Reamer instruments and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for reaming bone to facilitate in situ assembly of a bone anchor. In some embodiments, the instrument can include a feedback mechanism configured to alert the user when sufficient bone has been removed to facilitate assembly of the bone anchor. The feedback mechanism can be triggered by a movable shaft of the instrument that is displaced by the shank portion of the bone anchor as the surrounding bone is reamed.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

An arthroscopic cutting probe includes an outer sleeve having a longitudinal bore and an outer cutting window at its distal end. An inner sleeve is rotationally disposed in a bore of the outer sleeve, and the inner sleeve has a distal end, a proximal end, a longitudinal passageway, and an inner cutting window at its distal. An active electrode sleeve is disposed on an outer surface of the inner sleeve in a position opposed to the inner cutting window. Rotation of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve causes the inner cutting window to rotate past the outer cutting window to resect tissue received through the cutting windows as they pass each other. Radiofrequency current can be applied to the active electrode to enhance tissue cutting then the cutting windows are being rotated or to able or cauterize tissue when the cutting windows are held stationary with the active electrode disposed through the outer cutting window.

Apparatus and methods for preparing the interior of a bone for therapy. The therapy may include therapy for a bone fracture. The apparatus and methods may involve orienting a surgical instrument for proper deployment in the interior of the bone. An instrument guide may be positioned and retained against translation along, and rotation about one or more of three substantially orthogonal axes. Apparatus placed exterior to the bone may register the guide to a region inside the bone that is designated for preparation or treatment. One or more broaching members may be used to prepare the region for treatment. A broaching member may be expandable inside the bone. A broaching member may be flexible such that it broaches bone having a relatively lower density and it leaves bone having a relatively higher density substantially intact.

Implant devices and cutting clamp apparatuses and methods for creating the implants for insertion into a patient's joint to restore anatomic length and assist in final positioning of the bones following removal of cartilage and/or bone in preparation for fusion. A first implant is a biplanar implant having a shape to mimic the normal anatomical shape of the bones the implant is configured to mate with. The first implant may be cut using a cutting clamp and jig having the anatomical shape of the bones the implant will be inserted within or between. A second implant is a cylindrical piece of bone having a convex end and a concave end for mating with bones reamed to have the opposite mating surfaces. The second implant is created using cup and cone reamers having dimensions corresponding to the size of the patient's bones. Surgical methods for inserting the implants within a patient.

A tool according to the invention for generating an undercut in a bone including a core with a shaft and a stamp mounted on a distal end of the shaft, wherein the stamp, in a transition area to the shaft, has a run-on bevel ascending in the distal direction, and a cutting sleeve which is arranged to be longitudinally movable on the shaft and of which the distal end is formed by at least one segment that can be spread open when pushed onto the run-on bevel, wherein the at least one segment has at least one laterally arranged cutting edge. The invention also relates to a method for generating an undercut in a bone.

Described herein are methods and devices useful for reaming and shaping the surfaces of a joint in a mammalian body. The reaming and shaping devices and methods are particularly useful in preparation of a joint for a minimally invasive joint replacement or resurfacing, though they may be used as part of any appropriate arthroplasty procedure.

Various systems and methods for treating the spine are provided. A portal system can be provided for treating the spine. The portal system can include a portal comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a first passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, a second passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a latch. The bone tie can include a head, a body section comprising one or more gears, and a fastener section comprising a ratchet.

A device for separating a hard acetabular liner (e.g., metal, ceramic, etc.) positioned in an acetabular shell, the device including an elongated member having a proximal and distal end, an engagement structure positioned at the proximal end of the elongated member. The engagement structure includes a first portion having a curved outer surface, a first end-face aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device, and an inner surface extending from the first end-face, the first portion structured to fit at least partially into a scallop-shaped recess on a peripheral top surface of the acetabular shell, and further includes a second portion separated from the first portion by an opening, structured to accept the top surface of the acetabular liner, and including an outer surface extending a second length from the proximal end of the elongated member, structured to contact the top surface of the acetabular shell.

Apparatus and methods provided to remove biopsy specimens from bone and/or associated bone marrow. A powered driver may rotate a biopsy needle at an optimum speed to obtain the biopsy specimen. A thread or a groove may be disposed on interior portions of the biopsy needle. The thread or groove may engage a biopsy specimen and enhance removal of a bone marrow core from cancellous bone. Manufacturing procedures are provided for bonding a single helical thread with interior portions of the biopsy needle. The apparatus may also include a biopsy sample ejector and/or ejector funnel. A biopsy needle set may include a cannula and a trocar with respective tips having optimum configurations, dimensions and/or orientations relative to each other to optimize penetration of a bone and/or bone marrow with minimum patient trauma and enhanced reliability of obtaining a biopsy specimen.