A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

A method of automatically registering a surgical navigation system to a patient's anatomy is provided. The method comprises programming a surgical navigation system with a first spatial relationship between a surgical component and a reference array connected to the surgical component, programming the surgical navigation system with a second spatial relationship between an anatomical feature of a patient and the surgical component, installing the surgical component on the patient such that the surgical component engages the anatomical feature in the second spatial relationship, and locating the reference array with the surgical navigation system. The navigation system automatically recognizes the position of the reference array relative to the patient's anatomy.

A novel and improved elbow prosthesis and method of implanting same including a novel aggregate prosthesis having a retaining system in conjunction with a set plate.

The present invention relates to a method, such as a surgical method for assisting a surgeon for placing screws in the spine using a robot attached to a passive structure. The present invention also related to a method, such as a surgical method for assisting a surgeon for removing volumes in the body of a patient using a robot attached to a passive structure and to a device to carry out said methods. The present invention further concerns a device suitable to carry out the methods according to the present invention.

Apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration). Some of the present apparatuses and methods are configured to create microfractures with smaller transverse dimensions (e.g., diameters) and greater depths than previously known. Some of the present apparatuses and methods comprise a penetrator removal tab coupled to the penetrator and configured to retract the penetrator relative to the cannula.

Apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration). Some of the present apparatuses and methods are configured to create microfractures with smaller transverse dimensions (e.g., diameters) and greater depths than previously known. Some of the present apparatuses and methods comprise a penetrator removal tab coupled to the penetrator and configured to retract the penetrator relative to the cannula.

A method of preparing a knee joint for a prosthesis in a patient includes mating a patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface of a femoral alignment guide onto a corresponding three-dimensional femoral joint surface of the patient. The patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface is preoperatively configured from medical scans of the knee joint of the patient. First and second holes are drilled into an anterior portion of the femoral joint surface through corresponding first and second guiding apertures of the femoral alignment guide.

The invention is related to a surgical device for patient-specific guidance of at least one tool used during a surgical intervention, comprising at least the following features: a) at least one carrier system which is arranged for fixation on a bone structure of a patient, b) at least one guiding system connectable to the carrier system, the at least one guiding system comprising at least one base module and at least one guiding part for precisely defined guidance of at least one tool used during the surgical intervention, c) at least one connecting means for establishing a mechanical connection between the at least one guiding part and the at least one base module, wherein the connecting means comprises at least a non-fixed operating state and a fixed operating state, wherein in the non-fixed operating state the at least one guiding part can be adjusted relative to the base module in a patient-specific adjustment and in the fixed operating state the at least one guiding part is mechanically fixated relative to the at least one base module in the patient-specific adjustment, d) at least one mechanical interface for connecting the carrier system to the guiding system, comprising first interface means of the carrier system and second interface means of the guiding system, wherein the first interface means can be connected via form fit with the second interface means, thereby ensuring a defined adjustment of the guiding system relative to the carrier system by means of form fit. The invention is further related to a method for preparation of such a surgical guidance device.

The invention is related to a surgical device for patient-specific guidance of at least one tool used during a surgical intervention, comprising at least the following features: a) at least one carrier system which is arranged for fixation on a bone structure of a patient, b) at least one guiding system connectable to the carrier system, the at least one guiding system comprising at least one base module and at least one guiding part for precisely defined guidance of at least one tool used during the surgical intervention, c) at least one connecting means for establishing a mechanical connection between the at least one guiding part and the at least one base module, wherein the connecting means comprises at least a non-fixed operating state and a fixed operating state, wherein in the non-fixed operating state the at least one guiding part can be adjusted relative to the base module in a patient-specific adjustment and in the fixed operating state the at least one guiding part is mechanically fixated relative to the at least one base module in the patient-specific adjustment, d) at least one mechanical interface for connecting the carrier system to the guiding system, comprising first interface means of the carrier system and second interface means of the guiding system, wherein the first interface means can be connected via form fit with the second interface means, thereby ensuring a defined adjustment of the guiding system relative to the carrier system by means of form fit. The invention is further related to a method for preparation of such a surgical guidance device.

An arthroscopic tool for labrum repair procedure, including: a cannulated working channel having a proximal end and a distal end; and a holding element adapted to be attached to the proximal end of the working channel for supporting a labrum during an arthroscopic labrum repair procedure.