Abstract:
A graft caliper provides for a first member having a first pick at its distal end and its proximal end attached to a handle. A second member of the graft caliper is disposed above the first member and has a second pick at its distal end that extends beyond the first pick. The proximal end of the second member is attached to an adjuster which causes the second member to move from a first position to a second position in order to change a distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick. The graft caliper provides for an indication of at least one metric for describing the distance the second pick extends beyond the first pick and places an identifier on a surface of bone representing the location of a tunnel to be formed through a femur, tibia or any other anatomical structure.
Abstract:
A medical instrument includes first and second support members movably coupled to one another to provide variable spacing between distal portions of the support members. A first engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the first support member and extends generally along a first axis, and a second engagement element is attached to the distal portion of the second support member and extends generally along a second axis. At least one of the engagement elements includes an articulating portion articularly engaged with a mounting portion to provide multi-axial movement therebetween to thereby vary an angular orientation of the first axis relative to the second axis. An indicator extends between proximal portions of the support members and includes multiple indicia corresponding to variable distances between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements to provide an indication corresponding to a select distance between the first and second axes adjacent the engagement elements.
Abstract:
A method and device for finding isometric points in the joints of mammals for use in surgical repair of a joint. Isometric points are first identified in radiographic or other two dimensional images and then located in the actual joint. A method for repairing a cruciate ligament-deficient canine stifle employing the method and device for finding isometric points is described. A method and apparatus for locating the axis of rotation of a joint is also described.
Abstract:
A device can be provided that includes a bone plate having an upper surface and a bone-facing surface, wherein the bone plate includes one or more openings extending through the bone plate from the upper surface to the bone-facing surface, and one or more sliding elements each including a fastener receiving hole. The one or more openings can at least partially surround a periphery of one of the receiving holes. Further, the one or more openings can be at least partially filled with an elastomer to support elastic suspension of the one or more sliding elements in the bone plate, thereby enabling relative displacement between the one or more sliding elements and the bone plate. At least one sensor can also be provided that is operable to assess a dynamic parameter of one of the one or more sliding elements within the bone plate.
Abstract:
A laparoscopic scalpel includes a shaft and a recess disposed in a surface of the shaft proximal to a distal end of the shaft. A blade is attached to the shaft. The blade includes a cutting edge having a portion exposed by the recess and oriented outwardly from the recess. A proximal end of the portion of the cutting edge exposed by the recess is disposed further from the surface than is a distal end of the portion of the cutting edge exposed by the recess.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a system and method for measuring the diameter or thickness of a tendon. In an embodiment, the device includes an adjustable tube having a variably sized cross-sectional diameter in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending between the first end and the second end, the adjustable tube being positionable from an open configuration in which the variably sized cross-sectional diameter is larger than a diameter of a tendon so as to allow loading of the tendon, to a closed configuration in which the variably sized cross-sectional diameter approximates the diameter of the tendon so as to allow measurement of the tendon. The device includes a measurement gradient in operable configuration with the adjustable tube so as to allow measurement of the tendon in the closed configuration. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A knee arthroplasty assembly for use in a patient's knee joint including a tibia and a femur is disclosed. The assembly can include a tool, a first accessory, and a second accessory. The tool can include a tibial component configured for placement against the tibia and a femoral component configured for placement against the femur. The femoral component can be moveably coupled to the tibial component to place the patient's knee joint in tension by separating the tibia and the femur. The first accessory can be removeably coupled to the tibial component of the tool. The second accessory can be referenced to the first accessory and can have a reference indicator that references the femur for determining a size of the femur.
Abstract:
Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the bone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.
Abstract:
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer-readable storage media, for surgical alignment using references. In one general aspect, a method includes coupling a guide to a joint, the guide defining an axis and having an outer contour formed to substantially conform to a portion of the joint. The first reference is attached at a fixed position relative to the joint. A positioning system is used to determine a position of the axis relative to the first reference, where the position of the axis is determined based upon the position of the guide while the guide is coupled to the joint. The guide is removed from the joint, and after the guide is removed from the joint, an instrument is positioned relative to the axis based on a position of a second reference relative to the first reference.
Abstract:
A fatigue testing system provides simultaneous cycle testing for a plurality of prosthetic devices under simulated physiological loading conditions. A plurality of sample holders containing test samples of prosthetic devices is positioned between a distribution chamber and a return fluid chamber to form an integrated test chamber. A reciprocating linear drive motor operates a rolling bellows diaphragm to cyclically pressurize fluid within the test chamber and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthetic devices being tested. The test chamber defines a return flow conduit in fluid communication with each of the sample holders, the return fluid chamber, and the distribution chamber. Compliance chambers and throttle valves associated with each of the sample holders regulate the pressure gradient and back pressure across the prosthetic devices being tested.