12) is a distinct and removable component with respect to the pin means (18) and the pin means (18) are provided with, or are associated with, coupling means (15, 115) which are inserted into a mating seating (14) of the femoral head (12) in order to obtain a removable constraint between the latter and the pin means (18).

Abstract: A prosthetic femoral component is located in a prepared socket in a femur which has been resected at a position on the proximal side of its neck. The component includes an insert portion and an enlarged proximal head portion the distal end of the head portion being adapted for location in the prepared socket. The component takes advantage of the bone at the periphery of the socket which enables the insert and the part of the head concerned to be accurately and firmly located in the bone. The presence of the bone at the outer edges of the socket helps to stabilize the component. The insert portion can be dimensioned to pass through the neck of the femur with which it is to be used or to be shorter depending upon the requirements.

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 method of hip resurfacing in which a first incision is made at a patient's hip joint, and a second incision is made at the other side of the patient's thigh, so that a stem part of an instrument or of an implant component applicator can be inserted through said second incision and along the inside of the femoral neck, and an operative part of the instrument, and/or an implant component, can be inserted through the first incision. The operative part and the stem part of the instrument can be releasably connected, as can the stem part of the implant component and the implant component, either directly or indirectly. The instruments can be an acetabular reamer, a sleeve cutter, a chamfer cutter or an impactor cap. The implant component is a femoral component.

Abstract: A bone attachment assembly for a remaining portion of a long bone diaphysis following resection is provided. The assembly includes a main body, means for anchoring the device with respect to the remaining bone portion, such as an anchor body, and means for attaching the main body to the means for anchoring. The means for attaching the main body may preferably be in the form of one or more washer springs retained upon a connecting rod attached to the means for anchoring. The assembly may be connected to an orthopedic appliance, an interposed orthopedic appliance connected to a second bone attachment assembly, or a transcutaneous bar for attaching an external appliance. A reaming device for creating an intramedullary cavity, a guide device for guiding an aperture-forming procedure in a remaining bone portion, and a milling device for shaping an interface surface of the bone in a preselected geometry are also provided.

Abstract: A hip-joint endoprosthesis as a surface replacement for the proximal femur is proposed, which hip-joint endoprosthesis can be secured in the neck of the femur without cement.

Abstract: The invention deals with trial balls for hip joint prostheses which have a cone connection between a prosthesis neck (24) with a cone (3) and fittable hip joint balls, with the hip joint balls and the trial balls (1) each having practically the same radii (21) and each having the same position of their conical counter surfaces (4) relative to the ball center (11). The trial balls have a separate insert (2) with a pre-determined spring effect for the contact to the cone (3), with the insert being able to be secured in the trial balls (1) at a different spacing (27) along the polar axis (13) to the ball center (11).

Abstract: A stemless hip prosthesis uses one or more cables which wrap around the prosthesis and the femur to mount the prosthesis in place thereby avoiding the need to provide the prosthesis with a stem located in the medullary canal.

Abstract: A prosthetic femoral component is located in a prepared socket in a femur which has been resected at a position on the proximal side of its neck. The component includes an insert portion and an enlarged proximal head portion the distal end of the head portion being adapted for location in the prepared socket. The component takes advantage of the bone at the periphery of the socket which enables the insert and the part of the head concerned to be accurately and firmly located in the bone. The presence of the bone at the outer edges of the socket helps to stabilize the component. The insert portion can be dimensioned to pass through the neck of the femur with which it is to be used or to be shorter depending upon the requirements.

Abstract: A modular humeral prosthesis for replacement of the humeral head of a humerus. The prosthesis generally comprises a stem to be fitted to a resected humerus; a head sized and configured to approximate the humeral head; and an intermediate connecting member for connecting the stem to the head. The intermediate connecting member provides a desired angle of inclination or offset between stem and head. The head may be a traditional humeral head, or it may be an eccentric humeral head, with its mating portion being offset. The head may also comprise a groove or milled trench at least partially surrounding or otherwise defining mating portion. Also disclosed is a modular humeral prosthesis kit comprising a variety of different intermediate connecting members that may be selected to tit the prosthesis to the patient, and a method of replacing a humeral head in a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hip replacement stability includes a connector which is adapted to be connected between at least one of an acetabular cup, or a component of an acetabular cup, or the adjacent bone, and at least one of a replacement femur or a femur. The connector is flexible and allows for uninhibited movement between an acetabular cup and replacement femur up to a limit in order to prevent dislocation. The connector is in one embodiment comprised of a net. The method of the invention for preventing dislocation between an acetabular cup and replacement femur includes the steps of securing the connector to at least one of an acetabular cup, or a component thereof, or bone located adjacent to an acetabular cup, and securing the connector to at least one of a replacement femur or a femur.